specail hunting hearing at the Capitol

[Elkguide]

I received this in and email from Ducks Unlimited and OHA



Please read the message below about a specail hunting hearing at the Capitol. Hope you can attend.

Ae

Who: House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Communities Committee
When: February 26th, 2009, 5:30pm
Where: Hearing Room D
Capitol Building
Salem, Oregon
What: “The State of Hunting In Oregon”



The members of the House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Communities Committee would like to invite you to come to a special “hunter” hearing to talk about the state of hunting in Oregon. This is a chance of a lifetime to talk to Oregon Legislators about your hunting experiences here in Oregon.

This hearing is open to everyone that hunts! So bring your family members and have them share their stories too! The Committee would love to hear about hunting from your sons and daughters. We want to fill this hearing room for two hours with hunters that love their sport. So plan now on attending!

Special arrangements have been made to have the hearing at night, so that more people could attend after work. Wear your organization’s jackets, hats and shirts and let the committee know what hunting in Oregon is all about.

Let your friends know about this unique opportunity to share what hunting is all about with Oregon’s Legislators.

[billc_sbio]

I wonder what the "other" part of this is about?

(Most hearings, like this, are usually two sided, aren't they?)

[CombinationLicense]

There's no catch to this one - it's an effort to bring a greater understanding of hunting, hunters and the impact of our sport to the folks in Salem

"CL"

[billc_sbio]

Originally Posted by CombinationLicense

There's no catch to this one - it's an effort to bring a greater understanding of hunting, hunters and the impact of our sport to the folks in Salem

"CL"

Oh, surprise of surprises!

Well, that's ENCOURAGING! (For a change)

[RiverRogue]

Originally Posted by billc_sbio

I wonder what the "other" part of this is about?

(Most hearings, like this, are usually two sided, aren't they?)

The only "catch" is that if there is a poor turnout. The OHA lobbyist put this together knowing our members want to be heard. NOTICE the time, 5:30 pm folks. That was intended so those of you that say you cannot get off work or whatever the excuse... Plenty of time to plan for this one. Our elected representatives that are sticking around to hear our concerns are going a little beyond normal routine on this so lets impress them! If your license and tag fees go up, less hunting and fishing opportunites are the norm, and you dont make your voice heard, well what can you say?

[Gun Rod Bow]

Government goes to those who show up!

I'll look for who is on that committee and post it.

Dale probably has a good resource for info on who's who on that committee.

I will be out of the country or I would LOVE to be there.

[Rank Amateur]

So is this a sing the praises of Oregon hunting testimonial or help our heritage is being destroyed testimonial????

[mtn300]

I am going to try to get some eastern oregon guys together and make the trip over.

[Mossyhorn]

Let's hope there aren't a bunch of anti's that show up and picket outside. Let's also hope we get people that will bring a good representation and not a bunch of ignorant yammering. It would be nice if everyone displayed concern for what we face in the future as far as loss of hunting priveleges and opportunities. I am going do my best to be there.

[Blacktail Slayer]

Would it be a good idea for those who can not attend to post their thoughts, concerns, and such? We should get everyone to post whatever they would like to say if they could make the meeting, so someone else could reply it for them. Lets not leave a thing out. Thanks for the heads up. Lets try to keep this thread up at the top of the page until the meeting.

[Tar Heel]

Is OHA presenting some prepared testi- "money", e.g., how much $$$ hunters add to the economy every year? Seems to be what those folks understand best.....

[nehalemguy]

Who is planning on attending? Car pool anyone?

E

[Gun Rod Bow]

As you guys get a little closer, I would stongly recommend getting together to discuss "talking points" and working on written testimony.

You can mention the economic aspect, but I would do it as part of a bigger topic.

IE: Hunters invest $$ into ODFW through tag and license fees in addition to Pittman-Robertson funds to allow our biologists to understand the needs of our game and non game species...

You should ally yoursleves with an ODFW staffer or two, and get to know who you are testifying before.

It's not that tough of a process, and you can come off looking pretty good.

You should alert your individual Rep and Senators that you will be in Salem for this hearing.

Senators like Girod are very pro hunting and may even show up to help.

