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Everybody,
In thinking about the idea of getting organized so that we can suggest and make improvements as a large group, I was wondering what ideas related to fishing we would have in common. This would be the basis of a charter, for example. TU, CWA and MI all target specific species, so what would we say about ourselves? Here are some thoughts that have come from posts I've read on this board, please add to them as you see fit. I thought it would be useful to make a poll on these issues after everybody has had a chance to add to them to see where the support is or isn't...
BTW, I think a big part of this is really Ken and Don's call. Do they even want their board to be used in this way? How formal of an organization would they support? Does their vision of coloradofisherman.com include any sort of organization that tries to change and hopefully improve policies? Can we or should we even try to come up with areas of common interest, or should this forum be a place to facilitate discussion from all sides of the issue? So, with those caveats, here is a first cut list.
1) We value variety in Colorado's fishing waters. In the same weekend, we could go to the warmwater plains and fish for bass, catfish, walleye or wipers and then the next day head up to coldwater streams or lakes in the mountains to fish for kokanees, trout or makinaw. It is important to treat these waters equally with regard to resources, stocking efforts, etc.
2) We feel that it is important to take care of our parks and wildlife areas. Being outdoors in a non-polluted environment is a key part of the experience. The stewardship of our lakes and streams is something we take very seriously. Extra money and time spent on cleanup by our DOW personnel means that they are taking away resources from the improvement of our fisheries.
3) We value trophy fishing and the selective harvest of fish within legal limits as much as catch-and-release on certain waters. We look to our fishing regulations to balance these outcomes and not cater to one or the other. We encourage individuals who help enforce our regulations by reporting those who are in violation of them.
4) We believe that sources of research used to make fishery decisions should be published and exposed to the public well before changes to regulations are made. We believe that sportsmen and sportswomen should be given the opportunity to provide their input on issues well before the decisions are final.
5) We believe that taking actions that encourage young people to fish is a key to ensuring the future of the sport in our state. We believe in the bond that occurs between families and friends when fishing is a part of their recreation activities.
In thinking about the idea of getting organized so that we can suggest and make improvements as a large group, I was wondering what ideas related to fishing we would have in common. This would be the basis of a charter, for example. TU, CWA and MI all target specific species, so what would we say about ourselves? Here are some thoughts that have come from posts I've read on this board, please add to them as you see fit. I thought it would be useful to make a poll on these issues after everybody has had a chance to add to them to see where the support is or isn't...
BTW, I think a big part of this is really Ken and Don's call. Do they even want their board to be used in this way? How formal of an organization would they support? Does their vision of coloradofisherman.com include any sort of organization that tries to change and hopefully improve policies? Can we or should we even try to come up with areas of common interest, or should this forum be a place to facilitate discussion from all sides of the issue? So, with those caveats, here is a first cut list.
1) We value variety in Colorado's fishing waters. In the same weekend, we could go to the warmwater plains and fish for bass, catfish, walleye or wipers and then the next day head up to coldwater streams or lakes in the mountains to fish for kokanees, trout or makinaw. It is important to treat these waters equally with regard to resources, stocking efforts, etc.
2) We feel that it is important to take care of our parks and wildlife areas. Being outdoors in a non-polluted environment is a key part of the experience. The stewardship of our lakes and streams is something we take very seriously. Extra money and time spent on cleanup by our DOW personnel means that they are taking away resources from the improvement of our fisheries.
3) We value trophy fishing and the selective harvest of fish within legal limits as much as catch-and-release on certain waters. We look to our fishing regulations to balance these outcomes and not cater to one or the other. We encourage individuals who help enforce our regulations by reporting those who are in violation of them.
4) We believe that sources of research used to make fishery decisions should be published and exposed to the public well before changes to regulations are made. We believe that sportsmen and sportswomen should be given the opportunity to provide their input on issues well before the decisions are final.
5) We believe that taking actions that encourage young people to fish is a key to ensuring the future of the sport in our state. We believe in the bond that occurs between families and friends when fishing is a part of their recreation activities.