A Special Appeal from the Abaco Fly Fishing Guide Association

AFFGA is challenging Prescott Smith and the Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association who they believe are the primary authors of the draconian fly fishing draft legislation that has caused so much panic in the flats fishing industry.

LINK

Montana landowners curbing access to public lands

Private landowners and public access advocates are increasingly butting heads in court over what is private and what is public.

LINK (via: The Great Falls Tribune)

Lord Help Us

Liz Cheney is running for the Senate seat now held by Michael B. Enzi, onetime fly-fishing partner of her father.

LINK (via: Ski Curbed)

There's only one slight problem, Enzi has no plans to retire.

Fly Fishers Disagree on Silver Creek Restoration Proposal

To mitigate the imapct of sediment build up there is a proposal to do restoration work on Silver Creek’s Kilpatrick Pond. Good for the fish but, as always, there are some who don't care for the proposal.

Magic Valley covers the restoration plan and debate in depth, along with instructions on how you can submit your own comments. A public hearing on the proposal will be held on March 19th.

LINK (via: MagicValley)

Send Lawyers Guns and Money

The proverbial shit is hitting the fan (again) in Utah when it comes to public access. Last week lawyers representing the Utah Stream Access Coalition argued in a Heber City courtroom that HB141 violates the public trust doctrine by limiting public access for anglers, boaters. In all likelihood this case will ultimately be decided by the Utah Supreme Court.

Meanwhile as this battle plays out, a new bill has been proposed by Rep. Kay McIff, the Richfield Republican who sponsored HB141. His new bill, HB68, is being pushed by property rights groups and would limit the state’s public trust obligations to those spelled out only in statute and in the Utah Constitution.

LINK (via: The Salt Lake Tribune)

"Some of the more problematic and controversial uses occurring in Utah are not addressed," he said. "Stream access is an area of concern.

OIA President Frank Huglemeyer raised the issue of stream access as part of the unveiling of Utah Governor Herbert's unveiling of "The State of Utah Outdoor Recreation Vision." prior to last week's Outdoor Retailer Show.

LINK (via: The Salt Lake Trib)

You can help by joining the cause, spreading the word and staying infomed. Head over to the Utah Steam Access Coalition Facebook page and give them a like, share with your network and sign up for their newsletter. They can use all the help and support they can get.

Mike Enzi does not deserve an award named after Jim Range

The American Fly Fishing Trade Association's recently wrapped up the Jim Range National Casting Call in Washington DC, an event that "brings the fly fishing industry to congressional and government agency decision makers.

According to the Casting Call web site:

The event spotlights AFFTA’s strategic and core partner, the National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP), a public/private collaboration working to protect, restore and enhance our waterways and fisheries across the country. The Jim Range National Casting Call provides the venue for NFHAP to honor exceptional individuals or partners who have demonstrated a commitment to fish habitat conservation, science, or education with the National Fish Habitat Annual Awards.

Part of the Casting Call festivities is a Capitol Hill reception where Wyoming Senator Mike Enzi, and California Congressman Mike Thompson, were honored with the new Jim Range Legislator of the Year Award. Congressman Thompson for his efforts to protect salmon and steelhead on the Klamath, Enzi for attending every prior Casting Call and for helping small businesses as a member of the Senate Committee on Finance.

Worthy winners of an award named after prominent conservationist Jim Range? Well, you be the judge.

Thompson scores 96% on the most recent League of Conservation Voters scorecard while Enzi scores a whopping 14%. In otherwords Mike Thompson votes for the environment 96% of the time while Mike Enzi does only 14% of the time. Even the Republicans for Environmental Protection only gave Enzi a score of 40% in 2009. Why would you give an award named after Jim Range to someone who has a proven record of voting against environmental protection? Was this some sort of attempt at bipartisanship on behalf of AFFTA?

Next year's awards should only be given to individuals who support the mission of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, AFFTA's "strategic and core" partner. Based on his policy positions and voting record the Honorable Mr. Enzi does not qualify, not even close.