[Blacktail Slayer]

I'm up for a get together to go over "talking points" and working on written testimony. Feb. 20th friday night works best for me. I'm out of Albany. Anyone else interested?

[CombinationLicense]

Originally Posted by Rank Amateur

So is this a sing the praises of Oregon hunting testimonial or help our heritage is being destroyed testimonial????

I think a little of both is in order:

On the positive side we can talk about what's right with hunting in Oregon -
The new Mentored Youth Hunting Program, Upland Cooperative Access Program, Access and Habitat projects and hunting opportunities, financial impact, health impact, etc...

On the negative side there are some key issues that need to be addressed like ballot box game management, declining opportunities, more bucks ($) for less bang management practices, etc...

Having some kids testify about their love of the outdoors and hunting traditions would be good too.

Originally Posted by Tar Heel

Is OHA presenting some prepared testi- "money", e.g., how much $$$ hunters add to the economy every year? Seems to be what those folks understand best.....

In a word, yes - new ODFW figures documenting the financial impact of hunting in Oregon should be available by then and part of the mix.



"CL"

[ommedia]

This is a GREAT opportunity for hunters. Do not under-value this meeting!

I do not recall another meeting, of this nature, with a legislative committee in the past 10-20 years that I have followed hunting and politics.

The most important aspect for us as hunters is to show numbers, and to show our sincere love and need for our sport and heritage. Thank you to those who have worked to put this meeting together!

[loper]

Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Communities
Membership:
Brian Clem, Chair
Wayne Krieger, Vice-Chair
Suzanne VanOrman, Vice-Chair
E. Terry Beyer
Vic Gilliam
Arnie Roblan
Mike Schaufler
Matt Wingard

[RiverRogue]

Originally Posted by loper

Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Communities
Membership:
Brian Clem, Chair
Wayne Krieger, Vice-Chair
Suzanne VanOrman, Vice-Chair
E. Terry Beyer
Vic Gilliam
Arnie Roblan
Mike Schaufler
Matt Wingard

Dang Steve, I had just confirmed with Al that these were the players. You beat me!!

[mtn300]

Originally Posted by CombinationLicense

I think a little of both is in order:

On the positive side we can talk about what's right with hunting in Oregon -
The new Mentored Youth Hunting Program, Upland Cooperative Access Program, Access and Habitat projects and hunting opportunities, financial impact, health impact, etc...

On the negative side there are some key issues that need to be addressed like ballot box game management, declining opportunities, more bucks ($) for less bang management practices, etc...

Having some kids testify about their love of the outdoors and hunting traditions would be good too.




In a word, yes - new ODFW figures documenting the financial impact of hunting in Oregon should be available by then and part of the mix.



"CL"

I agree with ballot box management comment, very well said

[Mossyhorn]

I don't believe that the illegal activity thing would be a wise thing to bring up. If you want to discuss the problem with cougars and the impact they've had then ya. But saying hunters are turning to SSS is not a good idea and paints a bad picture that is not necesarilly true. Sure it may happen but don't lump "hunters" into a group like that. What does that say about "hunters"? It's the same as when the media calls poachers hunters.

[Teeb]

Just a suggestion: If you speak, and are talking facts and figures, be ready and able to provide the committee with valid data supporting your points. Be prepared, because a two hour meeting can go by very quickly.

[ehunter]

I think I can make that and I can drive from Hillsboro so maybe we can do some car pools.

[Rank Amateur]

I think we should have somebody ding a bell every 2 minutes, can anybody guess what happens every 2 minutes on the average in Oregon (thinking wildlife here fella's) ?

We could then have a different sound go off every 8 minutes, can you guess what that would represent???

[ehunter]

A wild guess we lost a deer to a prediator. We should also talk about the need for more enforcement, I know there is no money but they need to understand that poaching is a huge hit to our resources and it will be worse in this economy.

Originally Posted by Rank Amateur

I think we should have somebody ding a bell every 2 minutes, can anybody guess what happens every 2 minutes on the average in Oregon (thinking wildlife here fella's) ?

We could then have a different sound go off every 8 minutes, can you guess what that would represent???

[Rank Amateur]

A deer or elk every 2 minutes! What does the 8 minutes represent????

