Ok Now What?

[Gary Lange]

I like the way your thinking Chief! Perhaps starting a Southwestern Missouri Smallmouth Alliance Chapter would make sense. Get it going and get some meetings set up and lets hear what the members want. I have not waded any of the streams down this way because I am a whole lot Snake Shy. I can't speak for what the Streams need because I have no knowledge but I am sure I can add some knowledge to the meetings. The more members we attract the more we have to spend on Stream improvements and such as well as having cleanups on these streams and providing something to eat for those that come out. We did a log jam removal on the Kishwaukee River in Illinois and attracted about 6 College guys and gals that came out and worked on it for credit for classes in conservation they were taking. They worked hard and had a ball doing it and trust me these girls looked good in waders too. Also the Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Show could be a venue for us to talk about the organization and look for new members.

There is a lot that the present MSA can do also. They need to update the Website with information on what they have done in the way of Conservation and Education and set up a forum for member access only so that communication lines can be opened. Group outing are good as it gets members talking and voicing there opinions on what may improve Smallmouth Habitat and Fishing for future generations.

These are just a few things that can be done I am sure others have ideas also.

[Al Agnew]

That is exactly what I am thinking. What ever becomes of this, this was the easiest obstacle to tackle.

I understand that we all have a life but, if a fraction of the precieved passion that appears here could be channeled to at least one saturday a month, just think of the possibilities.

Lets take a different look at the MSA. 230 members. Of course not all of them live in the eastern region but lets say that out of that 230 members, which according to some post here, that number is growing, 10% or 23 members pledged to spend one day a month contributing to the betterment of smallmouth habitat. If you split that number 4 ways, you have a team of at least 5 members doing something every weekend and making your organization look like they are deeply concerened about and working to improve conditions.

Now I know it doesn't seem like a 5 member team can get much done. But I think smaller teams can accomplish more than one large team. Can you imagin the exposure you can recieve by hosting landowner meetings along the corridors that you want to improve? How would you now look in the eyes of the MDC? Host other types of meetings, get your name and mission out there. Be passionate, not over bearing. Work with landowners to develope a plan that would best suit both needs and offer to help implement those ideas.

Al, you have done a number of speaking engagments. Surely you can do one a month for this cause?

Absolutely I can, all anybody has to do is ask and I'll be there if it doesn't conflict with something else. One of the things I've been saying at the SMA meetings is that we need to figure out how to do programs on our goals at various venues in Ozark towns...bass clubs, sports shows, etc. Back in the days when the battle for the Buffalo River, dams or a national river, was being fought, one of the types of organizations that was very active in the fight was garden clubs. I don't even know if garden clubs even still exist, but it's an example of thinking outside the box and reaching people we otherwise wouldn't. While the regulations thing is mostly a fishing issue, the other problems facing Ozark streams are about more than just smallmouth fishing, and it would be good to reach people and organizations outside the usual fishing groups. But the fishing groups will always be one of the most important.

[Guest]

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[eric1978]

Removing logjams isn't conservation. I am philisophically against it, but I know how many people canoe/float the kishwaukee--so I guess it could have prevented some injuries.

Ditto. I would prefer it if all but the most dangerous logjams were left on the rivers. They are supposed to be there and the fish need them. I hate portaging as much as the next guy, but it's worth it overall. I know it's not a popular thing to say because of the "just say nice things" crowd, but it wouldn't bother me one bit to see some of the aluminum hatch and jetboaters turned off by the inconveniences logjams cause. I don't mind so much on the bigger, downriver water, but the skinny, upstream stretches of most streams should just be left alone and allowed to let nature take its course.

Fire away.

[Gary Lange]

Well boys in this case it was necessary as the River was flooding above the Log Dam more then a Log Jam and erosion was destroying the river banks and washing more trees and debree into the River. This section was very narrow and needed to have better flow dynamics then it was getting so even if you think it wasn't right it helped the river flow and prevented erosion along the shoreline. Also stopping someone from enjoying there sport is not right either as those with the Jetboats have as much right to enjoy the river as the next guy. They could be a big alley of ours especially if they enjoy fishing for Smallmouths.

[Gavin]

Years ago, some of us did a bit of work to get the trout regs changed. It took a bit of internet complaining, then some letter writing...but we got a trout plan in a couple of years and our trout fishing has improved...We've got the complaining down to an artform at this point, so its time to move it up a notch to some letter writing.

I'm going to write a letter to tell MDC what I think about their White Paper and smallmouth regulations in general and I'd urge you to do the same, and if your a member of a fishing club...find a way to get it on your clubs agenda, see if you clubs board will write an official response, and write an article for your club's newsletter urging people to read the whitepaper and send in their comments and recommendations.

I think that letters need to be sent the Director, Head of the Regulations Committee, Head of Fisheries, Head of Enforcement....Anyone care to hunt down some names and addresses? Cheers.

[msamatt]

Guys:

I really like some of the positive thinking in this post. After having Gary and others turn a critical eye on the MSA's website I've been working on updating its content so it provides more of the type of information he and others have mentioned including a forum which is already up and running as I type). We should have all of this done before the new year (I hope). CGB: I agree that all it takes is small groups of committed people to get something done, from small things big things grow right? Al and I have been talking about when we can make it down to Springfield or someplace else in SWMO to give a talk. So far February and March are looking like the best months for us. So, do you have any suggestions as to where and when? I know the MDC has a conservation nature center in Springfield that we could probably use.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I'm going to write a letter to tell MDC what I think about their White Paper and smallmouth regulations in general and I'd urge you to do the same, and if your a member of a fishing club...find a way to get it on your clubs agenda, see if you clubs board will write an official response, and write an article for your club's newsletter urging people to read the whitepaper and send in their comments and recommendations.

I think that letters need to be sent the Director, Head of the Regulations Committee, Head of Fisheries, Head of Enforcement....Anyone care to hunt down some names and addresses? Cheers

I think that's very good advice.

I know the MDC has a conservation nature center in Springfield that we could probably use.

Matt I'll contact the Center and see if its possible and when.

[Gary Lange]

The Ball is in motion and things will change with time. Matt I am pleased to here of the new look of the web site and the addition of the forum it is a positive move toward more members and increased funds for conservation and education. Looking forward to having a meeting and seeing who shows up and what can be worked out.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Joplin also has a nature center but, your larger crowd would most likely would come from Springfield.

I think that late Februray may be your best time. Things start heating up fishing wise in March.