Trout hatcheries proponent, former Mono Senator Dave Cogdill, issued an email on Thursday to say he believes “barring a miracle, Senate Bill 1148 will pass the legislature, and I’m confident the Governor will sign it,” said the former Senator. Cogdill thinks the “environmental community will be in charge of trout hatcheries.” The organization CalTrout thinks SB 1148 is a good thing.
CalTrout had issued a statement that said SB 1148 “does not diminish funding for hatcheries, would reaffirm AB 7’s establishment of the Heritage and Wild Trout program, would tell Fish and Game to stock fish in areas where they are most needed, and doesn’t harm the genetic integrity of existing wild trout populations.”
Cogdill said in his opinion the bill will mean that “CalTrout, Trout Unlimited and the larger environmental community will now, in effect, be in charge of the trout programs at the Department of Fish and Game.” Cogdill said that the hatcheries will get what Fish and Game decides to give them with “little if any regard for what anglers want.” Cogdill points a finger of blame at the Brown Administration.
CalTrout maintains that if the bill passes it will not damage the Eastern Sierra’s tourist economy by harm to the hatchery and trout planting programs. CalTrout Conservation Director Curtis Knight wrote that SB 1148 supports hatchery goals which are not currently being met.
As the California Legislature winds down its session, a vote on SB 1148 was expected today.
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It is my hope and view that Cal Trout is doing it’s job,that of advocating for the interests of trout in the Golden State. To me, I like to see trout swimming in our lakes and streams. I like to see kids with parents fishing. Even though it’s not my place to tell anyone else how to parent or fish, I think that the dynamic of that family time on the waters is one of the best opportunities to experience and discover what we are as humans on the planet. What we learn from our folks we pass on to our kids. If we teach our kids about the wonders,love and respect of mother nature then there will be a better world now and into the future. It is not this over simplfication of cause and effect of the simple expierence of being with your loved one quietly spending time in nature that, Cal Trout, individuals and groups have as their hidden agenda. It is rather a part of the wheel that is rolling along in time. The fish are swimming non stop and they are also part of time and and a important part of the majesty and gift of life on the planet.
http://caltrout.org/2012/08/caltrout-supported-sb-1148-legislation-finalized-heres-what-it-really-does/
As for my own conscienceness, I used to drown my sorrows and but then the little suckers learned how to swim, so now I watch my step , watch the trout and trust that they never stop swimming .
PhilipA- like you i sure hope CalTrout doesn’t use their newly aquired power to prove my fears of them correct. If I end up having to buy flies and barbless hooks in the near future, I’m going to be pissed.
oops mispelled my name its salblaster not sailblaster.
I thought big Al might be Howard Hughes.
Trouble,
Naw, Big Al is our resident clown.
Society needs a laugh now and then.
And you can count on Big to provide provide the yucks.
Why does EVERYTHING have to be factual and have substance?
Right, Big?
Hmmmm
What ever you say Comic .. that was pretty funny.
LOL you figured that out all by yourself Dr. Facts, I’m proud of you!
well said big al. were you a speech writer in a former life. with all the politicians that will say anything, do anything to get whats in their own best interest, and all parties doing it. seems you can’t trust anybody these days. just buckle up and enjoy the ride.
I hear ya sailblaster
Big Al must be an elected official
And not in a former life – but now.
Same goes for the guy who calls himself “Bill” (same guy as Al?)
Study the responses re: the subject matter and you will come up with some rather interesting conclusions as the real identity.
Blogging and Politics – it’s done all the time.
I read Cogdill’s statement as contradicting itself.
First:
“does not diminish funding for hatcheries, would reaffirm AB 7′s establishment of the Heritage and Wild Trout program, would tell Fish and Game to stock fish in areas where they are most needed,”
Then:
“little if any regard for what anglers want.”
Then:
“it will not damage the Eastern Sierra’s tourist economy by harm to the hatchery and trout planting programs.”
I don’t know what to make of what you quote him as saying. Most likely, this is a storm in a teacup and by next Spring, it will all be forgotten. I think that the passage of this bill was some sort of political football that Cogdill was using to get something for his support. I don’t know that for sure but my suspicions say this was all for sub rosa political machinations.
Actually CalTrout made the first statement you quoted and the third. Cogdill made the middle statement.
BK
Oh, right. Not enough coffee. Still, seems like a lot of to do about nothing.
Now, you wouldn’t be pulling the ol’ “Let’s you and him fight” game, would you Benett?
Seems like you like to editorialize a lot today.
And this seems to always end in a negative scenario.
I have no idea what you are talking about.
Benett Kessler
Of course you don’t.
LOL
It’s my blog- I prescribe Prozac.
You’re a hoot, Trouble.
Funniest person on this blog.
