Support Needed for Housatonic

[maddendfw]

Natural Resource Damage funds have been set aside to compensate for loss of resources relative to pollution of the Housatonic River. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has submitted a proposal to assess the fisheries resources in the watershed. This proposal has direct benefits to those interested in fisheries conservation and recreation. This is an opportunity to comment on how natural resource damage money is spent. Public comment will play a significant role in determining which projects are funded.

The three basic components of proposal are

1.Mapping of coldwater resources for protection
2.Tracking Movements of brown trout
3.Production of recreational fishing guides

All proposals can be viewed at
www.ma-housatonicrestoration.org

Comments can be sent to [e-mail]

Deadline for comments is close of business 10/13/06

Please reference proposal #11 Housatonic Fisheries Assessment


Andrew Madden
Western District Manager
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

[jlibs]

Per my detailed telephone conversation with Andrew earlier today, please act now! We need your immediate support for this initiative for the Housy just as you support the initiative for the BattenKill. We have until close of business tomorrow!!!

To add to Andrews previous post, MassWildLife has requested a $280k grant of a possible $4 million in available funding to offset our loss of natural resources (fish and fish habitat) in the Housy as a result of the GE polution situation:

1.Mapping of coldwater resources for protection = MassWildLife will perform a headwater analysis and create resource maps for protection and conservation of brook trout and brook trout habitat, etc.

2.Tracking Movements of brown trout = MassWildLife will use radio telemetry for aid in understanding brown trout breeding and feeding patterns.

3.Production of recreational fishing guides = MassWildLife will create guides, maps, booklets, etc. of ponds, lakes, streams, etc to promote our sport of fishing for all.

Please cut and paste the below letter and add your name and email it to [e-mail] referencing "proposal #11 Housatonic Fisheries Assessment" in the subject line. Thank you.

(please feel free to customize)
October 12, 2006
To Whom It May Concern:
I support the proposal #11 - Housatonic Fisheries Assessment, submitted by Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

As a fisherman in the Berkshires on the Housatonic River who is interested in recreation and conservation, I feel that it is imperative that something is done to compensate for our loss of resources relative to pollution of the Housatonic River by performing research and creating programs to support the fish and their habitat.

Sincerely,



Berkshire Fly Fishers Member
www.berkshireflyfishing.org

[jlibs]

Please post your thoughts and opinions as well as send your letters directly to [e-mail] by close of business tomorrow, 10/13/06.

It is likely that [e-mail] will be reading our forum and this will also be complimentatry discussion to our last nights South County meeting discussion.

Thanks,
JLIBS

[ctroy36]

I agree that we had better do this. I just wonder why we only got wind of this now -- one day before the comment period closes.

[JoeOverlock]

If our DFW gets that grant money a lot of good things will happen on the Housy. They need our supprt for this!

[strbender]

I followed up on the email I received from Joe. I sent an email to show my support. I hope it helps.

[troutjunkie]

I also sent an e-mail to support the Housatonic, we need all the help we can get to maintain our fisheries.

I have never fished the Housatonic but plan to soon. What works this time of year?

[ctroy36]

I have sent the form e-mail but also added this personal note:

"I must tell you that I have fished the Housatonic's many branches and main stem for over 60 years. Portions of the river that were productive decades ago no longer are and if they can be brought back, that would be a plus. I currently fish the C&R sections 80-90 days a year and consider it as good a trout river as there is. However, whatever can be done to enhance it should be. It has the potential to be not just a good trout river, but also a great one. "

I think it will more likely be read that way and I'd encourage others to do so. If we indicate that we really use and appreciate the river, it should have a bigger impact.

[maddendfw]

Thanks to all who voiced support for the fisheries assessment proposal. It is very important that recreational user groups, anglers and sportsmen participate in the Natural Resource Damage Funds process. Even if you chose not to support a particular proposal, it is important that groups such as this continue to make their voices heard.

A quick update on the process. We are still months away from learning which projects will be funded. updates will be posted on the NRD website at www.ma-housatonicrestoration.org

Thank you again for your impressive participation and support.



Andrew Madden
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife