Congrats Capt. Chris Chesley (UW-F S. Reg. Dir)

[N. Cook]

Eight years of work has finally paid off for the Lake Okeechobee Habitat Alliance headed by our own Capt. Chris Chesley. 2700 acres at Curry Island near Lakeport has been put in a public/private partnership with a five year lease to the group and a five year option. Glades County and the SFWMD have agreed to assist with the project.

The project includes improving habitat that has long been neglected to develop an area open for public recreation, including hunting. Hiking, birding and various other activities are in the plan. The cost of the project will be part of the "not for profit's" funding and an entrance fee.

I was fortunate enought to go with Capt. Chris to Tallahassee several years ago to help get the project approved by the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection which was needed before taking the steps to procur the lease. However, it has been the untiring work of Capt. Chis with the assistance of Jeff Allen who is on the Board of Directors of the group to get the long and complicated list of approvals and financing established.

[DUCKWHACKER]

Congrats Capt :occasion14

[hitch]

Congrats Capt. Chris and Jeff.

I think we can all learn from how this effort transpired.

Chris; when you get a chance send me a PM, or an email:

hitchco@bellsouth.net

Hitch

[Dennis]

Great Job guys !

[cagrif3]

Great job! Just goes to show that persistance pays off.

Cheers

:occasion14

[N. Cook]

I will let Chris speak for himself...but for my part, the idea of some areas of public land that are not being "taken care of" and allowed to go to exotics and being used as a trash dump, among other indignities, being put into a public/private partnership dedicated to restoring the habitat and then opening the area for a wide variety of recreation for a small fee, including hunting, is worth giving a try.

This is definitely an experiment in many ways and what is learned may well foretell the future of a lot of the hunting opportunities that will still exist when the population in Florida reaches the levels predicted for 2060.

The FDEP and FWC have studies going on how Florida "public" land will be impacted up till 2060 and the need to insure public access and recreation. I believe their support of this project is based on using it as a potential model.

I don't think I have to state that I am very much opposed to restrictions, fees and special regulations on "public" land...Fighting them is daily work for me....however, that does not mean we do not have to look out far into the future and prepare for totally different circumstances and be ready to insure some level of hunting remains for as many "common citizens" as possible.

Otherwise, we will become much like Europe where hunting for the average person is almost impossible.

[N. Cook]

My cloudy mind does not give me complete recall of the letter, but I agreed to support the application for a lease to get the project started and legal hunting on the land. At that time the program had not been fleshed out...and it still probably has a way to go but I cannot say were the situation is as I have not been personally involved for a long time....

I do remember looking at the situation as a trial from the very beginning.....I once called it a "golf course style hunting lease for the common man."

I was only looking at the hunting possibilities, but there were many other recreational activities being considered as hunting season is only a few months. Capt. Chris has been working on this for years with many meetings at the County Commission, both formal presentations and public comment. He met a lot of resistance to allowing any hunting on the property as the intent was to link it to the poorly maintained nearby Park. Access routes were denied and other restrictions applied by various bureaucrats in an attempt to prevent legal public access.

However, as time went by the sense of the proposal grew at the FDEP, FWC and the local governments. Therefore the recent approval to lease.

There was plenty of opportunity for everyone who had interests in the property to make them known at the County meetings.

[N. Cook]

I suppose there may be changes as per the above....but I say again....there were many public meetings on the proposal and I am not aware of any substantial negative responses except from the anti hunters who wanted an extention of the park....The county had proposed a $25 entrance fee to the park with no hunting allowances.

Obviously, there are some individuals who now have concerns, but at the time of the trip to Tallahasse and responding letter to the County several years ago the chance to improve the habitat and get the area open to hunting supported by the District and the County did not cause any heartburn.

Capt. Chris had outline his hopes for the property in a number of venues and I found them all to be positively received except with those on the County Commission opposing hunting on the property and their supporters.

[brightlights]

Had an opportunity to talk to Jeff Allen at the Bylsma Youth Hunt today.....sounds like a great step in the right direction by Delta, private funding, some public funding and grass roots efforts.

Very exciting stuff........

