Put me on there too.
I am moving in about a year. TN would be high on my list of prospects, but because of this one law it's not on the list at all.
TWRA Requesting Public Input
Started by
Guest_jblaylock_*
, Apr 16 2014 10:18 AM
92 replies to this topic
#22
Guest_Dustin_*
Guest_Dustin_*
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Posted 19 April 2014 - 08:24 PM
Please add me on Casper. Lexington, SC
#23
Guest_Casper_*
Guest_Casper_*
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- Guests
Posted 21 April 2014 - 06:29 PM
TWRA...
Native Fish Enthusiasts were disappointed several years ago when TWRA enacted their new regulation regarding non-game fish, fish usually considered as trash or bait fish by most of the general public. This is not so with members of the North American Native Fishes Association.
Formed in 1972, NANFA's mission statement has long been dedicated to the Appreciation, Study and Conservation of North America's Native Fish and is so stated in each issue of our excellent quarterly publication, American Currents.
Our membership is comprised of people from all walks of life who admire, study and appreciate the continent's native fish, many of which are found in the most fish diverse state in the union, proudly Tennessee.
We ask you to reconsider your regulation and allow fishing licensed citizens to collect and retain limited numbers of non-listed species. Live Bait Regulations, Section 3, Class C Bait Fish.
Many of our smaller common minnows, dace and darters can exist and thrive in aquariums. Enthusiastic native aquarists in adjoining states can enjoy, learn, share and teach others about the importance and wonders of the life that exists in our nation's healthier waters. Most people know nothing of the incredible diversity that thrives below the surface of the waters we drink from.
Oddly it is of frustration that species from around the entire world can be imported into Tennessee and be kept in home aquariums yet our native fish cannot be studied for knowledge nor pleasure. And with that in mind it is incomprehensible to our membership that a Redline Darter can be stuck through dead with a fishing hook and used as bait to catch a fat Bass yet no one is allowed to take home a tiny Tennessee Snubnose Darter to feed and observe.
In the past NANFA members had enthusiastically visited and traveled throughout the state to observe, photograph and at times to collect a select few fish to study. Today an American citizen can no longer do so and many simply avoid our state choosing to visit other Southeastern states as allowed. Regulations such as Arkansas's allow the possession of a limited number of non-game fish, which is much more reasonable and conducive to our fellow citizen's interests.
We understand and acknowledge the concerns expressed by TWRA but NANFA and its membership are missionaries to the general public supporting and offering programs, expressing wonders and concerns, funding annual financial grants and sharing knowledge with ichthyologists and state agencies. We are enthusiastic teachers foremost.
NANFA members are well aware of never introducing any fish into any waters. Sadly this is not the case with the general public be it releasing foreign fish purchased from pet stores, flooded fish farms, bait shops and bucket releases.
Collecting a few non-listed fish is of minimal, if not zero impact, on the diverse and often abundant populations of Tennessee's common native fish. On the other hand NANFA members are well aware of the major impact on our native fish, the siltation that results from continued development, erosion and unsound activities on the surrounding land. Collecting a few minnows or common darters is not an issue.
Thus we urge TWRA to provide reasonable allowances for those interested in our Native Fishes. To collect a few individuals of non-listed, non-game fish and at the same time generate revenue for the state, increase public awareness, and help nurture Native Fish ambassadors in the effort to share and teach of the beauty that lives below the surface.
And to speak for the youth of our country, our budding naturalists. Who among us has not kept a crawdaddy, toad, field mouse or preying mantis as a little boy or girl and learned to appreciate nature from this simple wonder?
Sincerely...
The North American Native Fishes Association
Signed:
NANFA Board Chair & Secretary and Georgia Representative: Michael Wolfe of Statham, GA
NANFA Board Member and South Ohio Representative: Matt De La Vega of Pleasant Plain, OH
NANFA Board Member and Vice President: Brian Zimmerman of Gambier, OH
NANFA Board Member and Kentucky Representative: Joshua Blaylock of Richmond, KY
Tennessee Representative & Snorkeling Guide for the Cherokee National Forest: Casper Cox of Chattanooga, TN
etc.
etc.
etc.
Ok... NANFA Forum Members...
I submitted this to the BoD Friday 4/18/14 evening and it has been endorsed by the 4 noted above. I have not heard from the other 3.
If you agree with this statement please respond here with your NAME, CITY & STATE ( and any fish related or NANFA title ) and i will include it in a printed letter. I will mail the letter before the May 6 deadline, as well as send an e-mail. In addition i urge each of you to copy this letter and add a paragraph or two of your personal concerns and interests and stamp mail AND e-mail to TWRA. The more voices the better!
Derek, Mike, Erica, Dustin, NY Mike, Doug, Subrosa, Gzeiger, Prez Bruce... though you have already expressed support for this effort, please review this letter and post / reply here your NAME, CITY & STATE ( and any fish related or NANFA title ). Some of you... i do not know your full names, city, title, etc. so please provide them after you have read this letter. Also any comments i will consider for another edit but time is SHORT!