[CombinationLicense]

Originally Posted by Rank Amateur

What does the 8 minutes represent????

65,700 annually - Hmmmm...

Could it represent the loss of another hunter from the sport?

Seems high to me

"CL"

[Tar Heel]

You might consider consider a strategy that creates a "fruit and flower" theme-that we actually have alot in common with the tree huggers (like me) that have so much influence now. Land use controls, wetland preservation, clean rivers....are to our to the mutual benefit of tree huggers and hunters and steer us in a good direction. Might be a theme that gets some traction for stuff we want, given that our legislators answer to a "diverse" populace these days.

Another question I have is whether out of state hunters are much of an issue? I don't get the impression there is much conflict in WF hunting--where I spend my time, but maybe it's a bigger issue for the big game guys. Is it worth addressing any out of state hunter issues? There is precedent in other states for hosing out of staters.

And while your at it, ask them to pass laws that forbid 1) men from having children in Oregon, and 2) forbidding child molesters from running for mayor of any major Oregon City..... Good luck on those....

[BrianMaguire]

Here are some things to do before you go and speak:

Know your audience: know who they are, where they are from, and who they represent. Even address some key individuals. If you go in looking like a hillbilly talking to a NE Portland liberal, your not going to make a good impression regardless of your eloquence or talking points.

Say who you are, what you do and why you care.

Be able to stay on point. Think of one or two points you want to get across and say them first and last. These people hear so much, if you want to make your point make it and don't carry on about stuff that will put them to sleep.


BW - here are my thoughts on good points ODFW CAN be funded through tax form check boxes for non game species, license plates etc. why do WE have to bear ALL the burden. IMO, any legislature will see a potential funding source as a good idea.

Talk economics - what does hunting mean to the economy, why in a bad economy is hunting important - bring facts. Increased prices decrease demand and the trickle down effects, i.e. Salem will have to pick up more of the tab for Harney county with a decrease in hunting.

Talk green to the green - game meat is green, it has a carbon footprint far less than beef.

Talk family, what it means to teach and foster responsibility and confidence in youth.

Don't go in wearing camo - dress in business casual - Impressions and stereotypes are real.

I have done quite a few of these, the ones that made the most impressions are ones that I did not from notes but free hand and did not take up all the time. Speak from the heart. If you have not done public speaking do it in your car/truck on your way to work, practice it. If you do have to write it down, practice and make sure that you made your key points in half the alloted time. No matter how much you practice you can't do it in a hearing nearly as fas as you can at home. If its written, pre think what you can cut on the fly and still get your message through.

[Rank Amateur]

Originally Posted by CombinationLicense

65,700 annually - Hmmmm...

Could it represent the loss of another hunter from the sport?

Seems high to me

"CL"

Actually I had to round up a little, 64,342 the last reported year, I assume going down each year.

Good points Brian, it's got to be thought out. It would be good if we knew who was going and their talking points. While it would be good to strike a common theme, we don't want repetition.

Scoutdog, it would be a good time to hit them with your thoughts on a alternative way to fund ODF&W, the present funding model is broken.

The cougar problem has to be addressed, if not we are only 2,000 + 1 (thanks to Baltz) from carrying capacity and dire consequences for our deer and elk herds. The electric coop guys out here have averaged a cougar a week the last four weeks (tracks and sightings).

[Blacktail Slayer]

Maybe someone should contact the Chamber of Commerce in Harney county (541)573-2636, Wallowa County (541)426-4622 or 1-800-585-4121, Union County (541)963-8588 and see if they can get any facts emailed or faxed to them showing how much revenue they get from hunting. How about getting in contact with reps of Sportsmans, Danner, Bowtech, Joes, and such to see if they may have someone that would come out and speak about hunting, $, # of employees the have employed and such. Just a thought. I am extremely busy with exams at OSU, exams this weekend, and 4 days next week at the coast for the Wildlife Society annual meeting. I would do all this if I had time. Hopefully someone else could help if this sounds like a good idea and if they have the time to make the calls.

