Straydog
04-30-2002, 07:49 AM
I have read a lot of comments from several concerned, frustrated fisherpeople concerning the percieved lack of ability to be heard by decision makers concerning our fisheries.
I feel the need to point out that there is indeed an organized, (under)funded group working it's tail off for the interests of Sportfishing.
Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association (NSIA) is it's name and it is very effective, even in the oh so slow world of politics.
In a nutshell, I was an extremely frustrated Rogue River Rat screaming all alone in my community about a dam that kills up to 20% of our fish.
Due to someone reading a letter to the editor I had published, I got a call from Liz asking me to be involved with this group and informing me that I was not all alone in my battle on the Rogue, NSIA was working on this as well.
Long story short, 5 years later, with a lot of help from NSIA (as well as lots of other folks) we have a signed consent decree that says the dam will be replaced by pumps and come down by 2005.
More obvious work from this group is the mass marking of fish..... NSIA has been a leader in getting this done.
Mithchell act funding..... NSIA was in DC just last month working hard to ensure the future of this much needed funding source.
Columbia fish allocations, NSIA is at the table on these talks.
Summer Salmon fishing on the Columbia, last year was the first in over 30 years..... do you think this came about from someone writing on here that fishers are not organized, have no money and are pitiful when it comes to lobbying? NOT!
In Salem, NSIA has a voice and is building a strong reputation as a concencous builder. I now have two legislators that I have strong relationships with in So. Oregon as well as a candidate I am working with..... these folks are asking us what we think and where we stand on issues concerning our fisheries.
The word is spreading as to what an economic base our industry provides for our state. Yes, we are an industry group but guess what, that which is good for the industry is good for all fishers. And PULLEEZZZZE realize that all of us got into this industry because of our love of fishing, not the other way around..... (it sure isn't too get rich, I can tell you that!!)
NSIA has helped build relationships that make all this possible.
Relationships is what it is all about folks.
Just as in sales, you can have a good product and good pricing but if you do not have the tools or mechanism to build relationships to bring about notice and credibilty, it is all for little or no pay off.
Sturgeon issues, Salmon Issues, Steelhead issues, NSIA is right in the middle of all of them.
So, the excuse that there is no organized group fighting for us so we are going to do nothing but complain on this board does not hold water, folks.
There is a group up, running and very functional.
Email them at NSIALIZ@aol.com.
They do make a difference and with the support of everyone that reads this board can make even a larger difference.
Do it today!
Thank you..... I just had to get that off my chest! :grin:
I feel the need to point out that there is indeed an organized, (under)funded group working it's tail off for the interests of Sportfishing.
Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association (NSIA) is it's name and it is very effective, even in the oh so slow world of politics.
In a nutshell, I was an extremely frustrated Rogue River Rat screaming all alone in my community about a dam that kills up to 20% of our fish.
Due to someone reading a letter to the editor I had published, I got a call from Liz asking me to be involved with this group and informing me that I was not all alone in my battle on the Rogue, NSIA was working on this as well.
Long story short, 5 years later, with a lot of help from NSIA (as well as lots of other folks) we have a signed consent decree that says the dam will be replaced by pumps and come down by 2005.
More obvious work from this group is the mass marking of fish..... NSIA has been a leader in getting this done.
Mithchell act funding..... NSIA was in DC just last month working hard to ensure the future of this much needed funding source.
Columbia fish allocations, NSIA is at the table on these talks.
Summer Salmon fishing on the Columbia, last year was the first in over 30 years..... do you think this came about from someone writing on here that fishers are not organized, have no money and are pitiful when it comes to lobbying? NOT!
In Salem, NSIA has a voice and is building a strong reputation as a concencous builder. I now have two legislators that I have strong relationships with in So. Oregon as well as a candidate I am working with..... these folks are asking us what we think and where we stand on issues concerning our fisheries.
The word is spreading as to what an economic base our industry provides for our state. Yes, we are an industry group but guess what, that which is good for the industry is good for all fishers. And PULLEEZZZZE realize that all of us got into this industry because of our love of fishing, not the other way around..... (it sure isn't too get rich, I can tell you that!!)
NSIA has helped build relationships that make all this possible.
Relationships is what it is all about folks.
Just as in sales, you can have a good product and good pricing but if you do not have the tools or mechanism to build relationships to bring about notice and credibilty, it is all for little or no pay off.
Sturgeon issues, Salmon Issues, Steelhead issues, NSIA is right in the middle of all of them.
So, the excuse that there is no organized group fighting for us so we are going to do nothing but complain on this board does not hold water, folks.
There is a group up, running and very functional.
Email them at NSIALIZ@aol.com.
They do make a difference and with the support of everyone that reads this board can make even a larger difference.
Do it today!
Thank you..... I just had to get that off my chest! :grin: