| ORGANIZE !!!!
It seems that fishing access is becoming a major problem in several
areas. In New Jersey, there is a general movement to organize SPORT-
FISHERS. Presently, we have 2 "blanket organizations": Jersey Coast
Anglers' Assoc." (saltwater oriented) and N.J. Sportfishing Assoc.
(Fresh water). These groups which count entire clubs as well as
individuals in their memberships, work hard to preserve present
access and develop new sites. Prior to the formation of these
organizations, we were losing access at an alarming rate, due mainly
to the fact that our "opposition" was organized and we were NOT!
If you belong to Fishing/Hunting club, this is the best place to
get outdoorsmen organized initially. From this base you can start
letter writing campaigns, etc.
Ultimately, POLITICIANS control access (in one way or another).
And these types have to be overwhelmed by NUMBERS (voters!)
There may already be organizations in existance in your area. Most
states have a "Federation of Sportsmans Clubs" etc. If you belong
to a chapter of B.A.S.S., Trout Unlimited, etc. they can help.
A lone voice complaining to other anglers is not effective. Many
anglers' voices shouting in unison can be well heard!
ORGANIZE!
Tight lines,
Beach Bagel
Member: NJ Beach Buggy Assoc., S.U.R.F. International,
United Mobile Sportfisherman, Assoc. of Surf Angling
Clubs.
|
| Beach Bagel,
Thanks for the response, you seem to have alot of experience in
these matters. I want to congradulate you guys on a job well done.
Getting people organized to do anything is NO BARGAIN. As you can
see by the number of replys to this subject matter, it's unconfortable
or unpopular to buck the establishment. Well I've been fishing Southern
N.H. for 10+ years and can't believe the trend toward loss of access.
Yet very little is being done to change this trend. I guess because
it's been happening over a long period of time that it doesn't get
noticed. A good exercise would be to take a map of the area and
count how many lakes or ponds there are and then count how many
have public access. Oh, by the way, many are chuck full of bass
and other species. any comments???
|
| You're right, getting folks organized IS no bargain! But some good
"PR" can start the ball rolling. Sometimes people only think in
the first person when denied access, etc. If it can be publicized
that n hundreds or thousands of anglers have lost access, it's amazing
how many people "come out of the woodwork"!
One thing to note: the groups I am active in don't just bitch and
politic - we try to set an example by protecting, maintaining,
improving our access areas for the benefit of the general public.
For example, this weekend the NJ Beach Buggy Assoc. will be erecting
snow fences (to build dunes) at a popular N.J. STATE PARK. We also
periodically run beach clean-ups, the local chapter of TU often
conducts stream clean-ups, B.A.S.S. runs tournaments (hmmm.....?)
[please excuse the editorial comment]
It is not necessary to join a 'major' organization. The local club
I belong to participates in activities like clean-ups, etc, sponsored
by ENVIRONMENTAL groups. When we sign up to help we always stress
that we are ANGLERS, and this helps get some support from those
whose stereotype fisherman is a person whose main enjoyment is swilling
beer and leaving a pile of empties and trash behind.
So, you can see that it is a two pronged approach.
If you belong to an outdoors type club, try to get that group active.
If you don't belong to a club, join one (or start one... SURF Intn'l
might be interested in a chapter or affiliate being formed).
Remember, many organizations of long standing were formed to resolve
just one immediate crisis. (this is why the NJBBA was formed 30+
years ago)
To answer your opening question: What do you want it to be like
10 years from now?
Tight lines
Beach Bagel
_who_will_put_up_fence_with_a_hammer_in_one_hand_and_a_rod_in_the_other_
|