: >
Well at least there is a laugh to take the edge off.
Well .. the story above sounds two sided … starts off sounding like he is in favor of it. “barring a miracle … he is confident the governor will sign it. Then goes on with sounding like he is against it. The way it is written eludes to the fact he is for it in the beginning, maybe that is it?
But then .. this is the way politics are now days, there is no clear picture of what anyone is for or against, as with this example .. this guy has gotten awards from an organization who he apposes, yet the language of the bill say’s it will only enhance the former bill AB 7.
Who do you believe?
From what I have known in all of this, as Trouble has pointed out, there are not supposed to be any native trout in the eastern Sierras, any trout here were brought here for the purpose of sport fishing, so how can it be claimed the bill will enhance and protect native trout species?
Maybe there are trout native to the western slopes of the Sierras, maybe they might need to be protected, if so, then that is cool, but … then this bill applies to balance of the state as well. So then what might be good for one area, according to the law, has to be good for every where else. Just a thought, we know how much sense goes into things like this at times.
Is this really about catch and release? or is it control by individuals who feel they know what is best? .. Do they really know what is best? Do they want to further an agenda of some sort? Are they protecting fisheries, and or tourism?
What exactly is the real reason for this bill .. protection, greed, who knows for sure, except for the one’s that wrote the bill.
Here .. we are presented with it as hear say, hear say that was collected from sources either for or against it. We all know how sources can be skewed in giving what we think is fact, when it might very well be non factual.
As always, with these things, we will have to wait until after the dust settles to know whether we got screwed or this actually is a good thing, hopefully not the former.
Bring your Opening Day catch to Bishop City Park on Saturday, April 28, for the local Rainbow Trout Festival. Fish will be displayed beginning at 2 p.m.
For each fish entered, receive one ticket to the HUGE RAFFLE!
Prizes awarded at 7 p.m. and will include rod & reel combos, tackle, fishing apparel and gift certificates.
There will be live music, demonstrations, information booths & kids activities.
“Just for Fun” prizes will also be awarded for biggest fish, best stringer, ugliest & most beautiful fish.
Registration is FREE. For more info call (760) 873-8405.
Fees : $0
Hmmm. Who would give a thumbs down to what Bishop did to help their fish industry (as Bishop did with their successful Rainbow Trout Festival?
You don’t suppose these types favor local government bailouts? Earmarks? Our tax dollars?
Where is the Tea Party when it’s most needed to stop the socialism?
I don’t know what to make of Cogdill anymore. I still kind of think he is in bed with Cal-Trout. But I do expect cal-Cal to generally screw the Eastern Sierra’s in the long run. Our hatcheries will now be told where to put our trout by a group that cares nothing about fishermen. There are no native trout in the Inyo. I think we just got screwed.
Why do you think Cogdill is in bed with CalTrout when everything he says contradicts CalTrout?
Benett Kessler
Thank you. Benett. I’ve been trying to explain that to Trouble for a week now!
Codgill is playing political games and he is taking SB1148 too personally. He tried to get AB7 passed for a long time and it wasn’t until Cal Trout came aboard (w/ their own additions for wild trout) that the bill passed finally. But unfortunately, the terms of AB7 have not been implemented by CA DFG.
Trouble said, “group that cares nothing about fishermen [Cal Trout].” I’m sorry Trouble but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Cal Trout and Trout Unlimited care A LOT about fishermen, otherwise these groups would not exist!!! Branding these conservation organizations as “environmental groups” w/ the connotation that they are evil (as some have done) does NOTHING to help unite all anglers (bait, lure, fly) against the anti-fishing crowd. United we stand, divided we fall.
And one last thing, “There are no native trout in the Inyo”… and most of Mono as well… but there are many game animals that are NOT native to CA that are still hunted/fished… chukar, ring necked pheasants, boars, wild turkeys, the tule elk in the Owens Valley, Eurasian Dove… if we let the “non native” argument gain strength then we are screwed. Some people view the non-native trout we have locally (including wild trout and hatchery trout) as an invasive species. They are, of course correct, however… our asphalt roadways are not native either, neither is the white man, our houses, power lines, cars, things evolve… you see where I’m going w/ this.
My suggestion, Trouble, and those who feel the way he/she does is this: IF you call yourself an angler/fisherman, or care deeply about fishing – JOIN Cal Trout or Trout Unlimited!!! Stop fighting against them and let your voice be heard within the organization. They are fighting to promote and protect our fishing and/or hunting freedoms and legacies.
Lastly, are you aware that Cal Trout funds a regional rep here in Mammoth Lakes? Dr. Mark Drew. They have reps in (I believe) five regions around CA. They are paying a person a full time wage to be the eyes and ears and build community alliances with the agencies that are making decisions regarding the health of our fisheries. Does that sound like a group that want s to kill fishing? Maybe if you also believe the U.N Forces will someday invade the U.S.A.
