For Immediate Release: March 19, 2010
Bouchard encourages sportsmen to tell
federal panel of sportfishing’s importance
As governor, he will protect Michigan’s fishing heritage
Oakland County — Concerned that a federal panel could make sweeping rules regarding the use of waterways nationwide without adequate input from sportsmen and women, Mike Bouchard, Republican candidate for governor, is advocating that outdoors people make their voices heard.
“The use of our oceans, Great Lakes and local waterways is too important to leave to a small, little-known federal panel setting rules for all Americans,” Bouchard said. “I encourage fishing enthusiasts, commercial fishers and anyone else concerned about the future of Michigan’s lakes and streams to get involved and let your elected leaders know where you stand.”
According to articles published by ESPN, The New York Times and The Christian Science Monitor, among others, the Obama administration has created a task force that is drafting plans for usage of coastal areas, and inland lakes and streams, including the Great Lakes, and could make recommendations in the next month or two.
A number of advocates for recreational fishers are concerned this panel could recommend setting aside areas where people could not fish recreationally or commercially without basing the decision on sound science.
Bouchard encouraged people to follow the latest news about this issue at www.KeepAmericaFishing.org, which is sponsored by the American Sportfishing Association. The site also features a tool to easily send e-mails to elected officials in support of fishing.
“I fully support effective stewardship and conservation of our state’s and nation’s incredible natural resources,” Bouchard said. “As an avid outdoorsman myself, I believe deeply that we need to manage our resources so they are preserved for future generations. That’s why I want people who enjoy hunting and fishing to get involved and make their voices heard.”
Bouchard said that as governor he will protect the rights of fishing and outdoor enthusiasts, and ensure that they have a say in discussions about land and water use.
“As governor, I will make sure hunters and fishermen have a seat at the table,” Bouchard said.
For more information on the Bouchard campaign and his recent proposals to fix Lansing and put Michigan back to work, visit the campaign Web site at www.BouchardforGovernor.com.
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Links:
Christian Science Monitor:
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2010/0309/Fishermen-s-fear-Public-s-right-to-fish-shifting-under-Obama
The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/03/11/11greenwire-obama-admin-jumps-to-squelch-rumors-of-us-fish-65275.html
ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/saltwater/news/story?id=4944255
