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Post by Uplander on Jun 2, 2006 9:59:27 GMT -5
The Southwestern Vermont TU Chapter has crafted a nice website dedicated to preventing the VT Fish & Game Dept. from going through with a plan to stock the Battenkill. Thought Members here might be interested. www.tuswvt.org/And, it might serve as food for thought for those poor lost souls clamoring to stock the Hoosic….  |
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Post by AgMD on Jun 2, 2006 19:18:40 GMT -5
It is well established that the fishery in the Battenkill is in distress. It is fortunate that we have brought the state to admit this and to start to take actions to mediate the situation. The resident population of browns and brookies are competing for limited cover needed by bigger fish. It is commonly held by fishermen that the hatches are far less than they were just 10 or 15 years ago. There seems to be a lessening of the insect life. Why introduce sterile rainbows to compete for food and cover, stressing the resident population further? The reason is the state has a history of managing wildlife for the benefit of the tourist dollar. The sterile rainbows will provide fish catching oporotunities to the tourist fisherman. There is no shame in admitting it -- few of us would plan a weeks fishing vacation on a stream noted for poor fishing.
The question is shall this stream be managed as a natural brown and brookie fishery? This is what the state has maintained was its objective for over thirty years. This is a worthwhile goal, and in keeping with much of what has become an accepted methodology.
What the hell do these guys think they are doing --- anyway? Please , sign the petition on the VTTU web site, write letters. raise a little hell if you feel like it. This is an issue worth going to the wall for.
AgMD
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Post by AgMD on Jun 6, 2006 19:13:26 GMT -5
Update --- Understand from my state legeslator that F&G is considering delaying the program indefinatly, perhaps indefinatly. This is a direct response to public reaction. They are getting a "mixed response" .
This is important folks. Please if you haven't done so, visit the TU website as posted in Uplanders previous post. It looks as though public opinion is having effect, but we can't let up untill this idea is put to rest. As non-Vermonters I think your opinion counts even more. You represent the potential tourist dollar that IMHO is driving this idea. This an oporotunity to see your opinions actually affect F&G actions.
Thanks to all who have already taken some action on this.
AgMD
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