New Bill Could Limit Stream Access

[rFisherk]

Only a concerned, active and unified citizenry can combat all this.

You are right, I believe, Spoondog, to speculate that these legislators are prone to "sweep all that under the rug." In the present political climate, they are prone to believe they can do anything, because they think everyone is too busy making a living and playing video games to pay attention. But when the challenge to their re-election from voters becomes greater than the special interest money they plan to use to buy TV ads, they retreat rapidly.

That is why, whether one gets actively involved in this or not, it is important at this time to join and support the Conservation Federation of Missouri. http://confedmo.org/

I have noticed that since all the bills to damage the MDC and conservation came flooding in, it has become much harder to simply contact representatives via email, so even if you don't want to join CFM, at least join their Action Center to make it easier to contact your representative and prevent them from shutting you out of the decision making process all together.

[Feathers and Fins]

If memory serves me SCOTUS ruled on the issue of this already. High water mark and below is the property of the state at the time of its admission in to the Union. This guy can certainly write a bill but its constitutionality doesn't hold water.

My biggest question is what in Hell is going on in Missouri with all these politicians trying to shoot Nature in its feet.

[Smalliebigs]

Please contact these people NOW if you don't know who your reps are......here is some help

http://www.house.mo.gov/legislatorlookup.aspx

here is your Senate link

http://www.senate.mo.gov/

look in the left side of this link to look up your MO Senator

[rFisherk]

Smallibigs: I'm not saying for certain that our representatives are trying to avoid us, but when I clicked on the link for the legislator lookup you provided, only one of three was actually my representative. Hmmmmmm. I caution everyone using this link to check the maps provided to see if you're actually located in the districts these people actually represent.

[Smalliebigs]

Smallibigs: I'm not saying for certain that our representatives are trying to avoid us, but when I clicked on the link for the legislator lookup you provided, only one of three was actually my representative. Hmmmmmm. I caution everyone using this link to check the maps provided to see if you're actually located in the districts these people actually represent.

sorry Ron I was just trying to help people who don't know who their reps are

[Greasy B]

Except for the occasional shuttle I don't have any use for outfitters and canoe rentals but we sure need their help with this.

[Smallieguy87]

I put a call and email in to my district rep as well as emails to our senators. It seems like there's a lot of private interests in mind and not the interests of anyone else who enjoys Missouri's water ways or resources in general.

[bs1827]

Here is what I sent my reps. Feel free to copy or modify as needed:

Dear XXXXXXXX,

I recently became aware of of House Bill 955 that has been proposed by Representative Robert Ross that would reclassify how navigable and non-navigable streams are used by the public. I believe I speak for many outdoorsmen when I say that I am completely opposed to any changes that would limit or eliminate public access from any of our Missouri streams. The proposed bill would have devastating effects recreation and tourism, as well as water quality and wildlife. Restricting access will taking away income from outfitters and other small businesses that survive on this seasonal recreation.

Due to the recent proposals that have been directed towards conservation and public access, there has been increased awareness by many outdoorsmen across Missouri. People do pay attention to these things. Protecting our access to public lands and water are extremely important me and everyone else who enjoys a relaxing float down one of our beautiful streams.

I urge you to take a stand against House Bill 955 and other bills that would have detrimental effects on conservation in our great state.

[rFisherk]

sorry Ron I was just trying to help people who don't know who their reps are

I really appreciate your post and the links. They used to work. I used them often. Maybe we all used them too often. Maybe it is just an honest mistake in the software for my zip code? At any rate, I just wanted to let people know before they presumed the representatives listed were the right ones for their location by checking the maps to be sure. I should have CFM's link to legislators about this matter before the day is out, which is a whole lot easier to use and more accurate.

[Lancer09]

Just sent something off to my rep.