Missouri Smallmoth Alliance Chapter

[smallmouthjoe]

I would be very interested in a chapter in this part of the state. Where do I sign up?

[eric1978]

I would be very interested in a chapter in this part of the state. Where do I sign up?

http://www.missourismallmouthalliance.org/MSA/Welcome.html

[smallmouthjoe]

Thanks Eric.

[ozark trout fisher]

I am not interested an any type of association with the MSA. I have been to their web site and I was astounded at the negativity they had for the MDC. Absolutely hateful rhetoric in my opinion. Just like what I keep reading on this forum on this subject.And then they turn right around and want the MDC's help.

Best of luck to you anyway.

Critical, yes, but not hateful. I believe I had read every article on the old MSA site you are referring to, but I may have missed something.

I think their have been some posts on this forum about this that have been wholesale attacks on the MDC. And I do not support that in any way. They do a good job, but I really can't get around the fact that I think they're kinda abandoning the smallies here. So I have no problem saying that the MDC made a mistake, but I will not insult them.

Good luck with the MSA chapter in SWMO. Hope it works out.

I have considered joining the MSA around here. I would not have time to attend meetings, but like Fishinwrench said, if a silent membership would help, I'll do it.

[Al Agnew]

While I seldom attend the regular meetings (well over an hour's drive, and I usually have other commitments on Wednesday nights), I agree totally with about everything MSA stands for. I have never seen any evidence of hateful rhetoric regarding MDC...in fact, we have been pretty careful to be diplomatic and keep them on our side as much as possible. Like it or not, they have to be our allies, because they are the only game in town. I have not been all that critical of them before (and certainly have strongly defended them many times). The biggest gripe I and others in MSA have had with them is what we have perceived as foot-dragging when it comes to designating new SMAs, and unwillingness to try other approaches, such as changing the statewide limits.

But this latest White Paper is disturbing. If the SMAs are working, we need more of them. If they aren't working as well as they'd like, they need to try something else, not in effect say that what we have is the best we can do.

We just have to get organized and get vocal. Please, guys, try to get a Springfield area chapter going. I'd be willing to come and give a program, or do anything else that will help.

[smallmouthjoe]

What would be the necessary steps of getting a Springfield Chapter formed? Between work and school I have only a limited amount of time to do anything. But I would be willing to find time to dedicate to an organization that is concerned with preserving an animal that I dearly love.

[msamatt]

Gentlemen:

I'd love for all of you to joing the MSA (except for Al because he's already a member). I need to do a little brainstorming and coordinating with Al and I think the two of us can put together some dates when we could have a meeting down there early in 2010. What it will take to start a SWMO chapter is much less effort than what its going to take to sustain it. I'm working on a master list of how the MSA can support the chapter but what its going to take is the a committment from several chapter members to spend the time to keep the chapter active. Once again, I have to thank Wayne for starting this discussion and I'm looking forward to working with some or all of you to get this launched in 2010.

Thanks,

Matt

[RSBreth]

Sometimes "hateful rhetoric" is defined by whether you agree or not on the premise the statement is based on. Kind of like how pointing out mistakes a President makes was "Free Speech", and "Patriotic" a couple of years ago, but now is "Racist" to the same people. Perspective.

Back to the original question - I'd probably like a SW Mo chapter, may even attend, if I had 30-hours in my days.

[Flysmallie]

I would help in anyway that I can. I'm am out of town a lot so it's hard for me to be committed to every meeting. That's the reason I didn't try to start a chapter the first time Matt brought this up about a year ago.

[timinmo]

Guys

I have been a member of MSA for about 10 years. Never underestimate the power of numbers in lobbying, it always helps if you represent more people. With that said individual letter writing is also a very powerful and a few letters or e-mails can do a lot of good. If you don't feel MDC is doing a good job letters to your elected representatives can help to get your point of view across. I know they are not supposed to be political but I think any state agency takes notice when a state rep. or senator calls. I say this because I worked for a state agency, not MDC, and anything from one of the local rep. got very quick attention.

As to forming a SWMO chapter, I think it would be great, but there would be quite a time lag between the publishing of the White Paper and any organized opposition. I am not a very active member in the present chapter but do agree with the idea and appreciate the job that Matt is doing as well as the other hard working members. I don't pretend to speak for MSA but I would think that some well thought out letters now would help to keep this issue fresh. I also don't think you have to be a expert to write a letter. Express your concern. Ask questions if you have some. Why was your stream not considered? Tell them what you want. I'm just a guy who likes to fish but I have found the MDC receptive to my questions. Their replies were not always what I wanted to hear but they did listen, I think. Anyway I am going to start now. Will I change things? I have no idea. I know that I won't change things if I do nothing.

Another Tim