I talked with a good source from AGFC today. They said the commissioners are surprised no one has been raising any h--- over the decision to vote the alternate
proposal for a shorter C&R area in over the trout biologist's recommendation. They suggested those of us who care about the issue might want to contact
the commissioners and raise h--- with them directly. I suggest a letter to all and/or a call to as many commissioners as you are able to contact.
AGFC's Norfork Decision
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 Scott Branyan |
AGFC's Norfork Decision |
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Posts: 327 10/27/09 20:37:01 Beaver Moderator |
Two roads diverged in a wood And I took the one less traveled by... |
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Berry Brothers |
#1 | |||
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Posts: 702 10/28/09 06:12:28 |
I think that the problem is that all of us who fought for Proposal One are totally disgusted with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and we
want nothing to do with them. They did not listen to science or the recommendations of their own staff. Now, we are to believe they will listen to our
bitching. I for one feel that it would be a waste of time. They are not listening to us.
John Berry
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stinnetti |
#2 | |||
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Posts: 1619 10/28/09 07:02:24 |
I agree John It would be a waste of time to complain at this junture. Whats done is done. My only suggestion would be to lobby the Governor on who he selects
as a future commisioner. In my opinion that would be the only politking that would work for future changes which will protect the fisherie.
Steve |
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Chuckinra |
#3 | |||
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Posts: 1449 10/28/09 07:28:43 |
When I was in the Navy, it was described as shoveling chit against the tide. In other words useless.
I'm not being cynical here. The best way to get change is to contribute lots of money, time, and effort into a winning candidates run for the governorship. So much so that you have a direct line to him. Then, when one of the commissioner's seats opens you have input, maybe even appointment. In other words, the governor owes you. That or run and win the governors race yourself. It is quite obvious that the usual means aren't working.
Chuck
A secret fly is never more valuable than when you leave it with a stranger. |
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zhoyt |
#4 | |||
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Posts: 588 10/28/09 08:09:20 |
Scott,
From the Commisioners mouths.....they heard way more in favor of the longer section earlier......and still chose to go against public opinion and scientific recommendation. It is clear they have no regard for doing "what is best for the Natural State". Zack Hoyt
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FlyFishAR |
#5 | |||
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Posts: 8616 10/28/09 09:18:04 ezOP |
Guys.......
I think Scott is correct here. I'd suggest an email and a phone call if you really have an interest. I'm pretty pissed about it too. The commission is taking some "real" heat lately and there are some "real" regrets being voiced by the commissioners. Just sayin..... |
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emptycreel |
#6 | |||
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Posts: 45 10/28/09 10:51:21 |
FlyFishAR wrote:I agree...the Govenor appointed Commissioners are reelin' right now. I think it would be worth the effort to voice our dis-satisfaction. |
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kylepyro |
#7 | |||
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Posts: 21 10/28/09 11:33:33 |
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bunyanbug |
#8 | |||
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Posts: 95 10/28/09 12:08:47 |
Could someone provide the contact info once again if not too much trouble?
Thanks, EW |
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Trout Sage |
AGFC's Norfork Decision | #9 | ||
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Posts: 55 10/28/09 12:28:01 |
I see many good suggestions here. However, without organization I believe your efforts are for naught. What is needed here is a concerted effort having an
acceptable plan, with direction (director) and some form of organizational control. Several years ago I went up against the Utah legislation with a proposal
that didn't have a snow ball's chance in hell of succeeding. I was attempting to change the control banks have on property mortgages. The banks had the
Realtors in their pockets so I anticipated much resistance from that organization even with the Utah real estate industry in the crapper and sales at a low
point. From a previous failure attempting to pass similar legislation in Colorado, I realized I had to change my tactics. A petition with thousands of
signatures didn't work in Colorado so I assumed it would not work in Utah especially with the pressure the banking industry exerted on the legislators with
their strong lobbying group. At the time, I had a fifty man real estate office. We decided to fight fire with fire. (yeah, I know a cliché) We began with a
rather simple plan that evolved with time. We then had a few of my real estate sales people become registered lobbyists. In most states this is a simple
procedure. Daily, we scheduled one or more of our lobbyists in the legislators chambers touting our proposal, one-on-one, to those legislators who would
listen. Slowly, we began to see progress. As we did more of the sales people volunteered to become registered lobbyists. The more progress we made the stronger
we became. Eventually, the Realtors realized that our proposal was also good for their business and joined our lobbying effort. We continued the lobbying
pressure up to the day of the legislative vote. Our proposal, in a watered-down version passed, but it passed! Everyone, especially property owners benefited
with the passing of this proposal. Our celebration party cost more than all the dollars spent on this proposal. Yes, we did spend time lobbying but it was well
spent. We had a plan, we had direction (director) and we had organizational control!
Will a similar strategy work in Arkansas? Personally I believe it is the only way you will succeed! Writing letters/email is similar to gathering signatures. It is time consuming and not very convincing. However, one-on-one with those who will be doing the voting is much stronger and has staying power. I love Arkansas! I love fly fishing! I am sad when I see what is happening.