O.K. Bill, I will join Cal-Trout to see if they really do have our best interest in mind. I hope you are correct. As you can see , I clearly don’t like people messing with our already good fishing conditions up here.
I respect your passion and persistence, Trouble. It’s just that I think these fishing issues have a lot of misinformation, a common issue w/ fishing/hunting rules/regs these days.
I agree with Trouble however I believe, being raised in the Owens Valley, that there should be NO OUTSIDE agency telling F & G where they can plant and how many. The professionals at the hatcheries know best how to use the resources they have. The hatcheries have been cut back and cut back and are doing a great job with the very limited resources they have. Tourism is what this Valley thrives on, take a look at what is happening in the valley! The snow isn’t as good as it used to be, Fishermen are complaining about the size and number of fish they are catching (due to Sacramento and enviornmental advocates forcing cutbacks), Tourism is not thriving like it used to, For goodness sakes…the valley that we love is going to face a very dismal future if we don’t wake up and take care of our Tourism. Yes this does include our Fisheries, let the professionals at the hatcheries do their job without having their hands tied by outside concerns with an Agenda!!
Take a page from Mammoth Lake’s success story this summer.
Since tourists have flocked to Mammoth this summer looking for … let’s just say, All sorts of activities, here is another way to get the funding you are searching for:
The Sierra Fly Fishing Festival is held outside each spring on the banks of the ________. On April ______, 2012, the 1st annual Sierra Fly Fishing Festival will draw anglers from across the U.S with nonstop free lectures and tips on where, when, and how to fly fish in the Sierra and across the globe as well as wine-tasting and live music.
Want to get started in fly fishing but don’t know where to begin? The Sierra Fly Fishing Festival is the ideal place to get your feet wet in the sport. Are you an avid fly angler looking to take your skills to the next level? The festival is your one-stop shop for gear, expert advice, and even instruction. Be a part of the largest fly angling event in the Sierra!
He has been involved with them since at least 2006. He was given Cal-Trouts Golden Trout Award in 2006 according to his on list of awards on his state senator wed site. Why was he awarded this and why did he accept it if he is against them? He also stated he was meeting with Cal Trout and thier lobbyist to get a better understanding and solution to this. Cal-Trout clearly came out on top again . And with his long history with these folks, I don’t believe he is really against thier actions at all.
Matters are not usually black and white, certainly in the political arena. As opposing ideologies fight for their views, they frequently
try to negotiate with one another to move things ahead. Working with someone doesn’t mean you are on their side.
BK
Very well said, Benett…
I’d sure like to know why he got their award???
Let’s cut to the chase.
The fish industry people are looking for ways to fund their industry. Perhaps even through subsidies which most people are against. ie., airline industry subsidies.
Mammoth Lakes has successfully drawn the tourists to town by entertaining them with musical concerts of all kinds, art festivals, and wine and beer tastings galore.
Since the trout people believes the fishing industry draws the same amount of people, why not have the non-profit organizations conduct similar events to entice contributions? Anything but bailing them out with our tax dollars.
Suggestion #1
The Fabulous Sierra Trout Festival kicks off on ________, with the Taste of Mammoth. It’s a chance to explore some of Mammoth’s finest eateries and taste their most delectable menu items – all in one night! Participate by voting for your favorite food and beverage for Best Taste of Food and Best Taste of Drink. Activities are plentiful throughout the rest of the weekend as the events and entertainment roll out to celebrate the fantastic Sierra Trout and its history and heritage here in The Sierra.
Good idea. I would extend your suggestion to include all events and the airport subsidies. Let NGO’s like the Chamber of Commerce figure out how to fund those events and give subsidies where needed.
For example: the Tequila Festival raided Measure U funds and the promoters of that event made a lot of money for themselves. That’s not right. The hard working public doesn’t need to subsidize promoters that create events that they profit from.
Non profit events are a different matter. Those should be funded as necessary with public funds.
Let the business community support itself without continually coming to the town’s folk with their hands out.
Why not run for County Supervisor and turn that socialistic notion of government bailing out the air industry around, Ken?
And while you’re at it, propose an agreement to be signed by all supes agreeing to be punished when the get caught greasing palms?
I’ll vote for you in a heartbeat.
No Subsidies Please,
Dept of Fish and Game is directly funded by fishing and hunting license revenue and special tags purchased by hunters and fishermen!!! These tags/licenses generate millions of dollars. I said it before, it’s a “pay to play” situation.
