The giving tree, otherwise known as the federal government, needs to give itself to a pulp. It wanted to give $75,000 to the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority for canoe and kayak launches, parking, trails, and kiosks. But a majority vote to accept the kind gift from the working poor could not be obtained. TDA board members Kim Rogers and Connie Baird voted against accepting the gift, claiming the $18,750 upfront match and ongoing maintenance were not justifiable with current local tax rates.