Help Salmon & Save on Taxes Too

garyk · 12-11-2002, 09:33 PM

Things are pretty good here in camp tonight. Another .75� in the rain gauge and dry firewood on the porch. Just finished the tuna steak with a side of salmon risotto. Looking at the calendar�s last page, I�m thinking about next year, the fishing it will bring and all the following and years and salmon to come.

One way we can ensure fishing�s future is to make sure there�s fish, There�s a lot of organizations out there fighting for fish and this is a good time to consider a year�s end contribution. Think of it as an investment in your fishing future. Plus it�s a tax-deductible investment if given to a 501c3 charity. More fish, less taxes � that�s a chromer of a deal. Just make sure your gift is postmarked by Dec. 31 for it to count as a 2002 gift.

Who to give to? Here�s a list of local organizations that I know that have advocated for fish and their fundamental needs, and have 501c3 status. Check out their websites for more info. Guidestar.com lists voluntarily submitted financial reports if you want to research that aspect.

Whether you give to any of these, or others of your preference, do give a gift to the fish.

Association of Northwest Steelheaders
Coast Range Association
Fish First
Native Fish Society
Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association
Oregon Trout
Oregon Natural Resources Council
Portland Audubon Society (Tillamook State Forest management)
Trout Unlimited
Your local watershed council (double check on the 501c3 status)
Washington Trout
WaterWatch

crabbait · 12-11-2002, 09:38 PM

Boy, that list runs the gamut! There are several on it that I will not discuss.

Two that I recommend are the Association of Northwest Steelheaders and the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association.

[ 12-11-2002, 10:39 PM: Message edited by: crabbait ]

HOGGEMIN · 12-12-2002, 05:08 AM

Watch out for some groups that want to save the fish, but not let us fish for them. Be it catch and release or for food!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TheRogue · 12-12-2002, 05:12 AM

Yup, what Crabbait said.....

TR

But, good thoughts, garyk, and appreciate the posting!!

Straydog · 12-12-2002, 05:35 AM

Good call Gary!

Good response Crabbait and TR!

Hard to go wrong with NSIA and Steelheaders!! [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Point-of-Sale Clerk · 12-12-2002, 07:54 AM

Garyk

NSIA (Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association) is NOT a 501c3 charity.

That information is from Liz herself...

and Straydog, no I am not picking on NSIA

Regards

***

The Fishing Geek · 12-12-2002, 07:57 AM

Nothing against ANY of the groups on Gary's list, but I would hope that you would thoroughly research a charity before you give them your donation anyway.

garyk · 12-12-2002, 08:25 AM

***, thank you for the correction on NSIA - I mistakenly thought they had a 501c3 affiliate; thanks for that important clarification.

That said, if tax-deductibility isn't an issue for you, I know Liz would welcome the contribution.

Jerry Dove · 12-12-2002, 12:29 PM

Hey how about Rhoads or Tillamook Anglers, both 501c. They both care about the fish and fishermen and can use the money, Thanks. Jerry

Jerry Dove · 12-12-2002, 12:50 PM

Excuse me. That should be Rhodes Pond.

Straydog · 12-12-2002, 07:46 PM

***,

No problem, thanks for the clarification although now that I think about it guess I knew that as I have never written my membership off.
:blush:
However, I believe they are some other classification of non-profit if I am not mistaken.

Point-of-Sale Clerk · 12-12-2002, 07:53 PM

Straydog

I believe they qualify as a PAC and donations for these political entities are deductable to a point.

(Thanks for not flaming)

***

Brine · 12-12-2002, 11:29 PM

For a group that advocates the use of hatcheries. A person could consider Oregon Anglers. They are strong advocates for the sportsfisherman. Check out their website at www.oregon-anglers.org.

Brine · 12-13-2002, 08:27 AM

PAC contributions are considered to be tax credits by the state. They are subtracted from your state taxes. An individual can donate up to $50 and those filing joint can donate $100. It is sort of a no brainer. You are simply taking the monies you pay out of the general fund and applying them to a PAC of your choice such as Oregon-Anglers. DOn't know about some of the others on the list above, but there is really no excuse, other than ignorance and it is a very underpublicized rule, for not contributing to a PAC. The state really doesn't want you to know about it.

boater · 12-13-2002, 08:48 PM

interesting list, probly the first time ive seen them all on the same "page" lol.

[ 12-13-2002, 09:48 PM: Message edited by: boater ]

HeavyMetal BankFisherman · 12-14-2002, 01:48 AM

Aren't some of those groups working towards keeping us from fishing?

Brine · 12-15-2002, 10:34 AM

Heavy Metal - Yeah, it is kind of a mixed bag. It would be intersting to lay them out and see what they do. I don't have that much knowledge aboyut the most of them but others here do. I know you get the tax credit for contributing to a PAC. Oregon Anglers is a PAC, and maybe a couple of the others. OA is working for the rights of fisherman and is a good bunch of guys to lend support to. Everybody needs to be making their PAC contributions by the end of the year.

Straydog · 12-15-2002, 10:51 AM

I for one would very much appreciate knowing which of the groups listed are truly working to stop fishing.

Any documentation would be helpful as well.

I don't know all of the groups listed or their motivaitons. I have heard rumors that the Audubon Society would just as soon stop fishing but have never seen anything to back it up.

There are lot of urban myths out there but I think it would be real helpful if anyone knows of any instances that substantiate this claim. I would like to know who is really "naughty and nice"! :smile:

[ 12-15-2002, 11:53 AM: Message edited by: Straydog ]

rob allen · 12-15-2002, 11:30 PM

NOT for the purposes of starting debate but for purposes of simply recommending organizations to contribute to..

If having good access to the best available science and giving to an organization that promotes the use of such science in public salmon policy then you should contribute to the native fish society.

If habitat enhancment is important to you and you want your money going to on the ground fish restoration projects i suggest Washington trout.

another group to look at are the lower columbia fish enhancment group.

If having fish to fiah for is important to you but so is habitat then i recommend giving to Fish First..

Another group every one of us can support is the Wild steelhead coalition but i am not dure of their tax status