BS (Binelli shooter) Litghen up will you???? When was the last time you went down there to roast a hot dog????

What you are really upset about is that very few people went there and you had the place all to yourself.

Man,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, you are full of **** and vinegar.......I have never heard you post anything but criticism......

[N. Cook]

The "details" are in the recent agreement reached by the non profit group and the various agencies involved....and I understand that some changes in the original plan have been made so as to get approval for the project (which evidently went all the way up to Governor Crist). Several agencies, especially the FDEP, were in the mix.

The basic idea of improving the habitat of a piece of government owned (public) land and opening it to the public at large for recreation, including hunting, remains according to the comments I heard.

I will also be interested in the "fine print". However, having been in on the early planning by Capt. Chris, I know he intends to make the program very attractive to the public land hunter.

[duckmanJR]

Had an opportunity to talk to Jeff Allen at the Bylsma Youth Hunt today.....sounds like a great step in the right direction by Delta, private funding, some public funding and grass roots efforts.

Very exciting stuff........

BS (Binelli shooter) Litghen up will you???? When was the last time you went down there to roast a hot dog????

What you are really upset about is that very few people went there and you had the place all to yourself.

Man,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, you are full of **** and vinegar.......I have never heard you post anything but criticism......

I just went back and looked at a couple years of your posts...Brightlights nailed you ..... Nobody is going to notice or care about you leaving...I saw no real evidence of contributions to either this organization nor to any members...I have never heard of you being at any event that benefits waterfowlers...Youth hunt...clean up etc.
As the treasurer...I assure you we as an organization will survive without your 25 bucks...

Good bye and I wish you a happy life........ elsewhere. :)

[novaalex]

Wow Joe, just kick the guy out? In other words it's our way or the highway? What I dont understand is if this was such a significant project that merits a congratulatory post now, why didnt we as an organization highlight it more? Personally I thank Capt Chris and Jeff Allen, a long history of work between those two men, what I dont like is being in the dark. Perhaps binellishtr could have helped. A local with great knowledge of the area's historical use, how could that have hurt? Remember this is the public side!

[brightlights]

Wow Joe, just kick the guy out? In other words it's our way or the highway? What I dont understand is if this was such a significant project that merits a congratulatory post now, why didnt we as an organization highlight it more? Personally I thank Capt Chris and Jeff Allen, a long history of work between those two men, what I dont like is being in the dark. Perhaps binellishtr could have helped. A local with great knowledge of the area's historical use, how could that have hurt? Remember this is the public side!

Plenty of public notice on the subject.

Just google Curry Island!

Plus I am sure if it was brought to light on this forum it would have killed the momentum and the spirit of the project.

Just too many complainers.

[novaalex]

When our leaders pursue a noble quest there is no need to work in secrecy.

[N. Cook]

Binelli....you have every right to your opinion and ideas...what sets folks off is when people start questioning someone's motives beyond addressing the issue, making it personal.

The Curry Island project is one that goes back a number of years and was in the works long prior to any UW-F statements....There were many public meetings, posts and other ways anyone who was interested in what was going on should have noticed. There is an entire 501 C (3) not for profit set up to run the proposed operation....all of this presented and discussed at numberous Glades County Commission meetings.

There was no secrecy.

As I said, there was not a single person objecting to the proposal except the anti hunters and their cohorts on the County Commission that I was aware of before writing the letters supporting the concept of leasing the land to the Not for Profit (headed by a UW-F RD) to allow it to be improved and opened to the public for hunting.

You obviously consider yourself as losing with this plan....and that is entirely possible for some of the area was hunted legally, and some not, by locals with very little law enforcement. There will now be a more structured access, but with very much improved habitat protected from trashing.

We will have to see how the "winners and losers" balance....but I expect it will be a "win win" for a great majority of the local hunting public.

[David B]

Hey Mr. Richter.

Before you jump you need to look. Mr. B Shooter has spent many a dollar on the south Fla Youth Hunts. He may not want a membership in UWF, but he cares about the youth and what happens to the lands they hope to hunt.

So with that said, I want to see a recant and an apology for your comments.


David B.