SB1148 – is a bill that reorganizes and allocates a portion of the DFG budget to go to programs like State hatcheries and Heritage & Wild Trout etc… I will repeat – there is no subsidy or tax using public (your) monies.
If you do NOT purchase a hunting or fishing license, please stop complaining. This does not concern you, but it does affect the Sportsmen of this State and County, the businesses and industry related to fishing and other local economic dependents.
No Subsidies Please said, “The fish industry people are looking for ways to fund their industry.”
CA DFG’s budget comes DIRECTLY from the sale of fishing/hunting licenses and tags, not from the General Fund of CA. In fact the State of California likely dips their greedy little hands into the huge DFG budget and takes more than it gives back.
“Perhaps even through subsidies which most people are against. ie., airline industry subsidies.”
Show me where you read this or came to this conclusion, please.
From 2003 through 2011, with the help of a great team, I developed, and served as President, of two important (501)c(3) non-profit public benefit corporations that served the interests of Mono County residents. Non-profits are an excellent tool to solicit support for critical projects that affect local residents as well as our visitors. Both of these non-profit efforts were endorsed by the Mono County Board of Supervisors.
Hot Creek Hatchery Foundation, Inc. – In response to the threat of closure of the California Dept. of Fish and Game’s Hot Creek Hatchery, the communities of Mammoth Lakes and June Lake contacted hatchery manager Mike Seefeldt and myself for help in developing alternatives for keeping this facility operating. This hatching and rearing facility is crucial to the summer fishing economy of Mono County. After months of reviewing options for State trout production, we decided that a focused, non-profit corporation was the most viable alternative for supporting the hatchery.
Tim Alpers
http://www.timalpersfordistrict3.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=59
Why not apply those fundraising skills towards the hatchery bailout?
Festivals, concerts, wine-tasting, food tasting, fly-fishing seminars, etc.?
If as many tourists that come to the Sierra are fishermen as you have said, then it should be no problem soliciting funds.
Place a moratorium on all earmarks until the budget is balanced, and then require a two-thirds majority to pass any earmark. (55.47%). Fishing industry included.
There should be strict adherence to the United States Constitution reducing government spending and taxes, and reduction of the local/town/county/national debt and budget deficit.
There is only one way to accomplish this, and it is not demanding handouts from the county and the taxpayers that fund the county.
Who in their right mind would give a thumbs down to a moratorium on all earmarks?
What could they possibly be thinking?
The term pork barrel politics usually refers to spending which is intended to benefit constituents of a politician in return for their political support, either in the form of campaign contributions or votes.
I hope we don’t see this sort of nonsense in OUR local government.
There are lots of clever little buggers out there who know the ropes and how to grease palms.
Typically, “pork” involves funding for government programs whose economic or service benefits are concentrated in a particular area but whose costs are spread among all taxpayers. Public works projects, certain national defense spending projects, and agricultural subsidies are the most commonly cited examples.
Another idea for conducting fundraising events is to see what Trout Unlimited is doing to trout fishermen to donate.
Doesn’t Tim Alpers have a non-profit like this?
He should know how to do it.
If not – why not?
I can’t think of a better person to assist in generating funds for the fishing industry than Tim Alpers. Non-profits are a god-send in lieu of looking for a handout as Mr. Alpers points out on his website.
“From 2003 through 2011, with the help of a great team, I developed, and served as President, of two important (501)c(3) non-profit public benefit corporations that served the interests of Mono County residents. Non-profits are an excellent tool to solicit support for critical projects that affect local residents as well as our visitors. Both of these non-profit efforts were endorsed by the Mono County Board of Supervisors.”
I see no reason highly successful not-for-profit fairs, and events (that other trout industry people have found) cannot be applied to this area as Mr. Alpers
so wisely points out on his website.
http://www.timalpersfordistrict3.org/
Knowbody knows the Aquaculture business that Tim Alpers. He also headed up the correct way to solicit funding for Aquaculture through his not-for-profit organizations.
I am sure when he once again is in power, he will reject any and all earmarks and focus on strict adherence to the United States Constitution, reducing U.S. government spending and taxes, and reduction of the U.S. national debt that will most certainly be to the benefit of the town of Mammoth and the entire Mono County.
God Bless America!
Wow!
Tim Alper’s not-for-profit orgs once solicited funds for the fishing industry exceeding $300,000!
http://www.timalpersfordistrict3.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=59
Way ta go Tim!
The fishing industry in the Sierra CAN be self-sufficient. We need more non-profit activity like this to pull the fish industry out of the jam it is in.
With yet another successful event in Mammoth (Bluegrass & Art) it should be with ease that Tim Alper’s non-profit experience and expertise should generate TWICE the funding as before ($300K) with similar events in the Sierra. Love the Rainbow Trout event Bishop holds.
I can see why people voted for Tim.