Please read this!!!

[Tanner]

OK,
Now that I have your attention. In reading the springer allocation meeting thread, I started thinking to myself, "Self, we should start a letter writing campaign to get these ODFW meetings held at times where it would be easier for the "working public" to attend. It is absolute crap that they hold these meetings at times and places (like Tillamook in the past) that make it hard for the majority of the concerned public to attend.

Any ideas on getting this going?

[ 02-05-2004, 08:09 PM: Message edited by: Pete ]

[STGRule]

So where were you when the springer allocation meeting that was posted all over this website was held in Vancouver? Across the bridge on a Saturday was too far? Oregon City is too far?

[ 02-05-2004, 10:48 AM: Message edited by: STGRule ]

[Tanner]

Working!!!!!

[ajfishfinder]

Do you really think they want our opinion??? I am pretty sure all they want is our $$$$. Why else would they hold a meeting on raising tag and license fees, mid week, in the middle of the day, in salem. I've said it before, if it were an elected position I would be running!!!

[Tanner]

By too far I was talking about meetings in the past regarding hatchery closures. If I remember correctly most (If not all) of those meetings were held in Tillamook!!!!

[Tanner]

Do you really think they want our opinion??? I am pretty sure all they want is our $$$$.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Unfortunately, that seems to be a prevelant attitude these days. That kind of attitude is what gets absolutely nothing done.

I believe this country's govt was formed as a government for the people, by the people. I hate to sound like an idealist, but if we would all get offf our lazy butt's and make our voices heard, we could turn things around. Problem is there is way to much apathy and dependance on our government nowadays.

I bet if enough of us put the pressure on our elected officials they could put enough pressure on guys like Mr. Ball to make a difference.

[RichH]

If I recall correctly the hatchery closure meetings were held all around the state. The one that got the most play here was the one in Tillamook (thank you Jerry Dove) but there was also a meeting in Portland that drew less than 50 people.

[Abalone]

Heay Heay lets not squable. Tanner is showing an interest and this is good.
You really have to be on your toes to keep up. But that's what Ifish is all about.
Give it some time. I have seen this fight going on since I can remember but never have
I seen the potential for doing some good. We never had IFISH and computers before.

We need to bring everybody on board.

It seems slippery the way they conduct the meetings but it's not. If Sportsman show an interest they will accomidate.

I never knew about the meetings before because I haven't paid much attention for awhile.
Now my ears and eyes are open. I'll be glad to contribute what I can when I can.

[ 02-05-2004, 12:02 PM: Message edited by: Abalone ]

[Abalone]

GaryK: Fishing must be so good that people can't take the time to go to the meetings !
There must be no problem if no one attends or bothers to contribute.

Think about that ! Not to rag on anyone but how many guides showed up at Oregon City today
I wonder. You think they would be the first to line up. But fishing must be so good they can't break away to protect their interests.

Yep ! In April everyone will be whining about the closer.


As I believe Pete has said elsewhere, if only 10% of Ifishers had submitted letters about the springer allocations, early in this
process, we would have swamped the other side. That's all it would have taken, perhaps 500 letters.

Instead, in a few weeks we'll have 500 persons or posts on here complaining about the nets and their impacts -- and having
absolutely no political impact.

[reeldick]

I also have a hard time getting away for the meetings. I did make it to the one last year in Salem where fisherman filled three conference rooms. Since I can't always get to meetings, I write letters. Lindsay Ball, my state legilators, and at times my federal legislators. I do get replys so I know someone has at least opened my letter. I think they got tired of my e-mails.

I don't think enough fisherman are keeping in contact with influential government contacts who can carry our story to the right people.

[Paddlefish]

I think garyk's got it pretty well nailed on this one. Go to the hearings if you can. Speak if you want to, especially if you think you're the reincarnation of Patric Henry (I certainly do .) He's also correct, however, that a lot of hearing testimony gets pretty repetitive. How powerful is that?

If that doesn't work for you, write paper letters or use e-mail.

Even if it doesn't make it all the way to the chief's desk and your prose doesn't overwhelm them with its logic, at least the lowest of bureaucrats can count. If they're getting an overwhelming number of responses, positive or negative, to a proposal, they'll probably notice.

P.S. Tanner: 31-lb cheap shot! :grin:

[ 02-05-2004, 02:29 PM: Message edited by: Paddlefish ]

[Tanner]

Gary,
I am not saying the meetings need to be convienient for everyone, but it seems to me that they set these meetings at times that are extremely inconvienient for most.

