Fishers without opinions on their sport sounds like an oxymoron to me. A few minutes browsing the forum should quickly convince anyone that while fishers see themselves as a fraternity with the common goal of fishing and catching fish, we each have our own idea of how to fish, and more importantly how our fisheries should be managed and regulated.
Most of the time, we just talk amongst ourselves, complaining about this and that. At times “talk” is a rather mild way of putting the ruckus we raise with our fellow fishers when they don’t see eye to eye with our views. Yet for all the talk, the reality is most of the decisions made concerning the management of our waters is done by others and we have little direct control or even input into that process, most of the time.
However, right now we have the opportunity to speak up and those in power are listening, not only listening, but they are actively seeking our input. Over the last couple weeks the Colorado Division of Wildlife has made several press releases concerning the 5-year review of statewide fishing regulations and "Angler Roundtable" meetings. DOW is actively seeking angler input on fishing regulations and their management practices.
Rest assured I will heed the call. There are a number of issues that I feel strongly about and will be voicing my opinion. For example, several states have mandatory “kill’ laws on their books for undesirable species. Simply if you catch one, legally you cannot release it back into the water. And undesirable is a management perspective. On the Green River in Utah, from below Flaming Gorge Reservoir to the confluence of the Colorado, it is illegal to release smallmouth bass. I think Colorado needs to adopt the same stance in a few cases throughout the state, Trappers Lake and brook trout is one such example.
I would hope that each and every one of you takes to the time to attend one of the angler round tables between now and the end of April (those announced are listed below, more to follow). At the very least, shoot an email to one of the biologists listed here and express your views. Don’t just be vocal on the forum and with your fishing buddies, make yourself heard with the DOW. They need and deserve your input.
Meeting times/locations announced as of March 20, 2010
March 23, at Coco's Restaurant at the Holiday Inn Express in Cortez, 6-9 pm
March 30, at the Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center, Gunnison County Fairgrounds, 6-9 pm
March 31, at the Holiday Inn Express in Montrose, 6-9 pm
April 13, National Mining Museum, 120 W. 9th Street, Leadville, 6:30 p.m.
April 20, Division of Wildlife, 4255 Sinton Rd., Colorado Springs, 6:30 p.m.
April 21, Thyme Square Soup & Salad, 302 Colorado Ave., LaJunta, 7 p.m.
April 22, Division of Wildlife, 2500 S. Main St., Lamar, 7 p.m.
April 26, Trinidad Jr. College Sullivan Center, 600 Prospect St., Trinidad, 7 p.m.
April 27, Cliff Lanes Bowling Alley, 25 Main St., Westcliffe:, 7 p.m.
April 28, Pueblo State Parks Auditorium, 640 Reservoir Rd., Pueblo 7 p.m.
Comments on regulations can be submitted to:
Statewide issues, Dave Chadwick, (303)291-7174, dave.chadwick@state.co.us;
Southwest Region, John Alves, (719)587-6907, john.alves@state.co.us;
Northwest Region, Sherman Hebein, (970)255-6186, sherman.hebein@state.co.us;
Southeast Region, Doug Krieger, (719)227-5202, doug.krieger@state.co.us;
Northeast Region, Ken Kehmeier, (970)291-4350. ken.kehmeier@state.co.us.
