Capt Jeff.....re Rac Meeting In Feb

[N. Cook]

We would like to make a comment on the situation at the three marshes the SJWMD is now charging fees for duck hunting...Elemarada is one.....Are these in the South area of the SJWMD and under the RAC you are on? If so, we would attend and speak to the issue at the meeting in Palm Bay.
Newton

[Kevin Hall]

Newton,

Emeralda Marsh & Ocklawaha Prairie are in the "central" region ... Orange Creek is in the "northern" region.

It's not fair to only charge the "hunters" ... :(

[N. Cook]

Thanks Kevin....

Capt. Jeff....do we know who the "Bill Kerrs" of the other regions are? Unfortunately, neither of these areas are in your area....and they are in two different ones....however, we need to address all three as a unit.

Thanks for your advice.

[duckmanhar]

The past season there have been check points at Orange Creek and Okalawaha Prairie. A daily fee of 27.50 for Oklawaha and a yearly fee of 27.50
at Orange Creek. However no check point or hunter number restriction was used at Emeralda. On hunt day's at Emeralda nothing is being done to keep the fishing public or bird watchers out till 1:00 pm.

In the past 3 weekend hunts I have seen a few pins smacked and a bird viewer get in a fight with a duck hunter.

My question to Sjwd is why no management in place at Emeralda.

I say open up all the areas with one permit and manage them the same.

[N. Cook]

This is what we intend to propose....a combo deal and some real management to justify the cost to duck hunters, the only ones charged for access!!!!!! However, I am asking how we can make a proposal....to whom and at what time and place. Phil Harper is leading this issue for UW-F. We will put together a detailed proposal for submission. We do not want any fees for the bulk of the SJRMD marshes, we just got that unfair charge eliminated a couple of years ago, but can understand the need to help offset costs of specific smaller marshes that need check stations. However, we do intend to inform the SJRWMD that the SFWMD subsidizes the FWC people who man the check stations at the STAs and DO NOT CHARGE THE DUCK HUNTERS ANY FEE.