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Sportfishing and Boating Community Launches Campaign to Increase Angling Participation

September 21, 2016 (Washington, DC) - The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) unveiled a campaign called "60-in-60" during a policy briefing on Capitol Hill this morning, hosted by the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF). This campaign aims to increase numbers of anglers in the United States from 46 million to 60 million in 60 months by 2021. Representatives from the angling and boating community as well as Members of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC) attended the policy briefing to learn about the campaign, focusing on ways to reassess the nation's approach to recruiting, retaining, and reactivating anglers, especially younger segments of the population. While angler numbers have remained relatively stable, the average age of those who buy a fishing license is getting older. CSC Co-Chair Congressman Rob Wittman (VA) and Vice-Chair Congressman Gene Green (TX) introduced the importance of this initiative. "ASA and NMMA are organizations that represent everyone from the industry side to individual members of the sportfishing community," said Rep. Wittman. "This initiative is about expanding the reach of the recreational angling community,"  "These briefings, like the one today, give us the opportunity to educate CSC Members and talk about something we all really love - hunting and fishing," said Rep. Green.  "Because of the current angler demographic between ages 52 and 70, we risk declining participation rates in the next decade," said CSF President Jeff Crane. "In order to effectively recruit enough anglers to sustain the industry's economic impact in the country, as well as the significant contribution anglers and boaters make to conservation, we need a new approach to get people reconnected with one of the nation's most enduring pastimes - fishing." The Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund (Trust Fund), a program first established by Congress in 1950, generates revenue for state natural resource agencies through excise taxes paid by anglers and boaters on fishing tackle, marine electronics and motorboat fuels. Currently, the Trust Fund distributes $600 million annually to all 50 states for fisheries management, habitat improvement projects, boating access, and aquatic education. "We thank the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus for meeting with us to learn more about the future of recreational fishing and the new '60-in-60' angler participation initiative. CSC Members understand that clean water, abundant fish and access to both are crucial to outdoor recreation overall and getting people out on the water," said Vice President of ASA Scott Gudes. "This new initiative is focused on what the sportfishing community needs to do to be more customer-focused and develop the next generation of anglers." "Boating and fishing are two of the most popular activities in America, and our industries have a significant economic impact throughout the country," said NMMA President Thom Dammrich. "'60-in-60' is about recruitment, retention and reactivation. It's about partnerships between the industry, state governments, and anglers to focus on what we can do better to grow the sport and improve the fishing experience." ###   Since 1989, CSF has maintained a singleness of purpose that has guided the organization to become the most respected and trusted sportsmen's organization in the political arena. CSF's mission is to work with Congress, governors, and state legislatures to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping. The unique and collective force of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC), the Governors Sportsmen's Caucus (GSC) and the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses (NASC), working closely with CSF, and with the support of major hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping organizations, serves as an unprecedented network of pro-sportsmen elected officials that advance the interests of America's hunters and anglers.

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Political Commentary and Opinion

The opinions posted on this site are not necessarily those of the site managers or all of our sponsors.  Eco- voice can not verify the accuracy of facts asserted in commentaries but does not knowingly post articles which have serious errors.

Comments on postings can be made on our Facebook page under the Digest of the day.

  

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Solar Pipeline Solution
 

Solar Pipeline Solution
Posted on by Clifford Mitchem
In the last 4 weeks there have been 3 pipeline related ecological disasters, then 1 related to a fertilizer plant, all adding to the growing list of pipeline incidents. In Texas a natural gas pipeline burst taking out 15 utility poles and power to nearby residents. In Georgia and Alabama there was a gasoline pipeline that burst spilling 250,000 gallons into the local river. In New Mexico a natural gas line exploded killing 10 people at a camp site. In Florida a fertilizer plant had a sinkhole develop under its "slightly radioactive" retention pond releasing its toxic contents into the drinking aquifer. This all connects to solar energy in that when the new model of solar is used a mentality and understanding of renewable energy and environmental responsibility is fostered and maintained. The reach of which extends beyond the home that chooses to adopt rooftop solar.
The immediate impact of the Georgia and Alabama spill is a $0.20 increase in fuel prices (overnight) and a state of emergency called. However, what is telling about this incident is that the emergency was not that the spill caused ecological damage, but that the fuel prices will increase. It is understandable that this is an emergency and will reverberate through the entire eastern seaboard, it just seems obtuse to overlook the damage to the water and local habitat. Shouldn't a dual emergency be called at minimum? The emergency simply echoes the focus of the powers that be. A community focused on solar is one that accepts electric vehicles bypassing gasoline, insulating them from fluctuating fuel prices and protecting them by impacting the use of pipelines.....

 

The Mosaic fertilizer plant is not directly connected fossil fuels, but it is directly related to the fossil fuel mentality and example of conduct. Their pond leaked for a week before announcement and I suppose slightly radioactive is akin to a little pregnant. The lackadaisical response is a direct reflection of the foot dragging clean up and mitigation precedent established by the CONG (Coal, Oil, Natural Gas) industry. A wanton disregard for environmental impact is contagious, the corollary is that respect for the environment and using clean resources is as well. Going solar is that standing testament to environmental responsibility that is required to make lasting change.
The solar solution is seen in all of these tragic incidents specifically the need for environmental responsibility to play a greater role in our lives or allow ecological damage to play a greater role. The decision is up to the individual because the decision to reinforce the status quo is evidently the one made by industry and oversight leaders. There are enough effected and concerned people to make solar the solution to the pipeline problem. A spill to solar is just a welcomed sunny day. There comes a point when enough is enough. We have to make the conscious decision to be good stewards of this world and be the example of environmentally responsible choices. These decisions are not coming from the heads of CONG corporation or heads of state (in a sufficient way). These heads are pushing and allowing legislation that will stifle renewables through Amendment 1 and similar bills. Only the people can provide the support to stop them and lead the example of distributed power. The actions need to be done from the bottom up, from the people most effected by these disasters. We can make the change and the heads will follow. Do your part by using clean renewable power.

