Taking action on proposed legislation

[cjac]

Hey all,

There have been a few topics lately on new legislation that's been introduced in Minnesota, both good and bad. It's typically followed by a call on us to "take action". For a lot of us, the action to take isn't crystal clear.

I've taken action by sending a few notes to the DNR and to my local District representative. The response to me, as one voice, has been pretty darn impressive! I've received replies from the DNR, not just "form letter" replies, rather replies thanking me for my input and in cases asking for additional input.

Above that, I had a reply from my District rep yesterday thanking me for my email (sent a couple weeks ago), an update on the bill status (she had not seen it yet), and asking me to continue to bring these environmental/fishing related issues to her attention. It's not her "specialty" but she asked me to help keep her up to speed. Pretty cool if you ask me...

Point is, what each of us can do does help and there are people willing to listen to our thoughts and input.

There, off my soapbox now and back to dreaming of June 7th.....

[Steve Foss]

Good thoughts, Chris. Good thoughts.

[Nick Kuhn]

Yep, pretty easy to get a hold of them via email. Just make sure they are well thought out and typed neatly, otherwise they may go unread. Just received this a few days ago, looking forward to Heath attending our lake association meetings. Hopefully he will prove to be a valuable ally in getting some progressive management measures implemented for the lake.

 Originally Posted By: "Senior Fisheries Biologist"

The final creel census surveys will be completed by mid-summer. I did receive a copy of the open water creel, but the winter and final creel will be sometime yet.

A management report will be finalized for each lake in the winter of 2008-2009. The best way to discuss issues would be for me to attend a meeting of the lake association and or district this year or next.

I would be able to provide the data we have, compare it to historic data and let the public ask questions and get some feedback on which direction people would like to see the lake managed for.

Let me know if you would like me to attend a meeting in the future.

Thanks

Heath

[Muskiefool]

It's nice when you get a response and I know for a fact the DNR wants to hear from us as do our representatives, I try to keep track of whats happening at the capital but thats very difficult at times because like most of us I have to work too LOL, if we don't have a opportunity to tell them how we feel or voice our concerns it can at times be a bad thing for the fish and the fishermen.

Thank You

John