[RiverRogue]

Originally Posted by Blacktail Slayer

Maybe someone should contact the Chamber of Commerce in Harney county (541)573-2636, Wallowa County (541)426-4622 or 1-800-585-4121, Union County (541)963-8588 and see if they can get any facts emailed or faxed to them showing how much revenue they get from hunting. How about getting in contact with reps of Sportsmans, Danner, Bowtech, Joes, and such to see if they may have someone that would come out and speak about hunting, $, # of employees the have employed and such. Just a thought. I am extremely busy with exams at OSU, exams this weekend, and 4 days next week at the coast for the Wildlife Society annual meeting. I would do all this if I had time. Hopefully someone else could help if this sounds like a good idea and if they have the time to make the calls.

Sportsmens, Joes are done...

[Teeb]

Here's a thought. I do not pretend to know if it's a good one.

We know that the user groups pay the lion's share of wildlife management costs in Oregon. It is logical to conclude that funding has to be at least a consideration in management decisions. To what degree? I don't know and won't speculate. And .... many ODFW management decisions are dictated and mandated by outside influences beyond their control.

Suffice to say that ODFW's budget depends on our dollars. At the same time many people/businesses in the state benefit financially from wildlife, but do not contribute to the cost.

Is this a question to be asked, or even should it be asked in this hearing?
Is the current ODFW funding mechanism fair and balanced, and does it result in the best possible management and utilization of our valuable wildlife resources?

Just food for thought. I don't know ........

[mtn300]

I won't be able to make it I have a meeting at work, But If someone could ask a question for me.
Could a law be proposed that would prevent the general public from voting or sueing any wildlife agency and their management practices.
I have been thinking about this for sometime now just thought I would throw that out there I am sorry I can't make the meeting. I think if this law could get passed it would help in the management of what wildlife we have left. It would stop the antis in their tracks.

[Blacktail Slayer]

I got emails sent off to Danner, Columbia, Leupold, Bowtech, and Wallowa, Harney, and Union county Chamber of Commerce.

[Blacktail Slayer]

Lets keep this at the top so everyone can see it and hopefully show up.

[Gun Rod Bow]

Originally Posted by loper

Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Communities
Membership:
Brian Clem, Chair
Wayne Krieger, Vice-Chair
Suzanne VanOrman, Vice-Chair
E. Terry Beyer
Vic Gilliam
Arnie Roblan
Mike Schaufler
Matt Wingard

This is actually an excellent committee to work with on hunting issues. Reps Clem, Krieger and Gilliam especially.

You guys should form a group real quick, discuss what you are wanting to accomplish, meet with them ahead of time, them get on the same page with OHA and other groups so you come out of this with some action.

[Blacktail Slayer]

I've been making my emails. Hopefully we get a good turnout.

[Blacktail Slayer]

ttt for the people that have missed this.

[loper]

Originally Posted by Tar Heel

Is OHA presenting some prepared testi- "money", e.g., how much $$$ hunters add to the economy every year? Seems to be what those folks understand best.....

ODFW itself will be presenting preliminary results from an economic survey done which will show the impact of hunting dollars by county in the state of Oregon.

OHA and other organizations will likely then be reinforcing that point, particularly the discrepancy between hunting dollars into local communities and the low general fund support for the agency.

This is a BIG deal. The Joint Ways and Means Hearing last week discussing the current hole in the budget was stormed by people to overflow capacity with close to 80 people testifying (I sat there for 3 hours watching ). And there were a lot more silently in support.

There is absolutely no reason why the hunters of Oregon can't accomplish the same thing and get noticed. If only 10 people show up it will be our own fault that the non-hunting public doesn't know or care about our issues.

To use a baseball analogy: This is like the catcher telling you a hanging curveball is coming. There is no reason it shouldn't be crushed out of the park.

Come early to sign up; stay late to show you support everyone speaking; I'd be up for an impromptu pizza and beer thing afterward. So what if its Thursday? This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity we've been handed.

[Don Becker]

I will probably attend - - 'waiting to see if my brother can, too. Don

[Don Becker]

bump for the cause . . . Don

[Blacktail Slayer]

Just a little that I have typed so far.