[reeldick]

I believe they set the meeting times for the standard workday. Their job is to hold these meetings so they use their workday not our time off. Why would they want to work evenings just so it would be easier for us to attend? Its not like they are making the "Big Bucks."

[Tanner]

I think this thread proves my point that I made to Ajfishfinder. When someone posts on this site about a 31 lb steelhead being caught you know that hundreds of ifishers have already looked at this thread yet only 7 ifishers have responded.
Apathy is going to kill our way of life. If your not willing to make an effort to do anything about a situation then you have absolutely no right complaining about it.

When I have time in the next few days I will be drafting a letter to make a case to ODFW to plan their meetings keeping the general public who have an interest in attending in mind.

[Tanner]

Reeldick,
Most Town Hall/ City Council type meetings are held in the evenings (I know, I go to them occasionally) and believe me, most civic elected officials aren't earning the big bucks either.

ODFW and other agencies are a PUBLIC SERVICE. Our tax dollars and license fees are paying their wages and I would hope as thier employer/customer that they would work whatever hours necessary to get the job done right. I HAVE TO. Besides, what are we talking one weeknight every few months or so.

[Chris Nordling]

[QUOTE]
Originally posted by Abalone:

Think about that ! Not to rag on anyone but how many guides showed up at Oregon City today
I wonder. You think they would be the first to line up. But fishing must be so good they can't break away to protect their interests. [QUOTE]

Where you there?

I know that myself and David Johnson were there(neither testified), and Liz Hamilton testified on the behalf of many others that are working their expensive Sportsman Show Booths. Cut us some slack will ya? :whazzup:

This was a very interesting meeting, with very little [img]graemlins/icon_argue.gif[/img] between the sporties and the gill netters. In fact everyone seemed pretty happy that we actually had spring season available to even argue abou, or decide how many fish each can take.

I think that it's often easily overlooked that these are people like you and me, trying to raise families and put a few dollars into our pockets,some of the gill netters have been at it for over 50 years.

There will be changes from the previous years as to when they are actually able to fish, and where. Test fishing will be done, with small enough nets to limit impacts on wild steelies, and to see where in the run we are at. The first is scheduled for later this month.

There are also strong indications that we will be able to sportfish for springers through most of ,if not all of April. Yipeeeeeeeeeeeee

Though it seemed like the agenda and any decisions had been pre-decided( kinda like pro wrestling), it was an informative(and long) process I was happy to be able to witness and participate in.

Kudos to both state's and their staffs for all the countless hours they have put in to make this years(and those to come) Columbia River Spring Chinook fishery happen for all(including the netters) who are chasing the most prized salmon in our region.

One more thing.....Removing a fish that must be released Totally from the water will be unlawful this year, so we shouldn't see many pics of nates being held this year out of the water.

Springer season is here! Bring 'em on!!
Chris Nordling

[ 02-05-2004, 04:57 PM: Message edited by: FWF1 ]

[freespool]

I attended the meeting and testified on our behalf. And as was stated it was long and drawn out. On a side note state representative Rick Metsker sent an assistant to testify for our interests,which I thought was very nice. This only proves that email and letter writing ones elected offical really does help. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]


salmon hugger

[ 02-05-2004, 07:30 PM: Message edited by: freespool ]

[Tanner]

The one that got the most play here was the one in Tillamook (thank you Jerry Dove) but there was also a meeting in Portland that drew less than 50 people.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Rich,
If I remember correctly the one in Portland was during the middle of the week in the middle of the day when most folks are working.

[RichH]

Tanner,

You're probably right, I don't remember the specifics on that one. I did take off early from work to make the Tillamook meeting and there was tremendous turnout for that one.

I think what winds up being the big issue for ODFW on those meetings is trying to accomodate people. In order to give everyone a shot they'd have to have 3 different times for each location and that just isn't cost effective.

[garyk]

All,

Any location at any time is never convenient for everyone.

It's great if you can attend, but if not, you can certainly write a letter.

In my humble opinion, a short personalized letter sent to the Commissioners, (and copied to your state rep and senator, if called for) well in advance of any meeting is one of the most effective things you can do.

Seldom have I seen the Commissioners significantly swayed by verbal testimony. Mostly because, the speakers are not providing any new information.

A good preface to letters is something like:

"I request that this written testimony be entered into the formal record and a copy sent to each Commissioner."

As I believe Pete has said elsewhere, if only 10% of Ifishers had submitted letters about the springer allocations, early in this process, we would have swamped the other side. That's all it would have taken, perhaps 500 letters.

Instead, in a few weeks we'll have 500 persons or posts on here complaining about the nets and their impacts -- and having absolutely no political impact.