N. Cook
02-04-2005, 08:04 AM
The presentation by Jennifer Jorge, Director Kissimmee Div.,SFWMD, was very encouraging and a conversation I had with her and Gary Williams, Sr. Env. Scientist, Kissimmee Div., after my public comments included an offer to have UW-F as an "interested party" in future activities. I was even offered a "flyover" of the entire project. (GREAT SCOUTING OPPORTUNITY # 1!!!!!!!)
I also found out Gary's wife was recently appointed by the FWC to write the WMA rules for the south region of the state!!!! I will be contacting her with our ideas...she probably is part of a group that actually determines the rules, but having a good relationship with the "wordsmith" would be good....a small word inserted or left out in a regulation can mean a lot!
The following are my Public Comments:
I represent United Waterfowlers-FL a non-profit advocacy group for improvement of duck hunting in Florida. I want to commend those who have been working on the Kissimmee River Restoration Project. Our visits to the area, including hunting this season, continue to note the improvement of the marshes being formed as the water is diverted into the old channels and flood plains. The diversity of waterfowl to be observed in the area is extraordinary. The surrounding Kissimmee Public Use Area is reaping the benefits of the improved habitat.
The Kissimme Public Use Area continues to be one of the most successful hunting destinations in Florida. The ease of access and lack of red tape make it one of the few places a public hunter can go in Florida on short notice. Duck hunters particulary are seeking that public lands be opened for the entire 60 day season, including all WMAs. Fortunately, the Hickory Hammock WMA, which is adjacent to the KPUA, has regulations allowing duck hunting.
I am sure we can count on the agencies to place public access and recreation in the planning and execution of the project. We especially need attention to boat ramps being installed in each section of the project. Engineers should choose locations allowing good access to all areas.
I noted in the presentation by Dr. Jorge mention of drawdowns and hydrilla control. United Waterfowlers has a position on these actions requesting that the timing consider the health and food sources for migrating waterfowl. We know hydrilla must be controlled and drawdowns are needed, but past practices have had detrimental effects on waterfowl.
I am requesting that Rob Barton, the chair of the SFWMD Recreation Advisory Workshop, invite staff from the Kissimmee River project to make a presentation to the group and hear comments from all the interested parties.
Thanks for your consideration of our concerns.
I also found out Gary's wife was recently appointed by the FWC to write the WMA rules for the south region of the state!!!! I will be contacting her with our ideas...she probably is part of a group that actually determines the rules, but having a good relationship with the "wordsmith" would be good....a small word inserted or left out in a regulation can mean a lot!
The following are my Public Comments:
I represent United Waterfowlers-FL a non-profit advocacy group for improvement of duck hunting in Florida. I want to commend those who have been working on the Kissimmee River Restoration Project. Our visits to the area, including hunting this season, continue to note the improvement of the marshes being formed as the water is diverted into the old channels and flood plains. The diversity of waterfowl to be observed in the area is extraordinary. The surrounding Kissimmee Public Use Area is reaping the benefits of the improved habitat.
The Kissimme Public Use Area continues to be one of the most successful hunting destinations in Florida. The ease of access and lack of red tape make it one of the few places a public hunter can go in Florida on short notice. Duck hunters particulary are seeking that public lands be opened for the entire 60 day season, including all WMAs. Fortunately, the Hickory Hammock WMA, which is adjacent to the KPUA, has regulations allowing duck hunting.
I am sure we can count on the agencies to place public access and recreation in the planning and execution of the project. We especially need attention to boat ramps being installed in each section of the project. Engineers should choose locations allowing good access to all areas.
I noted in the presentation by Dr. Jorge mention of drawdowns and hydrilla control. United Waterfowlers has a position on these actions requesting that the timing consider the health and food sources for migrating waterfowl. We know hydrilla must be controlled and drawdowns are needed, but past practices have had detrimental effects on waterfowl.
I am requesting that Rob Barton, the chair of the SFWMD Recreation Advisory Workshop, invite staff from the Kissimmee River project to make a presentation to the group and hear comments from all the interested parties.
Thanks for your consideration of our concerns.