The lyrics of the old song go, “Down by the old mill stream.” According to the blurred wisdom and intent in proposed directives for control of fishing rights from our nation’s capital, the old mill stream may be one of the few locations not made exempt for sport fishing.

Unknowing or uncaring, the powers to be have decided massive coastal areas and the waters of the Great Lakes may be banned to fishing … apparently, all fishing. The federal boondoggle named the Interim Report of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force was first reported on by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance in October 2009 as fishing organizations began to protest the lack of consideration for the financial and controlled ecological impact of sport fishing.
The USSA reports recent opinion pieces circulating on the Internet and numerous radio stations have stoked the flames through revelations the policy, if implemented, would prohibit recreational fishing within vast areas of public water.

It has also been reported many organizations with a history of being against fishing access played large roles in the formation of the plan and the plan could be finalized by the end of March with President Obama able to implement it through an Executive Order.
Despite the firestorm, it should be pointed out the plan is not currently finalized and, according to a Department of the Interior fact sheet, the Administration denies any intent to restrict fishing access.

According to the USSA, there still remain causes for concern. The USSA reported on the draft plan in October 2009. At the time a combination of factors raised concern with the USSA and other pro-fishing organizations the plan could result in restrictions on sport anglers.

First, there was a lack of any reference in the report to the positive impact recreational anglers have on aquatic conservation. In turn, the omission of recreational fishing raised an alarm as to what the framework for zoning in the coastal and Great Lake waters will be when the final report is issued.

Other factors included a history of anti-fishing interests pushing for the creation of more “Marine Protected Areas” where angling would be outlawed. Several protected areas already exist off the California and Florida coasts.

Additionally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce guiding the use and protection of ocean and coastal resources, has also imposed restrictions on sport anglers in Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic.

Finally, there is a general concern related to some of the key anti-hunting regulatory appointees made by the Obama Administration such as Cass Sunstein. When looked at comprehensively, these factors made it necessary for the USSA and other groups to ensure the voice of recreational anglers are heard by the Administration during the formation of its policy. According to several recreational fishing groups, the Administration has not listened and pro-fishing groups have urged supporters to make their concerns known to their members of Congress.

For example, the American Sportfishing Assoc. has stated, “It is important that the Administration recognizes and promotes the economic and conservation contributions of outdoor recreation, including recreational fishing and boating.”

Jim Donofrio, the Executive Director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) said in a recent press release, “I don’t think this president would consider banning recreational fishing outright, but it’s clear to us that the Obama Administration would like to severely restrict recreational fishing.”

Additionally, the U.S. House of Rep-resentatives Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus leadership, with the support of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foun-dation, has also sent a letter to President Obama stating recreational fishing deserves “full consideration and incorporation” in the proposed plan.

The USSA has joined the pro-fishing organizations, legislators and others in urging sportsmen to contact their U.S. Representatives and Senators about the proposed policy. It is essential the Obama Administration appreciates the importance of recreational fishing to conservation and local economies.

“Recreational anglers provide the bulk of the funding for fisheries and aquatic conservation,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO. “Their voice should be heard before any policy is enacted limiting access and causing a decline in resources for conservation, not to mention job losses in areas supported by fishing.”

Sportsmen are urged to take action and contact their U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators and urge them to include recreational fishing protections in any federal management plan for the oceans and Great Lakes.

To find your members of Congress, go online and visit the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lacForestry hotline promotes positive harvest

“Call Before You Cut” is a new consumer protection campaign offered by the DNR Division of Forestry encouraging woodland owners to seek professional advice before harvesting timber. A quick toll-free call to 888-939-9493, provides an information kit and advice on positive harvesting practices.

“If you’re thinking of harvesting trees, give us a call first to receive, A Landowner’s Guide for a Successful Harvest, at no cost.” said John Seifert, Indiana State Forester. “For any landowner considering harvesting timber, the packet provides important information to help assure the health and value of their woodlands.” The information packet may also be obtained online at www.callB4Ucut.com

The website features information about Indiana’s harvesting rules and guidelines.

“Many variables, including age, maturity, overall forest health, market prices, and personal own goals and needs should be factored before harvesting timber,” Seifert said. “Make sure that your harvest is based on these aspects, and not just the size of the trees.”

Indiana has more than 4 million acres of privately owned woodlands, making up nearly 85 percent of all forestland in the state. Surveys show only a small fraction of woodland owners seek the advice of a professional forester when considering a timber harvest. Well managed family woodlands result from wise decisions. Call for professional advice.

The “Call Before You Cut” campaign is coordinated in Indiana by the DNR Division of Forestry. Additional program sponsors include the Society of American Foresters, the Indiana Forestry and Woodland Owners Assoc., Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, The Nature Conservancy of Indiana, the USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry program, and the Indiana Assoc. of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Jack Spaulding may contact him by e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.