There’s a new kid on the Kenai. The recently formed Kenai Area Fisherman’s Coalition has begun with 15 or so members, eight to ten of which are active and retired ADF&G and Federal fisheries scientists and biologists with a total of over 120 years of experience with the Kenai’s fisheries. KAFC’s meetings are open to the public, and the group anticipates membership drives in the future.
In the meantime, I received this by e-mail from one of KAFC’s members:
Hello,
I am a member of a new group called "Kenai Area Fisherman's Coalition". We are a "Joe Fisherman" group of concerned scientific fisheries experts and recognized local private fishermen dedicated to preserving the rights of unguided anglers and personal use fishermen through proper fisheries management, sustained resource stability and balanced allocations between user groups. One of our main goals is to improve communications and inform private anglers of important issues that affect their fishing rights.
There is now an important issue that we believe needs all of our immediate attention. DEC has proposed to label the Kenai River as "Category 5 Impaired Waters" because of pollution problems associated with excessive outboard motor discharges of hydrocarbons. We applaud them for taking this stand to help protect our river. We have identified a cadre of possible solutions that may help in the long term.
1) No increase to 50 hp. DEC says this change would cause increased petroleum discharges.
2) Phase out non 2006 compliant 2-stroke motors by 2010.
3) Increase drift days for guided and unguided anglers.
4) Find a fair way to decrease and cap the guide industry.
5) Limit guides to one trip per day. Possible staggered starts.
6) Complete a carrying capacity study. May require daily reduction in total boat traffic.
7) Request a multi agency comprehensive study for long term solutions.
8) Work with all agencies to try to find a solution to restrict the adverse effects of the PU fishery.
9) Not allow any changes that would increase petroleum discharge levels.
I would appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to send a letter or e-mail to DEC stating that you support their move to declare the Kenai River as "Category 5 Impaired Water" status. You can elaborate, if you wish, on your viewpoints on the subject. Comments have to be in by Dec. 1, so please don't delay. Send your comments to the following address;
Drew Grant, DEC [email protected]
P.O. Box 11180
410 Willoughby Ave. Ste. 303
Juneau, Ak. 99801
Thank you for helping all unguided anglers by participating in this important issue. Please share this with anyone you think would be interested in this endeavor. I will keep you informed of other issues pertaining to private anglers as they arise.
Thanks Much, Dwight [Kramer]
In the meantime, I received this by e-mail from one of KAFC’s members:
Hello,
I am a member of a new group called "Kenai Area Fisherman's Coalition". We are a "Joe Fisherman" group of concerned scientific fisheries experts and recognized local private fishermen dedicated to preserving the rights of unguided anglers and personal use fishermen through proper fisheries management, sustained resource stability and balanced allocations between user groups. One of our main goals is to improve communications and inform private anglers of important issues that affect their fishing rights.
There is now an important issue that we believe needs all of our immediate attention. DEC has proposed to label the Kenai River as "Category 5 Impaired Waters" because of pollution problems associated with excessive outboard motor discharges of hydrocarbons. We applaud them for taking this stand to help protect our river. We have identified a cadre of possible solutions that may help in the long term.
1) No increase to 50 hp. DEC says this change would cause increased petroleum discharges.
2) Phase out non 2006 compliant 2-stroke motors by 2010.
3) Increase drift days for guided and unguided anglers.
4) Find a fair way to decrease and cap the guide industry.
5) Limit guides to one trip per day. Possible staggered starts.
6) Complete a carrying capacity study. May require daily reduction in total boat traffic.
7) Request a multi agency comprehensive study for long term solutions.
8) Work with all agencies to try to find a solution to restrict the adverse effects of the PU fishery.
9) Not allow any changes that would increase petroleum discharge levels.
I would appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to send a letter or e-mail to DEC stating that you support their move to declare the Kenai River as "Category 5 Impaired Water" status. You can elaborate, if you wish, on your viewpoints on the subject. Comments have to be in by Dec. 1, so please don't delay. Send your comments to the following address;
Drew Grant, DEC [email protected]
P.O. Box 11180
410 Willoughby Ave. Ste. 303
Juneau, Ak. 99801
Thank you for helping all unguided anglers by participating in this important issue. Please share this with anyone you think would be interested in this endeavor. I will keep you informed of other issues pertaining to private anglers as they arise.
Thanks Much, Dwight [Kramer]
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