An article all fisherman should read

[Guest]

It is unfortunate to think that our waterways will be worse off than they our now for future anglers. Do your part to improve our waterways.

http://www.hatchmag.com/articles/open-letter-americas-anglers/7712400#.VQl9Q_Dk4Wk.facebook

[Ham]

I agree with the thoughts Andy. We need to do our part to protect the resources we enjoy AND that is a LOT more than just grabbing up beer cans and plastic bottles. Garbage like that is ugly, but does minimal damage to the ecosystem as a whiole.

I didn't agree with the written feature in the link at all. I don't remember any of the folks against the MASSIVE pig farm being built in the Buffalo River drainage being marginalized with the label of "radical". I KNOW that rivers have been heavily damaged by careless mining locations and techniques. I wouldn't label people opposing wilderness areas in Alaska as radicals

I'd like to think their can be use of the resources in ways that minimize damage IF it is done properly and in physical locations that allow for it. We should push for that.

It seemed strange to see a piece spend so much time labeling and attacking people that have other priorities complain about being attacked and labeled for their priorities.

[Terrierman]

The single biggest water quality problem the U.S faces is too many people that want cheap sewer service and cheap food. Fix those two mindsets and I will fix the dead zone in the Gulf and 99% of the water quality problems upstream from there coast to coast. The article misses the big picture by about a mile.

[fishinwrench]

The single biggest water quality problem the U.S faces is too many people.

FTFY.

[Terrierman]

FTFY.

I started to say that but it's more. We COULD handle it. With enough money. But that ain't happening in my lifetime or yours.

[jdmidwest]

Too many people crowding the land is the problem.

[fishinwrench]

Yep. So who wants to be the first to help that ?

[Smallieguy87]

i live not far from where lead tail mining dang near ruined big river a portion of big river (near leadwood). I was actually called a hippie because i joined a discussion about some history channel show about off road 4x4. They were airing a clip where the guys where literally driving straight up the middle of the stream. I guess i am one of those radicals that wants to protect the water ways and natural resources in general.

[joeD]

What a douchebag.

I feel so much better that he'll defend me through thick and thin, and keep democracy alive in America goddammit!

[carptracker]

The linked letter lost some credibility when they stated that corporate farms are dumping pesticides, herbicides and fertilizer into our streams. I have worked with farmers for over 30 years and have never found anyone using inputs in an irresponsible manner. Farmers big or small take pride in their land and improving their soils. Most are hunters and fisherman. No-till and minimum till farming, variable rate fertility programs and seed technology have all been good for production and the environment. Using inputs in an irresponsible manner just hurts their bottom line.

When statements are made with little knowledge behind them you run the risk of being labeled a radical.

We all want to enjoy our natural resources and pass them on to the next generation in good condition. We all also need to eat three squares a day, keep warm in the winter and drive to our favorite fishing streams. Be a realist not a radical.