 Eco-Voice readers you can play a particularly impactful role by adopting solar. Every one that looks into solar adoption for their home will help provide support for this magazine to continue to be the central hub of environmental information, meet ups, and activity. For each proposal that a reader gets Eco-Voice will be rewarded. Go solar to support all of our efforts.
Go forth and spread sunshine,
Clifford Mitchem
Independent Energy Advisor
Clean Renewable Energy Worldwide 

EPA Encourages Homeowners and Communities to Maintain Septic Systems during SepticSmart Week

WASHINGTON -Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency -- in conjunction with federal, state and local government and private sector partners -- is kicking off its fourth annual SepticSmart Week to encourage American homeowners and communities to properly maintain their septic systems.

More than 26 million homes in the United States -- one in five households -- depend on septic systems to treat wastewater. If not maintained, failing septic systems can contaminate groundwater and harm the environment by releasing bacteria, viruses and household hazardous waste to local waterways. Proper septic system maintenance protects public health and the environment and saves the homeowner money through avoided costly repairs.

"By taking small steps to maintain septic systems, homeowners not only protect our nation's public health and keep our water clean, but also save money and protect their property values," said Joel Beauvais, Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Water.

Simple tips for homeowners:
  
   - Protect It and Inspect It: Homeowners should generally have their system inspected every three years by a qualified professional or according to their state or local health department's recommendations. Tanks should be pumped when necessary, typically every three to five years.
   - Think at the Sink: Avoid pouring fats, grease, and solids down the drain. These substances can clog a system's pipes and drainfield.
   - Don't Overload the Commode: Only put things in the drain or toilet that belong there. For example, coffee grounds, dental floss, disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts, and cat litter can all clog and potentially damage septic systems.
   - Don't Strain Your Drain: Be water efficient and spread out water use. Fix plumbing leaks and install faucet aerators and water-efficient products. Spread out laundry and dishwasher loads throughout the day: too much water at once can overload a system that hasn't been pumped recently.
   - Shield Your Field: Remind guests not to park or drive on a system's drainfield, where the vehicle's weight could damage buried pipes or disrupt underground flow.

EPA's SepticSmart program educates homeowners about proper septic system care and maintenance all year long. In addition, it serves as an online resource for industry practitioners, local governments and community organizations, providing access to tools to educate clients and residents.

For information on SepticSmart Week or tips on how to properly maintain your septic system, visit www.epa.gov/septicsmart

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Click on map for flow data

  

Lake O - 15.6'  

• South Florida Environmental Report 
• Live Data (water conditions, status of gates) 
• Lake Okeechobee Water Level History and Projected Stages [PDF] 
• Lake Okeechobee Stage-Area-Capacity (LOSAC) 
• Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule Technical Summaries 
• Moving Water South of Lake Okeechobee 
• Environmental Monitoring 
• North Shore Lake Okeechobee Navigation Lock Operation Criteria [PDF] 
• Army Corps of Engineers Lake Okeechobee Report 
• Army Corps of Engineers Lake Okeechobee Website 

 

 

Caloosahatchee Condition :

Past reports and background information on Caloosahatchee conditions are available online at: http://www.sccf.org/content/201/caloosahatchee-condition-reports.aspx

 

  

 

 
  
This morning our attorney, David A. Ludder, sent a letter to EPA putting them on notice that Florida's Human Health Toxics Criteria must be disapproved when EPA receives it.  Federal rules require that states give 45 days notice to the public before holding a final hearing for proposed changes to water quality standards.  Florida DEP's notice appeared in the Florida Administrative Register only 26 days before the final hearing before the Environmental Regulation Commission (ERC). 
 
Here's a link to Mr. Ludder's letter: 
http://www.enviro-lawyer.com/2016.09.20_Fla_HHC_Comment.pdf

  
As things stand right now, DEP plans to send their rule to EPA on October 10^th.  That may change if EPA tells DEP that they will have to start over with a proper notice.  Let's hope that happens.  Meanwhile, the City of Miami has filed a notice of appeal and that will move forward at the Third District Court of Appeals.  The other Petitioners could file an appeal as well. 
 
Here's a link to our press release:
http://floridacleanwaternetwork.org/letter-to-epa-toxics-rule-to-arrive-doa/

 

Joint WG/SCG Meeting - September 29, 2016 by evergladesrestorationblog

  

 

Today's Climate News from Around the World

 

A Little Green History  

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Save the date for "Ding" Darling Days

 

Mark your calendars for this year's "Ding" Darling Days birding and eco-festival at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, Florida, the week of Oct. 16-22, 2016.

 

Family Fun Day kicks off the week with free activities on Sunday, Oct. 16. It features all-free refuge tours, live wildlife presentations, archery clinics, hot dogs, a touch tank and butterfly house, and kids' nature crafts.

 

SAVE THE DATE

Florida Gulf Coast University is organizing a conference next March on campus entitled:

Conserving Biodiversity: Challenges for Florida in the Anthropocene

There will be an amazing lineup of internationally recognized researchers, educators, managers and policy specialists involved with the biodiversity crisis happening worldwide but with an emphasis on Florida.

The conference will be March 7-9, 2017.

As of this date, the remaining seats will be limited to about 120 with registration opening in late October. A block of rooms at local hotels will be available at a reduced conference rate.

If you would like to be notified of a brief early registration period, please send a message indicating this to John Cassani at jcass927@gmail.com

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                     " It's not cool to not know what you are talking about".  Pres. Barack Obama