Northern California Outdoor Issues provides opinion and news related to fishing, hunting, outdoor recreation and water issues here and in neighboring states. This feature of www.myoutdoorbuddy.com – your online outdoors-news magazine – is published on Thursday and Friday and updated regularly. Your comments and opinions are welcome. Send to myoutdoorbuddy@frontiernet.net or to P.O. Box 402, Shingletown, CA 92688
Small town is big burr under FERC’s saddleBy Frank Galusha Whitmore -- The 5-year long battle to Save Kilarc Reservoir and its associated green hydropower facilities on Old Cow Creek and South Cow Creek in eastern Shasta County is undoubtedly the mostcontroversial FERC-licensed project in the nation. Those against the destruction of these facilities, including the popular lake 35 miles east of Redding, have filed hundreds of complaints and given scores of in-person testimonials to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, all to no avail -- so far -- but “It’s not over ‘til it’s over,” as Yogi Berra said. Here are the plotlines for this big story (one that has been missed by the major media) about how a small town is fighting to save its most valuable asset… Full Story |
The death of a village: A community fights for survival
By Thomas “Glenn” Dye, Chairman “Save Kilarc” Committee [Editor's Note: This letter is the most recent of many filings submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by Whitmore Area residents and others who have a stake in Saving Kilarc. Every letter has had its own distinct personal style and perspective. Some have been handwritten. Each one has presented solid commonsense arguments for the retention of this unique destination and the associated hydropower facilities. When taken in toto, these letters represent an enormous body of work by an inspired and inflammed citizenry that is determined to fight until the Commission, PG&E and our resource agencies agree to sit down and reach a compromise that will save Kilarc Reservoir and better serve the public interest.]
The small community of Whitmore in Northern California is in a fight for its future. The village nestles in the pine covered hills thirty miles east of Redding and its very existence is threatened by unsubstantiated bureaucratic decisions. The Village has only three major businesses, along with a Post Office, two Churches, an Elementary School, a Community Center, and a Volunteer Fire Department second to none. If we lose the Village and its population, we will also lose the Fire Fighters that have traveled as far as Southern California to fight fires. Full Story |
Redding Rancheria enters battle for Kilarc ReservoirAsks FERC for 30-day extension, consultation Redding Rancheria has entered the fray in the battle to save Kilarc by asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a 30-extension for comments on FERC’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement and a consultation with the tribe... Full Story |
Kilarc P606 Draft EIS is Fundamentally Flawed; Do it over! -- Evergreen Shasta Power to FERCBy Frank Galusha In a 118-page filing dated August 25, Evergreen Shasta Power has told the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that its recently issued Draft Environmental Impact Statement regarding destruction of Kilarc Reservoir and its associated hydropower facilities is fundamentally flawed, erroneous, inadequate and must be redone. ESP has the backing of Shasta County, Sierra Pacific Industries and Congressman Wally Herger and is prepared to operate and maintain these facilities in lieu of their destruction. Although it is challening for the average person to read legal documents, MyOutdoorBuddy urges every stakeholder to do so. This one is worth the effort. You will learn much about how our regulatory and resource agencies treat us as puppets on a string. Take the time! The document is a collaborative effort, which includes input from ESP representatives Steve and Bonnie Tetrick and others; Shasta County's Director of Resources Rull Mull; Sierra Pacific Industries; independent consultants; Whitmore community volunteers including Maggie Trevelyan and the law firm retained by ESP: Spiegel & McDiarmid LLP of Washington DC with lead attorney on the case Frances E. Francis. All of these and more, have done a splendid job of peeling back the layers of this rotting onion for everyone to see. If nothing else peruse the document -- a direct link to it will be provided as soon as it is released by FERC. The filing, which can be read in full at the FERC website [Link to be provided when available] states in its opening paragraphs: Full Story |
“Opponent’s call for MLPA delay is bogus” – Karen Brooks 1st Dist. Assembly Candidate[Editor’s Note: The letter below, written by Candidate Brooks, rightly calls the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans to task for giving credence to her opponent’s last-minute call for a measly six-month delay in implementation of the MLPA. To see the support POS gave to Brook’s opponent for the First District Assembly seat go to http://www.myoutdoorbuddy.com/fishing_report.php?fishing=2232s – Brook’s calls it, as Howard Cosell used to say, “like it is!”] TO: Partnership for Sustainable Oceans & American Sportfishing Association My name is Karen Brooks, candidate for first district state assembly. I have been following MLPA for quite some time and am running against Wesley Chesbro because he voted for this as a state senator in 1999 and has sat on the sidelines since while our communities twist in the wind. Asking for a delay is just one more wasted breath comment we have been hearing for far too long. July 2009 Chesbro comments that the science should be looked into. Has that happened? No! April 2010 Chesbro comments that maybe we need some hearings. Has that happened? No! Now Chesbro says we should wait 6 months. Will he do anything to confirm this? NO! Full Story |
