Rep Ross Joins Attack On Mdc

[rFisherk]

There are at least a dozen bills currently being considered that are aimed at damaging or destroying the Missouri Department of Conservation. They're coming at the MDC from every imaginable angle, but Rep. Robert Ross, District 142, has come up with a couple more.

Ross recently filed HB’s 833 and 834.

HB833 would flatly prohibit “clear cutting” and establish the “Forestry Management Consortium” to implement and prescribe management of state-owned forestland. The bill would require the department to follow the consortium’s recommendations “without variance.”

HB834 would prohibit the department from purchasing or receiving donated land without legislative approval. Ross additionally filed a joint resolution that, if approved by voters, would require legislative approval for any land purchased by the department.

Although I'm investigating this further, the "clear cutting" Ross is attacking is the MDC's practice of creating food plots on many of its Conservation Areas to enhance wildlife habitat. Right now, the MDC is realizing considerable profit from the sale of timber, so I suspect this is another effort to cut their revenues any way possible.

I don't think the other bill has a chance, because it is ridiculous. To tell private citizens they can't sell, or even donate, land to the MDC without legislative approval is so contrary to citizen's rights and free trade, I believe even those law makers blinded by their hatred of MDC's political independence will have trouble supporting this measure.

Ross, by the way, is on the committee for Conservation and Natural Resource.

What do you think?

[awhuber]

C'mon Krueger, At least you can get the name of the Rep. you are bashing correct...

[rFisherk]

C'mon Krueger, At least you can get the name of the Rep. you are bashing correct...

Sorry about that. I've corrected it to Robert Ross. I'd never heard of the guy, but I have a good friend named Ryan Ross and was wondering as I typed it if they were related. I guess everyone needs an editor, right? Thanks for the correction.

Oh, and by the way, it is Kruger, not Krueger.

And now I'm wondering, since you think I'm simply "bashing" this representative, do you think these are good bills? If so, why?

[awhuber]

No I dont think they are good bills and have told Rep Ross the same.

[rFisherk]

Good for you, Awhuber. So few contact their representatives, that those who do exert considerable influence, especially if they are voters in the district. Are you in his district?

[awhuber]

I am not in his dictrict but know him well. He veyry well liked and is a good Rep.

[Terrierman]

This whole open season on MDC thing needs to stop if you ask me. I'm contacting MY rep and senator right now to that effect. This is what I sent:

Dear Representative XXXXX:

My name is XXXXX XXXXX and I live at XXXXXXXX XXXXX. I’m an active voter in your district. I’ve been following what seems like open season on the Missouri Department of Conservation at the State Legislature lately. A lot of bills have been introduced that would have the effect of undermining the political and financial independence of the MDC. It’s my opinion that effort is small minded and short sighted to say the least.

I urge you to oppose all of those bills. I don’t have a list by number in front of me but I am sure you know what I’m talking about.

Many thanks for taking the time to serve in the State Legislature and I hope this communication is helpful to you.

Sincerely,

XXXXX XXXXX

[rFisherk]

That wonderful, Terrieman. I just completed my third round of emails to my senator and representatives, because all of them are on the wrong side of these issues. This is what I sent this last time; decided to just get personal this time:

Like most seniors, I vote in every election. I don't vote party line, and I usually don't make my choice based on one issue. The outdoors, and its various pleasures, however, have always been important to me, but as a senior living on SS, they now are my sole means of recreation and enjoyment. Please protect the Missouri Department of Conservation from the onslaught of legislation aimed at them.

[Al Agnew]

Just sent off my round of emails, too.

[grizzly]

Can someone give me a number to this Ross guy, or any of the other Reps that are attempting the same? I would love to talk with them in a non-contfrontational manner, but explain to him that the seeds they are attempting to sow will burn the forest. Not trying to be lazy as I will look this up on my own, but I know this forum is a great resource and that someone may have some contact info.