[novaalex]

not to mention that he is more than active in the florida airboat community, perhaps you should look on southern airboat and find out who he is before you speak

[Fun n' Gun]

We will have to see how the "winners and losers" balance....but I expect it will be a "win win" for a great majority of the local hunting public.

I think this whole thing stinks and its going to stink for the majority of the real local hunters. I hope the airboaters run the **** out of it at night so the customers paying to hunt public land show up to duckless skies in the morning.

Everyone wants to backfill the sta's so the ducks return to their traditional areas why would anyone support another artificial duck farm right next to one of the biggest marshes in the state.

[novaalex]

Rich

With all due respect to Jeff and Chris, as a Board member myself you should know that the board never took a position on this at all. I am taken aback that this organization through some members informally endorsed supported or put its weight behind a private public partnership wherein areas once open to the public and recreated will now be limited and/or closed and more inportantly placed in the hands of a group of people (whoever they may be) who now will CHARGE to access the property. This goes against our mantra. You cant paint it however you want but this is just wrong in my book.

Bravo Jorge and thank you for coming out in name of the truth

[Fun n' Gun]

I am taken aback that this organization through some members informally endorsed supported or put its weight behind a private public partnership wherein areas once open to the public and recreated will now be limited and/or closed and more inportantly placed in the hands of a group of people (whoever they may be) who now will CHARGE to access the property. This goes against our mantra. You cant paint it however you want but this is just wrong in my book.

Amen. I'm extremely disappointed.

[Captmako]

Rich

I am taken aback that this organization through some members informally endorsed supported or put its weight behind a private public partnership wherein areas once open to the public and recreated will now be limited and/or closed and more inportantly placed in the hands of a group of people (whoever they may be) who now will CHARGE to access the property. This goes against our mantra. You cant paint it however you want but this is just wrong in my book.

I totally agree.

[Converted]

Well, actually the BOARD did take a position. Jan 8. 2005 at the Executive Board Meeting at the Holiday Inn - Riverfront, Titusville, FL.

The Curry Island proposal was on the agenda and there was discussion. I specifically remember Newton raising the "concern" over paying hunt fees on public land. The issue that carried the day was the FACT that the entire area was terribly overgrown and not being managed at all by any State agency. This was a way to have passionate duck hunters (Capt. Chris and his board) take an active management approach and greatly improve the wildlife habitat. This was also an isolated EXPERIMENT into ways to improve wildlife habitat and INCREASE hunting opportunities and PUBLIC ACCESS

I'm sure there were a few folks hunting in there in spite of the conditions and obviously Rich was one of them. If there had been ANY objection to the Curry Island project brought up at ANY time since the first post on the subject on 6/27/2004 I'm sure the Board and Newton Cook would have taken those objections into account.

http://www.unitedwaterfowlersfl.org/forum/showthread.php?t=389&highlight=curry

http://www.unitedwaterfowlersfl.org/forum/showthread.php?t=444&highlight=curry

http://www.unitedwaterfowlersfl.org/forum/showthread.php?t=449&highlight=curry

http://www.unitedwaterfowlersfl.org/forum/showthread.php?t=452&highlight=curry

http://www.unitedwaterfowlersfl.org/forum/showthread.php?t=455&highlight=curry

http://www.unitedwaterfowlersfl.org/forum/showthread.php?t=463&highlight=curry

http://www.unitedwaterfowlersfl.org/forum/showthread.php?t=513&highlight=curry

http://www.unitedwaterfowlersfl.org/forum/showthread.php?t=558&highlight=curry

http://www.unitedwaterfowlersfl.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5517&highlight=curry

Please feel free to provide any instance where anyone objected to this proposal before it was inacted. As has been pointed out elsewhere, the primary resistance to the proposal was from ANTI-HUNTING forces.

Why don't we actually see how the EXPERIMENT works and then be in a position to judge the outcome as compared to the status quo.

This may be coming up again. As many of you know UW-F is seeking to take on an ACTIVE role in habitat management of public land. That role may require some sort of managed access to protect the resource. I prefer limited hunt days or other passive management and I have nearly always opposed extra fees. I am willing to reserve judgement on the Curry Island project and see what Capt. Chris and his team is able to make of it.

