Would You Support This Legislation?

[jdmidwest]

I thought the original thread regarded legislation imposing a tax on people that use the river to pay for enforcement?

[ness]

That's 10!

[Al Agnew]

Chief, MSA has always in the past concentrated on MDC and smallmouth regulations changes. Yep, they are a Stream Team, and do cleanups of their adopted stretch of river. Yep, they are concerned about pollution and habitat issues, and have worked in the past with landowners doing tree planting and other stuff. Yep, they are aware of other things that could be done. But...they are a volunteer organization, and the problem with volunteer organizations is always inconsistent funding and manpower to do things themselves. And while MSA has a couple guys that are ready and willing to lobby the legislature and MDC to try to get things done on all the issues you are worried about, but an organization of 200-300 members will largely be ignored by legislators. MSA is a member of the Conservation Federation, and will continue to work within that organization as well, and they have a lot more clout. But heck, we probably have enough people that belong to Ozarkanglers to make as much difference as MSA does by themselves. Problem is, we can't get anybody to agree on much of anything:)

[Chief Grey Bear]

We agree something should be done.

[Wayne SW/MO]

One thing not brought up in the thread that I have noticed is game wardens. Doesn't every county have at least one game warden? They would be perfect for the job of enforcing laws on rivers, since they have more jurisdiction than anyone in the state. And what do they do when its not hunting season??

I can't believe you posted this.

One agent per county, some have two. Lets see, Stone only has the James river, Table Rock lake, Crane, Flat, and Finley creeks to worry about.

The laws are there, just the desire is missing. If enough pressure is put on the affected agencies most will respond, then if money really needed I'm sure they will throw something on a ballot.

Arbitrarily asking a certain fee isn't likely to go anywhere unless it also so has a plan detailing where the money will go and for what. Many counties already have tourist dollars to work with.

A plea to the authorities to enforce laws, ensure there isn't over use and that Stream Teams get a lot of cooperation would be the place to start in my opinion.

As far as changing the mindset of the people, that only goes so far and that's a proven fact and one of the reasons we have so m any laws,

[ness]

The laws are there, just the desire is missing. If enough pressure is put on the affected agencies most will respond, then if money really needed I'm sure they will throw something on a ballot.

Arbitrarily asking a certain fee isn't likely to go anywhere unless it also so has a plan detailing where the money will go and for what. Many counties already have tourist dollars to work with.

A plea to the authorities to enforce laws, ensure there isn't over use and that Stream Teams get a lot of cooperation would be the place to start in my opinion.

As far as changing the mindset of the people, that only goes so far and that's a proven fact and one of the reasons we have so m any laws,

[Quillback]

X2

[Chief Grey Bear]

Way to pay attention. I said that yesterday.

[Quillback]

Well then, kudos to you Chief also.

[gotmuddy]

I can't believe you posted this.

One agent per county, some have two. Lets see, Stone only has the James river, Table Rock lake, Crane, Flat, and Finley creeks to worry about.

Table rock lake should already have enforcement from the corps. Game wardens should never have to worry about it.