Sfwmd Recreation Meeting Report

[N. Cook]

UW-F and DELTA were well represented at the meeting, thanks to Jeff and David attending as well. We managed to get the two main objectives in the "final draft". Most important the "creation" of a permanent committee to meet and review SFWMD actions and plans as they effect public access and recreation and advise the WRAC. Under "Hunting" the statement was written so as to at least require some reason be determined before closing lands to regular hunting as determined by the FWC. The next meeting which will review the final draft will be in late January. The draft will then go to the full WRAC for action. We are in for a big fight to get hunting on STAs. Currently the STAs have siphoned off a major portion of the wintering flocks in S. FL. adversely effecting hunter success in the glades and the south lake areas. This battle will be the UW-F major project if (and we expect to be a sitting member ) and when the Recreation Advisory Commitee is formed.

[Keith Yates]

Great report Newton. Good to here it sounds like your hard work is starting to pay off a little. Just want to take a minute and give a BIG addaboy to you Newton as well as David & Jeff. Hope I didn't miss anyone. THANKS GUYS for keeping hunting in the spotlight where it should be.

Keith

[Quackers]

I went to the one in Melbourne. Where was this one held?

[N. Cook]

SFWMD and CERP Recreation meetings have all been conducted at the SFWMD head office on Gun Club Rd. in WPB. Meetings are usually attended by various agencies.....SFWMD, FWC, US PARK, US FOREST, ETC and avocacy groups.....AUDUBON, FL. HUNTING, UW-F, DELTA, AIRBOAT ASSOC., FRIENDS OF EVERGADES, BASS CLUBS, ETC. This series of meetings has been on a monthly basis for about a year. Only persistent attendance by UW-F and DELTA has resulted in a hunting friendly document for submission to the WRAC. As with most "public" opportunies to influence burecrats, this exercise could end up in the trash......but we do have some supporters on the WRAC and should get a fair hearing.

[Quackers]

:)