2007 Report from the “Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies”

(Hunter in Oregon 2006 #’s)

1. # Hunters: 236,769
2. Days hunting: 2.7 million
3. Retail Sales: $505.8 million
4. Total Multiplier Effect: $827.4 million
5. Salaries, Wages, Owners Income: $259 million
6. Jobs: 8,913
7. State Tax Revenue: $54.6 million
8. Federal Tax Revenue: $61 million

(U.S Hunter #’s)
1. Total U.S. retail spending by hunters: Nearly $25 billion
2. American hunters through special federal excise taxes to help pay for wildlife conservation: About $280 million
3. Hunters private donations to conservation: $300 million
4. Hunting license and tag sales: $725 million
*The total of 2,3,4 to preserve, protect, and enhance wildlife and habitat= $1.3 billion
5. Total US retail spending by hunters: Nearly $25 billion
6. The amount of federal, state, and local tax revenues generated by hunters was: About $9.2 billion

According to the National Sporting Goods Association: More Americans go hunting than play softball or tennis.


Report funded by Multi-state Conservation Grant Program.
Information from State and Federal Fish and Wildlife agencies.
www.southwickassociates.com



Hunting has a sense of beauty, mystery, and magic to it. What better way than having a GREEN way to recreate, way of income, and a possible treat of organic food. There is however an overall trend of declining hunters; that have been lost to leisure activities such as TV, computers, and video games. Sportsmen and women have formed the backbone of wildlife conservation. A failure to halt the decline of hunters or possible increase of hunters will lead to reduced funding available to federal and state agencies, which will in turn lead to a decline in wildlife habitat, wildlife populations, and outdoor experience opportunities. With the increase of Oregon residents turning more towards an urban culture; we must communicate better with the youth, women, and minorities of hunting. We need to show them what the outdoors and hunting has to offer. Youth, women, and minorities are the next generation of hunters. We must help ignite this spark for youth, women, and minorities so they can start their journey with nature, wildlife, and create a lifetime of memories with friends and family. Introducing and education people about hunting will bring them close to nature, learn to cherish wildlife, and continue the conservation of wildlife. Major issues impacting hunter recruitment and retention are: lack of access of places to hunt, regulation complexity, competing interests, marketing, education, and lack or declining game animal populations.

[BlacktailBowhunter]

Originally Posted by Blacktail Slayer

Just a little that I have typed so far.

2007 Report from the “Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies”

(Hunter in Oregon 2006 #’s)

1. # Hunters: 236,769
2. Days hunting: 2.7 million
3. Retail Sales: $505.8 million
4. Total Multiplier Effect: $827.4 million
5. Salaries, Wages, Owners Income: $259 million
6. Jobs: 8,913
7. State Tax Revenue: $54.6 million
8. Federal Tax Revenue: $61 million

(U.S Hunter #’s)
1. Total U.S. retail spending by hunters: Nearly $25 billion
2. American hunters through special federal excise taxes to help pay for wildlife conservation: About $280 million
3. Hunters private donations to conservation: $300 million
4. Hunting license and tag sales: $725 million
*The total of 2,3,4 to preserve, protect, and enhance wildlife and habitat= $1.3 billion
5. Total US retail spending by hunters: Nearly $25 billion
6. The amount of federal, state, and local tax revenues generated by hunters was: About $9.2 billion

According to the National Sporting Goods Association: More Americans go hunting than play softball or tennis.


Report funded by Multi-state Conservation Grant Program.
Information from State and Federal Fish and Wildlife agencies.
www.southwickassociates.com



Hunting has a sense of beauty, mystery, and magic to it. What better way than having a GREEN way to recreate, way of income, and a possible treat of organic food. There is however an overall trend of declining hunters; that have been lost to leisure activities such as TV, computers, and video games. Sportsmen and women have formed the backbone of wildlife conservation. A failure to halt the decline of hunters or possible increase of hunters will lead to reduced funding available to federal and state agencies, which will in turn lead to a decline in wildlife habitat, wildlife populations, and outdoor experience opportunities. With the increase of Oregon residents turning more towards an urban culture; we must communicate better with the youth and minorities of hunting. We need to show them what the outdoors and hunting has to offer. Youth and minorities (includes women) are the next generation of hunters. We must help ignite this spark for youth and minorities so they can start their journey with nature, wildlife, and create a lifetime of memories with friends and family. Introducing and education people about hunting will bring them close to nature, learn to cherish wildlife, and continue the conservation of wildlife. Major issues impacting hunter recruitment and retention are: lack of access of places to hunt, regulation complexity, competing interests, marketing, education, and lack or declining game animal populations.