[huntman74]

i remember being at a SFWMD meeting several years ago about recreational lands and this Capt. Chris showed up and got totally off topic talking about wanting the state to give him Curry Island. i couldnt belive it then and i was telling a buddy of mine "can you imagine, this guy wants the state to give him control over sovereign state lands so he can make his own private STA." we kind of chuckled over it, thinking no way that would ever happen. well, low and behold it did. with the backing of the UWF. wow, dont know what to say about that.

hey, if we are going to be turning over public lands to indiviuals, how about letting me have about 1000 acres in the buckhead marsh to manage.

i am not privy to what is in the proposed mgmt plan for this area, but i do know at that meeting i was at, this guy pretty much came out and said he wanted this land for a private sta. i thought it was pretty ballsy of him to admit that, but i guess the joke is on me now.

[atcjets]

I heard about this for the first time this past weekend at the youth hunt from Jeff himself and thought it was for just cleaning the place up and land improvments. Now that I see the real reason I am a little taken back. I dont think its any good for us. The more and more I see and hear lets try it and wait and see whats going to happen. I can tell you we will all be screwed. I dont know how first off you would table this idea at a meeting in Titusville, second I have heard all of the main board members preach about UW representing a $35k year dad with 2 inbread kids (lol).

Its also funny about the way the TLS system was handled and pushed away.
I can afford to hunt and pay for places to go but I am tired of it and the people that come off as good guys volunteering there time to further the sport only to really further there own agenda.
Thanks Rich for looking out for the little guy.

[duckbone]

I just read the lease and they have one year to present a management plan that is to be approved and in cooperation and carried out with the county, SFWMD, and FWC. It is also specified that it be in the publics best interest and public access always be allowed.

[brightlights]

Amazing how everybody has an opinion, including about subjects and matters they never gave a stink about before.

Anybody reading this thread from beginning to end can see in whose heart hypocrisy and ignorance really dwell in.

[huntmstr]

so why do they want to put a fence around it if the public can use it?
Let's see your gator hunting chasing a trophy outside the fence, he turns,makes a left and heads for the fence line crosses into the lease area.....TOO BAD< YOU CAN"T get him.

YEs, Gentleman the proposed fence line is just North of the Mc Tusch Channel

Rich, think about it... it's a habitat resotration project first and foremost.
McFly, Hello - fencing will protect it from getting trampled before it has a chance to grow.:tard:

[duckmanJR]

Amazing how everybody has an opinion, including about subjects and matters they never gave a stink about before.

Anybody reading this thread from beginning to end can see in whose heart hypocrisy and ignorance really dwell in.

Gianni, You are a VERY smart and perceptive man.

[duckmanJR]

10 days of asking for details, and no response.
I guess none of the board members have got the message.

They all got the message...but are waiting for you to call cap't Chris and ask the "questions" YOURSELF!


I guess one of them has been too busy hunting TM Goodwin EVERY weekend. Wonder how that happens?

That's easy..... I'm a very likeable fellow! :laughing1:laughing1
The fact that people that hunt with me usually do very well is just a bonus.

[huntmstr]

Rich, I make no bones about how I feel to or about anyone. Yes, Phil Walters is my friend. So is Danny Brantley. So are Lee Chamberlain, Robert Dummette, Chip Haywood and Chaz Penwright. Just because we are friends does not mean I see eye to eye with everything each of them says. And I don't frequent the SA site because I find it to be a bit hostile to thinking outside the box. After a while, one gets tired of being told he's not welcome because he's friends with Capt. Phil. So I've obliged and left well enough alone.

Go ahead and post up the draft plan and the lease agreement. There's nothing that shocking in either of them as far as I can see. Perhaps I'm missing something. Or perhaps we just see them differently.

I think you are making a big to-do over nothing. If I'm wrong, I will apologize and eat my words. If I'm right, I will not say I told you so.

