[Nj_federation_alert] Asbury Park Press - Rally

[ap.maurosr at verizon.net]

Coverage by Asbury Park Press. They printed attendance at 800 people.

My sincere thanks to everyone for making this event a success.
Ant

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071029/NEWS01/710290380/1004

Protesters oppose bills to change Fish and Game: Protesters oppose bills to change Fish and Game Council
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 10/29/07
BY SAMETTA M. THOMPSON
STAFF WRITER

MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP — Charles "Chuck" Lindstrom trekked to the Clarksburg Inn on Sunday to take part in a rally opposing two bills that would change the scope and political climate of the state's Fish and Game Council.

"I can't take my grandson fishing if these bills are passed," said Lindstrom, an avid hunter and fisherman from Jackson. "The Fish and Game Council members are doing an excellent job, and none of this stuff should be changed. Why fix it if it's not broken?"

The bills under question are Assembly bill A3275, and its Senate companion, S2041, which were introduced about a year ago in Trenton by Assemblyman Michael J. Panter and Sen. Ellen Karcher, both D-Monmouth. The bills would reduce the number of members on the Fish and Game Council from 11 to 7.

Under the bill, council members would be "chosen with due regard to the person's knowledge of and interest in the conservation of fish and wildlife, and without regard for the geographic representation of the regions fo the State."

The members would be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The bill would also expand and revise the responsibilities of the council to include investigating the use of nonlethal alternatives for dealing with wildlife conflicts and exploring eco-tourism opportunities to promote the state's diverse wildlife.

Supporters argue that change is necessary to produce a balance on the council. Under current law, at least six members must be sportsmen, three must be farmers and two commercial fishermen.

Anthony P. Mauro Sr. is chairman of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, the political action group that sponsored the rally attended by approximately 800 men, women and children.

"The bills would change the composition of Fish and Game Council, which will compromise their ability to set codes for freshwater fishing, hunting and trapping," Mauro said.

If the bills are passed, Mauro said, it would be "catastrophic" for the entire state because of the billions on dollars in revenue excess from hunters, anglers, trappers, shooters and many businesses that cater to these groups. The change would take away recreational and food sources for many people, he said.

David Bernard, 47, of Buena in Atlantic County called the reform bill "absolutely crazy. It would totally take away our rights. People have been hunting and fishing for thousands and thousands of years. And just because these people come in, and they don't think that it's in vogue right now, why should they try to take it away from the people who have been enjoying it for years and years?"

Neptune resident Peter Longo has been fishing since he was a boy. He said for the past 60 years, hunting and fishing laws have been based on scientific research and information.

"Now, there seems there is a movement to have emotional feelings dictate the laws and regulations, and it doesn't make sense," the 48-year-old said.

Past president of the Traditional Archers of New Jersey, Philip Muller, referred to the change as an "attempt to undermine the Fish and Game Council and a way to take the rights away from hunters and fishermen. We are here today to show that that's not going to stand."



Anthony P. Mauro, Sr.
Chairman, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance http://www.njoutdooralliance.org