Good post.

[loper]

Of course it snowed in Salem today; quite appropriate for a "Hunter's Hearing".

[ommedia]

I am leaving from Wilsonville at 3:10pm

I can take 4 passengers, can meet at a park n ride.

Will be making a "quick" stop at a taxidermist shop in Salem before reaching the Capitol.

PM me for a ride

~OM

[StevenB]

Here at the meeting and about 120 or so hunter present.

I'm in the over flow room.

Larry Jones signed in to talk just after me. Hope everyone speaks clearly.
Two minutes till lift off.

StevenB

[beardbuster]

Just left. I was allowed to get up to the front and take photos of the speakers.
















By the way - Combination License had a great speech, very through out, direct and to the point in the allowed time limit.

Congrats to the kids who stepped up and gave their points as well.

[CombinationLicense]

Many thanks to everyone that took time to make tonight's hearing

I lost count of how many people testified but the Committee stayed until the last person was heard and that was at 8:50pm! IMHO, the entire event was a huge success and probably the most positive pro-hunting event I've ever seen. Young and old alike took turns admonishing the Committee members to protect our sport, deal with cougar predation, enhance youth opportunities, preserve and create habitat and keep our OSP troopers on the job!

Way to knock it out of the park hunters!

"CL"

[Don Becker]

CL has it right. This was an historic and, I think very valuable event. Jon and I attended, stayed until it was over and even spoke a bit with the Committee Chairman afterward. Later today, I will try to put-together something to post with a little more or my observations. 'Gotta get off to work now. Don

[Bill Monroe]

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/ore...ns_are_ci.html

Good to see you Don and sorry I had to fly out of there afterward.

Some compelling testimony before a willing committee. That was refreshing.

Stan Steele also stayed through the end. I think everyone in those two rooms (and a fair crowd outside around the television monitor) would have endorsed Stan's application for the fish and wildlife commission.

[225nontypical]

wil, i was going to give you hell because i thought you did not show up, i must have missed you. i was in the over flow area and decided not to testify, there where so many there that did i do not think i could have or would have said anything that had not been said already.
thank you everyone that showed up it was a great success

[beardbuster]

Bill Great story.

If you noticed the camera flashes, that was me. After hearing some of the testimony, I wish I would have put my name on the list to speak. I know first hand the benefits of hunting an how it can lead to positive things, good family ties and a solid respect for the our environment and others.

[BlacktailBowhunter]

This event turned out great.

The thing that struck me the most was just how educated, dedicated and passionate hunters are about their sport.

I already knew this, but seeing testimony from that many people really hit home. It made me feel like the committee was really, really listening, because hunters were able to speak with educated opinions that were fact based.

The other thing I saw was at least 70% fo the testimony included declining deer and elk numbers and the mention of cougars.

Paul

[Don Becker]

As always, very well done story, Bill. Thanks to everyone that attended and those who reported here.


Okay, here are my unsolicited-but-promised observations. First, I’ve never attended a hearing at the Capitol before. In short, it was a very good experience and one I highly recommend if you've never been - - whether you want to testify or just observe and, as we did last night, lend support. Being one that really, really dislikes and distrusts politics and politicians, this experience has gone a long way in softening my opinions some. Personally, it amazed me at what seemingly “real” people the Representatives on this committee seemed to be.

Nothing will change or improve soon. That’s just the way it is. ‘Too bad something like this didn’t happen several years ago.

It seemed to me that all of the committee members were genuinely interested in what we had to say. They were polite and respectful and very willing to give some leeway in regard to time as some speakers went overtime a bit. I do think the testimony and support they saw last night will positively affect this committee’s view of things that come before them in the areas of concern we all have.

There was no requirement that this hearing take place or that the committee members attend or remain to the end . . it did and they did.

The turn-out was really nice. The speakers were all well prepared, articulate and on topic. Many times, some of the same old issues remained interesting because of the varying perspectives. There wasn’t one single whiner, and everybody was appropriate in every way. I would not have felt at all uncomfortable at addressing this committee had I chosen to. And, I think every topic was well covered but not overdone.