Prez Fritz, Neely?
Forum Members... this is a opportunity to lend your support! The more names, letters AND emails the better.
Please tell me NOW if you wish to endorse this letter and add your name to it.
Native Fish Enthusiasts were disappointed several years ago when TWRA enacted their new regulation regarding non-game fish, fish usually considered as trash or bait fish by most of the general public. This is not so with members of the North American Native Fishes Association.
Formed in 1972, NANFA's mission statement has long been dedicated to the Appreciation, Study and Conservation of North America's Native Fish and is so stated in each issue of our excellent quarterly publication, American Currents.
Our membership is comprised of people from all walks of life who admire, study and appreciate the continent's native fish, many of which are found in the most fish diverse state in the union, proudly Tennessee.
We ask you to reconsider your regulation and allow fishing licensed citizens to collect and retain limited numbers of non-listed species. Live Bait Regulations, Section 3, Class C Bait Fish.
Many of our smaller common minnows, dace and darters can exist and thrive in aquariums. Enthusiastic native aquarists in adjoining states can enjoy, learn, share and teach others about the importance and wonders of the life that exists in our nation's healthier waters. Most people know nothing of the incredible diversity that thrives below the surface of the waters we drink from.
Oddly it is of frustration that species from around the entire world can be imported into Tennessee and be kept in home aquariums yet our native fish cannot be studied for knowledge nor pleasure. And with that in mind it is incomprehensible to our membership that a Redline Darter can be stuck through dead with a fishing hook and used as bait to catch a fat Bass yet no one is allowed to take home a tiny Tennessee Snubnose Darter to feed and observe.
In the past NANFA members had enthusiastically visited and traveled throughout the state to observe, photograph and at times to collect a select few fish to study. Today an American citizen can no longer do so and many simply avoid our state choosing to visit other Southeastern states as allowed. Regulations such as Arkansas's allow the possession of a limited number of non-game fish, which is much more reasonable and conducive to our fellow citizen's interests.
We understand and acknowledge the concerns expressed by TWRA but NANFA and its membership are missionaries to the general public supporting and offering programs, expressing wonders and concerns, funding annual financial grants and sharing knowledge with ichthyologists and state agencies. We are enthusiastic teachers foremost.
NANFA members are well aware of never introducing any fish into any waters. Sadly this is not the case with the general public be it releasing foreign fish purchased from pet stores, flooded fish farms, bait shops and bucket releases.
Collecting a few non-listed fish is of minimal, if not zero impact, on the diverse and often abundant populations of Tennessee's common native fish. On the other hand NANFA members are well aware of the major impact on our native fish, the siltation that results from continued development, erosion and unsound activities on the surrounding land. Collecting a few minnows or common darters is not an issue.
Thus we urge TWRA to provide reasonable allowances for those interested in our Native Fishes. To collect a few individuals of non-listed, non-game fish and at the same time generate revenue for the state, increase public awareness, and help nurture Native Fish ambassadors in the effort to share and teach of the beauty that lives below the surface.
And to speak for the youth of our country, our budding naturalists. Who among us has not kept a crawdaddy, toad, field mouse or preying mantis as a little boy or girl and learned to appreciate nature from this simple wonder?
Sincerely...
The North American Native Fishes Association
Signed:
NANFA Board Chair & Secretary and Georgia Representative: Michael Wolfe of Statham, GA
NANFA Board Member and South Ohio Representative: Matt De La Vega of Pleasant Plain, OH
NANFA Board Member and Vice President: Brian Zimmerman of Gambier, OH
NANFA Board Member and Kentucky Representative: Joshua Blaylock of Richmond, KY
Tennessee Representative & Snorkeling Guide for the Cherokee National Forest: Casper Cox of Chattanooga, TN
etc.
etc.
etc.
Ok... NANFA Forum Members...
I submitted this to the BoD Friday 4/18/14 evening and it has been endorsed by the 4 noted above. I have not heard from the other 3.
If you agree with this statement please respond here with your NAME, CITY & STATE ( and any fish related or NANFA title ) and i will include it in a printed letter. I will mail the letter before the May 6 deadline, as well as send an e-mail. In addition i urge each of you to copy this letter and add a paragraph or two of your personal concerns and interests and stamp mail AND e-mail to TWRA. The more voices the better!
Derek, Mike, Erica, Dustin, NY Mike, Doug, Subrosa, Gzeiger, Prez Bruce... though you have already expressed support for this effort, please review this letter and post / reply here your NAME, CITY & STATE ( and any fish related or NANFA title ). Some of you... i do not know your full names, city, title, etc. so please provide them after you have read this letter. Also any comments i will consider for another edit but time is SHORT!
Prez Fritz, Neely?
Forum Members... this is a opportunity to lend your support! The more names, letters AND emails the better.
Please tell me NOW if you wish to endorse this letter and add your name to it.