Rich, I know you are a strong minded individual, like I am. I respect that. And this is not the first time you and I have bumped heads. We did so back when I had joined the BoD for the ASLDF. You have your opinions and I have mine; it's all good. But I just don't cotton to flying of the handle and calling this "a personal vendetta" against Newton. Obviously there is a history there I'm not privy to. Just speak plainly and say what's on your mind. If we lay all the cards on the table, how can any of us walk away not knowing the truth? In most cases, as in this one, honesty is the best policy.

Feel free to call me any time if you ever want to discuss issue one on one. I can be reached 24/7 at (813) 918-7610

Chuck Echenique

[huntmstr]

OKay Rich, we'll see how it all plays out. I appreciate your candor.:occasion14

[Capt HiC]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I could understand some of your rants. If it was my (Secret spot) erea. I would be right there with you . But I would have started a few years ago when the idea first came out. And oposition was asked for and adressed. Where were you guys then?

I understand fully.. I left the hunting scene in Florida for a few years. When I got back I discovered that my beloved East Everglades S. of US41 was no longer a Hunting erea. The Air Boat Association. and Some Air boaters sold thier souls to the Devil (Feds and State). So they could keep the club and Drive around out there. Was I angry? YES. I evan showed the Pres of the ABA . a copy of President Bushes declation to presever our hunting heritage. But the deals were Done.
I got over it and moved on.
The lesson I learned was to stay informed . I work for a living like most of us.. I just missed the meeting dealing w L67 a couple of weeks ago becaus I was in court all day.
I would like to again thank everyone hear for the conitued fight to ensure our Hunting rights.
I fully understand your comitment.
Understand the the ANTIs are just as Comitted and out number us ..in Numbers and $$$$.
Capt HiC

[nosoypato]

This will become The Milagros Bean Field Duck War.

[Captmako]

Let me get this straight: Here we HAD a FREE of charge, ACCESSIBLE 24/7 area to recreate in, that NEEDED NOTHING (including "habitat" work) except a clean up, and we are now supporting "habitat" work, possible hunt day limitations, and fees (conveniently destined for the "not for profit" org spearheaded by the same lead/guide that pushed this entire proposal in the first place!)???? Where will my user fees REALLY go? Will there be full accountability? Will my user fees that go into the LOHA provide the LOHA members gas to operate thier boats? Sorry, but it smells like shyit to me...

I'm also not buying into the ruse that this property was destined to enter the hands of a "no more hunting allowed" entity if we didn't enter it into this type of structured "pay to play, every other day" plan. This area held ducks all year. It never got shot out. Not everyone knew about it, (but they do now).

I hunted this area when Sportsmans Village had nice little cabins on it, and we camped there when they tore them down. We recreated at Curry with different type vehicles, free of charge, any time we wished. It is unsettling to me to be affiliated with a organization that seems to be onboard with a willingness to change a unencumbered, non problematic, recreational property into another "pay to play" user area. I'm sure that we ALL are good with habitat improvement, but to me, this particular arrangement will set a lousy precedent that I don't embrace. We just mucked with something that didn't need mucking with! To top it all off, the man who spearheaded the whole thing has yet to come on here and allay the dissenters fears. That's why I think this STINKS!

....And to think, all I heard all year was that Lake O habitat looked to be in such great shape; best it's been in a decade!?
__________________
The Port Everglades Crew- Last out, and still first in (with limits)!
What about me, what about my needs?
A man with knowledge but without wisdom, is a fool.
At the end of the day, it's ALL about what's in your "sack"...
Coco-Coy Prostaffer

[snookduck]

My number one was looking over my shoulder while I was reading this thread and she said, "I thought this was the season of love and everyone was supposed to be doing the honey-do jobs they neglected all season?" Okay dear I'm on my way back to the garage to clean it up. Two chores down and 37 to go.

:love3:

[N. Cook]

I suggest anyone with concerns about this project attend the Florida Airboaters Assoc. meeting in Moorehaven on Feb. 25th...LOHA will be making a presentation on the project.

Then you will be speaking from FACTS not rumor and conjecture.

[LockedWings87]

geuss there wasn't much facts at the meeting from what i heard.. more a waiting game.. will just be sitting ducks until they come out with the lease proposal :duckie::duckie::duckie: