REport on SFWMD Feb. 5 Meeting

[N. Cook]

I want to thank the Eight Street GAng, along with DAve and Jeff, for coming out to this important meeting. UW-F and DELTA made an impressive showing. The hard work of more than a year to have a permanent Recreation Advisory Committee and to have a basic change in the bias regarding access was approved and will go to the Commission which usually passes any thing approved by the WRAC. Listening to the Executive Director, Henry Dean, strongly state that in the future the bias of ALL staff was to be toward public access with minimum restrictions was music to our ears! It would be nice if a lot of us e-mailed Mr. Dean (hdean@sfwmd.gov) and thanked him for his support of recreation, especially hunting, expressed at the meeting and how we look forward to working with the SFWMD in a positive and productive manner to protect and preserve the properties.

[Converted]

Thank you Newton, for being such a strong and continuing voice for Florida Waterfowlers.

I also wanted to thank Jeff and the 8th Street boys. Every member of the WRAC now knows that there is alot of support for our position.

I wish everyone could have been there to hear speaker after speaker express a desire to maximize public use and access on all district lands. The speakers I'm talking about were the members of the WRAC! Please send Henry Dean a short thank you note for his support and eloquent address to the group. Mr Dean made it clear that not withstanding any past district policies that from here on out the bias is to be in favor of maximum public use for all district lands except where that use will directly harm the primary purpose for which the land was purchased.

There was only a hint of a reservation brought by one committee member who was concerned about the funds needed for additional staff and enforcement required. That was quickly responded to by a member representing Lee county who said in no uncertain terms "We welcome the extra work load because it means greatly expanded recreational use by our citizens"

After the WRAC approved the policy there was a resounding round of applause which is very out of character for these meetings. Even many of the WRAC members were claping.

After this agenda item was complete we duck hunters left the room and gathered in the lobby. A short time later some very influential members of the WRAC including, Rock Salt, US Dept of Interior and Henry Dean, Executive Director, SFWMD came out to congratulate us. Members of SFWMD staff also came out and pledged to work together with our group.

What an absolutely outstanding day for south Florida duck hunters!

UW-F and Delta, this is what it's all about. Job well done!

[Mehrenfl]

I had tears in my eyes!! I don't think it could have gone any better than it did!! Once it gets approved by the Governering Board, we just have to make sure the SFWMD staff implements the plan. Please send emails to Henry Dean and the WRAC members, better yet send a personalize letter on letterhead if possible!!

Thanks Dave and Newton!! It has been great working with you guys on this project!!

[uncle D]

SUPER!!!

Thanks to all that stuck it out. It means alot to all sportsmen!

Were almost there and the last stretch looks promising.

I will send a letter to Mr. Dean and the District.

Thanks again for all the hard work.

Duke