Last Edited By: Trout Sage 10/28/09 12:31:55.
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fly on the sly |
#10 | |||
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Posts: 262 10/28/09 12:40:15 |
Between TRout Unlimited Chapters in Heber Springs and I believe Little Rock and Northwest FFF and North Arkansas FFF I believe could be a pwerful lobbying
force. Those whodo not belong to a group or attend Conclave an Sowbug could be included. 1000 could be a good start and then get Theodore Roosevelt
Conservation Partnership involved and you sure would get their attenion
.rev |
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Scott Branyan |
#11 | |||
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Posts: 329 10/28/09 21:02:51 Beaver Moderator |
>>Could someone provide the contact info once again if not too much trouble?
Thanks, EW << http://www.agfc.com/commission/ Two roads diverged in a wood And I took the one less traveled by...
Last Edited By: Scott Branyan 10/28/09 21:06:57.
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emptycreel |
#12 | |||
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Posts: 46 10/29/09 09:38:41 |
fly on the sly wrote:The Arkansas Council of Trout Unlimited, with representatives from each of the 3 Arkansas Chapters (Arkansas Chapter in NW AR, Little Red RAT Chapter in Heber Springs and the White River Chapter in Mtn. Home) is currently weighing our options. We met with Scott Henderson, Mike Armstrong and Mark Oliver (AGFC Chief and Staff) to get their take on this issue. They encouraged us to stay the "high road". I'm not sure we can... More later. Bill Thorne, President Arkansas White River Chapter, TU |
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Trout Sage |
#13 | |||
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Posts: 56 10/29/09 10:04:42 |
emptycreel wrote:Bill, I am pleased to see a unified effort already exploring the options! The "high road" obviously was tried and did not work! It is time to enlist a different strategy!
Last Edited By: Trout Sage 10/29/09 10:11:29.
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stinnetti |
#14 | |||
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Posts: 1621 10/29/09 11:08:31 |
Bill, What options do we have ? and do they involve litigation?
Steve |
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FlyFishAR |
#15 | |||
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Posts: 8619 10/29/09 11:37:02 ezOP |
To email them all...........(copy and paste in the address bar) shenderson@agfc.state.ar.us; bmorgan@agfc.state.ar.us; ccampbell@agfc.state.ar.us; ccampbell@agfc.state.ar.us; gdunklin@agfc.state.ar.us; rpierce@agfc.state.ar.us; rtwatkins@agfc.state.ar.us; rduncan@agfc.state.ar.us; emahony@agfc.state.ar.us; fspiegel@agfc.state.ar.us
Scott Henderson, Director
Brett Morgan - Chairman (2003-2010)
Craig Campbell - Vice-Chairman (2006-2011)
Ronald Pierce (2006-2013)
Rick Watkins (2007-2014)
Ron Duncan (2008-2015)
Emon Mahony (2009-2016)
Dr. Frederick W. Spiegel (Ex-Officio)
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fly on the sly |
#16 | |||
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Posts: 263 10/29/09 12:25:33 |
Thanks Bill. We appreciate it so much. Let us know where the road goes. Mahoney seems to stand out as the ' power broker ' on the AGFC.
rev |
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FlyFishAR |
#17 | |||
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Posts: 8620 10/29/09 12:28:08 ezOP |
Email sent.... took about 2 minutes
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emptycreel |
#18 | |||
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Posts: 47 10/29/09 12:29:51 |
Our options at this time appear to include but are not limited to the following:
Last Edited By: emptycreel 10/29/09 12:33:01.
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FlyFishAR |
#19 | |||
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Posts: 8622 10/29/09 13:03:39 ezOP |
Bill: My email was basically involving the faith and credit of the Commission itself. The Commission "assured" all of us that there would be a fair process. The discussion on how FLW jerked the rug out from under everyone on the Norfork once before had all of us that participated in the process once before "very" concerned. Having it done again was all but a death blow to the reputation of the AGFC. Personally, I think it may be time to see the AGFC controlled by the house and senate in lieu of a committee of self serving individuals. If this situation is not resolved I intend to talk to some of our state representatives to see about a resolution to disband the commission. There is no need for a commission that openly opposes those they were intrusted to represent. |
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emptycreel |
#20 | |||
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Posts: 48 10/29/09 14:05:15 |
John,
I understand, the credibility of the Governor appointed Commission has been destroyed in my eyes as well. I would be leary of turning control over to the legislature though. They would love to get their hands on AGFC funds. I'd like to talk to you more about this. Stop by a TU meeting if you have time or you can call me at (870) 736-4799. Our Board meets at the Elks in Mtn Home the last Monday of the month at 6:00 pm and our general meetings are at El Chicos the first Monday of the Month at 6:00 PM. Come see us...I'll buy you a cold one. Bill |
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