I have two regrets. One, I think it would have sent a very nice, meaningful, additional message if nearly every seat had been filled at the end of the night. I know there were lots of good and valid reasons folks had to leave before it was over and I am not criticizing anyone at all. I’m just saying it was too bad so many had to leave. Every committee member stayed through to the end . . for more of the audience to have done so would have (my opinion and it’s worth every penny you paid for it ) shown respect for the fact they stayed, respect for the other speakers and it would have been perceived as an additional showing of passion on our part.

The other thing was that the (what I believe to be) fairly universally-held belief that the Fish & Wildlife Commission and their make-up is a hindrance to ODF&W getting their management responsibilities accomplished, might have been addressed a little more than the two or maybe three times I heard it mentioned. Bill’s article makes me think he saw this differently and felt it was adequately covered and, in the next paragraph, you’ll see why I now tend to agree with him. BTW, FWIW, it was announced that Marla Rae was in the overflow room next door where Jon and I were.

After the hearing was over, we went into the main hearing room and met a couple of folks I know, like CL and Bill. The opportunity presented itself and we went up and personally thanked Representative Clem, as others had done. He was gathering-up things to leave but, he seemed more interested in talking. So, we visited a bit and I mentioned my initial feeling, mentioned above, about the Commission. Believe me, the point was not missed. And, he was very open about expressing how much he was unaware of and interested in those issues. He said he will be talking with the Governor about that.

Like I said in the beginning, nothing’s going to improve real soon. But, this historic hearing did absolutely no harm and I expect we will see some positive outcomes in the future.

Don

[Hunt'nFish]

Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend & lend my support, but it sounds like those that were did an excellent job. THANK YOU. All of you there.

Did anyone record it? I would love to hear what the presenters said.
Hunt'nFish

[loper]

Originally Posted by Hunt'nFish

Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend & lend my support, but it sounds like those that were did an excellent job. THANK YOU. All of you there.

Did anyone record it? I would love to hear what the presenters said.
Hunt'nFish

Audio of last nights hearing is available here.

3 hours and 18 minutes of testimony.

The first couple of minutes are irrelevant to the hearing; the committee was using that as an opportunity to introduce unrelated bills.

[Blacktail Slayer]

So do we need to try and get the same type of meeting with this committee?

Senate Committee
Environment and Natural Resources
Membership:
Jackie Dingfelder, Chair
Jason Atkinson, Vice-Chair
Brian Boquist
Mark Hass
Floyd Prozanski
Staffing:
Beth Herzog
Natalie Worley

[loper]

Originally Posted by Blacktail Slayer

So do we need to try and get the same type of meeting with this commitee?

Senate Committee
Environment and Natural Resources
Membership:
Jackie Dingfelder, Chair
Jason Atkinson, Vice-Chair
Brian Boquist
Mark Hass
Floyd Prozanski
Staffing:
Beth Herzog
Natalie Worley

Look at the voting on HB 2971 (the "agent" bill) in 2007 and see if you think the chair of this committee might be inclined to host such an event. (the bold naming is mine); by the way this bill had to be voted on twice in the House due to Senate amendments.

The short version:
Third reading. Carried by Boquist. Passed. Ayes, 39; Nays, 19--Barker, Barnhart, Bonamici, Buckley, Dingfelder, Edwards D., Galizio, Gelser, Greenlick, Holvey, Komp, Kotek, Lim, Macpherson, Nathanson, Nolan, Read, Rosenbaum, Tomei; Excused, 1--Cowan; Excused for Business of the House, 1--Mr. Speaker.

House concurred in Senate amendments and repassed bill. Ayes, 37; Nays, 17--Barker, Barnhart, Bonamici, Buckley, Cowan, Dingfelder, Galizio, Gelser, Greenlick, Holvey, Kotek, Lim, Macpherson, Nathanson, Nolan, Read, Rosenbaum; Excused, 2--Cannon, Morgan; Excused for Business of the House, 4--Edwards D., Gilman, Shields, Tomei.

Of course that is only one bill. But go for it; let us know what she says.