N. Cook
11-25-2003, 08:02 AM
The basic language for submission to the full WRAC was worked out down to statements on various recreational activities...ie fishing, hunting, kayating, bird watching.....these will be covered in the next meeting. DEC 15 same place and time. The agreed to language covered 12 pages and the most important statement was THE RECOMENDATION THAT A FORMAL RECREATION COMMITTEE OF STAKEHOLDERS BE FORMED, TO MEET AT SET TIMES AND AS NEEDED TO REVIEW SFWMD'S ACTIVITIES AND PLANS. This would be similar to the RAC at USJRMD where CApt.JEff, Joe and others help keep duck hunting on the agenda.
STA'S were included in the "recreational lands" category....a real fight continues on this topic. The next battle will come when "hunting" is covered in the "consumptive" recreation area. We (duck hunters) (Thanks to Jeff and DAvid for being there also for DELTA and UW-F) have been able to keep fishing in the "consumptive" column so far....this is important as otherwise hunting would be hanging out there on its own as a easy target. The larger numbers of anglers are needed to influence access decisions. The FWC folks continue to be a help in these meetings....thanks to Joe Walsh, Jon Fury and the new officer in charge of duck hunting in the STA 5 and other manged hunts in the area Mike Anderson. Say "thank you" if you meet these guys in the field. Newton
STA'S were included in the "recreational lands" category....a real fight continues on this topic. The next battle will come when "hunting" is covered in the "consumptive" recreation area. We (duck hunters) (Thanks to Jeff and DAvid for being there also for DELTA and UW-F) have been able to keep fishing in the "consumptive" column so far....this is important as otherwise hunting would be hanging out there on its own as a easy target. The larger numbers of anglers are needed to influence access decisions. The FWC folks continue to be a help in these meetings....thanks to Joe Walsh, Jon Fury and the new officer in charge of duck hunting in the STA 5 and other manged hunts in the area Mike Anderson. Say "thank you" if you meet these guys in the field. Newton