N. Cook
04-21-2004, 07:49 AM
Mr. Henry Dean
Executive Director SFWMD
Dear Mr. Dean,
Our group was very pleased to hear your comments at the WRAC meeting and the subsequent vote of the commission confirming the establishment of a RECREATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE for the SFWMD. We participate in the similar groulp for the St. Johns River area and have found the process to be advantageous for all interested parties.
Obvioulsy, UW-F is focused on duck hunting issues and the most pressing issue in our region is access to the STAs in a manner that is consistent with the enviromental purposes of those marshes. The situation last season was not good as reported in several news articles and, with the current filling of additional marshes, we are very concerned about this year. The "experiment" at STA 5 has been graded a success, but the very limited one day a week hunting with only a minimal number of hunters should not be a model for expanding hunting to other STAs. There would not be the needed distribution of waterfowl to prevent the exposure to diseases such as avian cholera and the contamination of the STAs by large concentrations of waterfowl converting hydrilla tothe very chemicals the STAs are suppose to be filtering. UW-F suggests a plan using guidelines of the LOXAHATCHEE FEDERAL REFUGE. Hunting is allowed five days a week, ending at 1 PM. The off days and afternoons would allow times for the necessary monitoring by staff. Also, motors would not be allowed on the STAs. No phone calls or manned check stations are necessary.
These issues await the formation of the RAC. We have not received any indication of progress toward the initial meeting date. Your assistance with the next step would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Newton E. Cook
President United Waterfowlers-Florida
Executive Director SFWMD
Dear Mr. Dean,
Our group was very pleased to hear your comments at the WRAC meeting and the subsequent vote of the commission confirming the establishment of a RECREATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE for the SFWMD. We participate in the similar groulp for the St. Johns River area and have found the process to be advantageous for all interested parties.
Obvioulsy, UW-F is focused on duck hunting issues and the most pressing issue in our region is access to the STAs in a manner that is consistent with the enviromental purposes of those marshes. The situation last season was not good as reported in several news articles and, with the current filling of additional marshes, we are very concerned about this year. The "experiment" at STA 5 has been graded a success, but the very limited one day a week hunting with only a minimal number of hunters should not be a model for expanding hunting to other STAs. There would not be the needed distribution of waterfowl to prevent the exposure to diseases such as avian cholera and the contamination of the STAs by large concentrations of waterfowl converting hydrilla tothe very chemicals the STAs are suppose to be filtering. UW-F suggests a plan using guidelines of the LOXAHATCHEE FEDERAL REFUGE. Hunting is allowed five days a week, ending at 1 PM. The off days and afternoons would allow times for the necessary monitoring by staff. Also, motors would not be allowed on the STAs. No phone calls or manned check stations are necessary.
These issues await the formation of the RAC. We have not received any indication of progress toward the initial meeting date. Your assistance with the next step would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Newton E. Cook
President United Waterfowlers-Florida