#24
Guest_BenCantrell_*
Guest_BenCantrell_*
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- Guests
Posted 21 April 2014 - 06:34 PM
NANFA Illinois Representative: Ben Cantrell of Peoria, IL
#25
Guest_fritz_*
Guest_fritz_*
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- Guests
Posted 21 April 2014 - 09:24 PM
Fritz Rohde, NANFA Board of Directors, President and National Marine Fisheries Service
#26
Guest_gerald_*
Guest_gerald_*
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- Guests
Posted 21 April 2014 - 09:59 PM
Gerald Pottern, Aquatic Biologist and NANFA NC Regioanl Representative
#27
Guest_Erica Lyons_*
Guest_Erica Lyons_*
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- Guests
Posted 21 April 2014 - 09:59 PM
Erica Lyons, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
#28
Guest_Casper_*
Guest_Casper_*
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- Guests
Posted 21 April 2014 - 11:09 PM
You guys and gals are doing great... that is just what we need as a community! Keep them coming and let's make our thoughts known.
#29
Guest_Subrosa_*
Guest_Subrosa_*
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- Guests
Posted 22 April 2014 - 04:22 AM
John Nixon, East Norriton, PA - Owner/Operator of Neptune's Gardener Aquarium Service LLC.
#30
Guest_Dustin_*
Guest_Dustin_*
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- Guests
Posted 22 April 2014 - 06:28 AM
Dustin Smith
SC Regional Rep
Past NANFA BOD Member
Lexington, SC
SC Regional Rep
Past NANFA BOD Member
Lexington, SC
#31
Guest_Uland_*
Guest_Uland_*
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- Guests
Posted 22 April 2014 - 07:06 AM
Once I saw this topic, I sent an email from my personal perspective.
#32
Guest_gerald_*
Guest_gerald_*
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- Guests
Posted 22 April 2014 - 08:42 AM
Does TWRA care at all about comments from non-TN residents? The ichthyo-tourism aspect sure makes sense to NANFA, but is that of any concern to the agency? I suspect more comments & signatures from TN residents will have more bang for the buck. C'mon Vols ... and write your OWN letters to TWRA in addition to signing Casper's letter.
#33
Guest_Uland_*
Guest_Uland_*
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- Guests
Posted 22 April 2014 - 09:36 AM
Gerald, Since most of their funds come from license sales, and they get quite a bit more per license from non-residents, I think all potential permit purchasers have an equal voice.
I really doubt that a fisheries manager is an elected position.
I really doubt that a fisheries manager is an elected position.
#34
Guest_Casper_*
Guest_Casper_*
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- Guests
Posted 22 April 2014 - 09:51 AM
Does TWRA care at all about comments from non-TN residents? The ichthyo-tourism aspect sure makes sense to NANFA, but is that of any concern to the agency? I suspect more comments & signatures from TN residents will have more bang for the buck. C'mon Vols ... and write your OWN letters to TWRA in addition to signing Casper's letter.
I would have to say Yes TWRA DOES care about comments from out of state individuals. Many funds are raised by the sale of Tennessee fishing and hunting licenses to visitors.
On another note... NANFA Tennessean membership has been reduced, i suspect, because of the TWRA laws for in state native fish enthusiasts. Most of Tennessee's current NANFA members are professionals and or University personnel. Perhaps i should contact all the TN NANFA members.
The more names, letters and e-mails the better. I know many of you have come to Tennessee over the years. Help modify the law! Add your name, the deadline is fast approaching.
#35
Guest_sbtgrfan_*
Guest_sbtgrfan_*
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- Guests
Posted 22 April 2014 - 09:51 AM
Stephen Beaman, Columbia, SC
#36
Guest_jblaylock_*
Guest_jblaylock_*
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- Guests
Posted 22 April 2014 - 11:39 AM
Gerald, Since most of their funds come from license sales, and they get quite a bit more per license from non-residents, I think all potential permit purchasers have an equal voice.
I really doubt that a fisheries manager is an elected position.
I agree, in the past I took 3-4 'mini' vacations to TN so I could collect and my wife could shop. They are losing money all around from me.
#37
Guest_Ken_*
Guest_Ken_*
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- Guests
Posted 22 April 2014 - 12:23 PM
Ken Glackin
Iowa Regional Rep
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Iowa Regional Rep
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
#38
Guest_keepnatives_*
Guest_keepnatives_*
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- Guests
Posted 22 April 2014 - 11:00 PM
Michael Lucas
Eastern New York Regional Rep.
Schenectady NY
Eastern New York Regional Rep.
Schenectady NY
#39
Guest_AMcCaleb_*
Guest_AMcCaleb_*
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- Guests
Posted 23 April 2014 - 12:06 PM
Aaron McCaleb
Albion, IL
Albion, IL
#40
Guest_bpkeck_*
Guest_bpkeck_*
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- Guests
Posted 23 April 2014 - 04:55 PM
Benjamin P. Keck, PhD
Postdoctoral Associate, Dept. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Instructor, Division of Biology
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Associate Editor, Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings
Postdoctoral Associate, Dept. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Instructor, Division of Biology
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Associate Editor, Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings
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