Is it time to review and revise the ESA?By Frank Galusha Many outdoorsmen are very skeptical of the Endangered Species Act. Recently, (see this issue of MyOutdoorBuddy) the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation issued a call asking Congress to review this act due to a recent judge's decision to reinstate full federal protection for gray wolves. RMEF says the judge has opened a door for perhaps the greatest wildlife management disaster in America since the wanton destruction of bison herds over a century ago. In my view, this and many other questionable applications of the Act give us reason to be skeptical of all efforts to save various plants and animals that are said to need protection. Such news reached my desk on August 9. That’s when the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service issued the following press release, which was headlined: “Recently discovered plant will be considered for federal protection; Fish and Wildlife Service opens comment period for detailed review” The lead paragraph continued: “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will proceed with a full review of a rare San Francisco plant, thought extinct in the wild until ten months ago, for possible listing under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). In its initial review of a petition to protect the Franciscan Manzanita (Arctostaphylos franciscana), the Service determined that there is sufficient information to conduct a more detailed examination. At the end of a more exhaustive thorough status review, commonly termed a 12-month review, the Service will decide whether to protect the species under the ESA.” The release (also posted here at MyOutdoorBuddy) came from Sarah Swenty in External Affairs for the USFWS Sacramento Field Office. Sarah was formerly with California Waterfowl, a straight shooter and someone I respect. But because of my skepticism I couldn’t resist throwing a barrage of questions at her about the need for this examination. Full Story |
Recently discovered plant will be considered for federal protectionFish and Wildlife Service opens comment period for detailed review August 9 -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will proceed with a full review of a rare San Francisco plant, thought extinct in the wild until ten months ago, for possible listing under the federal Endangered Speces Act (ESA). In its initial review of a petition to protect the Franciscan Manzanita (Arctostaphylos franciscana), the Service determined that there is sufficient information to conduct a more detailed examination. At the end of a more exhaustive thorough status review, commonly termed a 12-month review, the Service will decide whether to protect the species under the ESA... Full Story |
Don’t bring up politics? Watch this on YouTube!By Frank Galusha It’s time to stop being politically correct! If good American citizens don’t start speaking up we will soon lose all our freedoms. We see it happening piecemeal all the time. One step at a time we are losing our rights to use our lands and the oceans. Worse yet, we are also losing rights guaranteed to us by the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. A video being shown now on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVAhr4hZDJE really makes this point starkly clear. Full Story |
RFA pushes for flexibility bill"Unless We Unite...Sportfishing is in big trouble"
By Jim Hutchinson, Jr. Recreational Fishing Alliance, Managing Director
[Editor’s Note: While Mr. Hutchison’s alert posted below refers to the east coast fisheries being closed by NMFS via the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), what’s going on there is exactly what is happening to our fisheries here. MyOutdoorBuddy.com urges all its readers to support the RFA in every way possible.]
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Old Outdoor Issues
“Opponent’s call for MLPA delay is bogus” – Karen Brooks 1st Dist. Assembly Candidate[Editor’s Note: The letter below, written by Candidate Brooks, rightly calls the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans to task for giving credence to her opponent’s last-minute call for a measly six-month delay in implementation of the MLPA. To see the support POS gave to Brook’s opponent for the First District Assembly seat go to http://www.myoutdoorbuddy.com/fishing_report.php?fishing=2232s – Brook’s calls it, as Howard Cosell used to say, “like it is!”] TO: Partnership for Sustainable Oceans & American Sportfishing Association My name is Karen Brooks, candidate for first district state assembly. I have been following MLPA for quite some time and am running against Wesley Chesbro because he voted for this as a state senator in 1999 and has sat on the sidelines since while our communities twist in the wind. Asking for a delay is just one more wasted breath comment we have been hearing for far too long. July 2009 Chesbro comments that the science should be looked into. Has that happened? No! April 2010 Chesbro comments that maybe we need some hearings. Has that happened? No! Now Chesbro says we should wait 6 months. Will he do anything to confirm this? NO! Full Story |
PSO supports request to delay North Coast MLPA Process[Editor’s Note: Karen Brooks, candidate for the office held by Assemblyman Chesbro (D) Arcata has been calling for postponement, review and/or repeal of the MLPA for over 60 days in her bid the First District seat. PSO should be interviewing Brooks as it was the pressure she brought to bear on Chesbro that caused him to seek this measly, inadequate, six-month delay. “NO MLPA” is Brook’s campaign slogan.] As concerns about the implementation of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) escalate, Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-Arcata) recently asked California Resources Secretary Lester Snow for a six-month delay in the MLPA's implementation in the North Coast. The Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO), which has actively and constructively participated in the MLPA process while representing California's recreational anglers and boaters, fully supports Assemblymember Chesbro's request to delay the process to allow more time to develop a plan that balances marine conservation with access for the public and traditional user groups... Full Story |
What happens when a small town speaks truth to power?By Frank Galusha August 17, Whitmore -- If a small town speaks truth to power are its pleas for mercy actually heard? That was the question last night in Whitmore when over 100 residents descended upon their volunteer-built Community Center to ask the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to spare Kilarc Reservoir. I think the answer is... Full Story |
Legislature delays bad water bond instead of dumping itBond’s prospects just as poor in 2012 as it is now From www.VoteNoOn18.org Legislators admitted on Monday the $11 billion water bond (Prop. 18) is immensely unpopular with voters. They also did not expect support to improve by 2012. No matter! The measure is now scheduled to be placed on the ballot in two years... Full Story |
Is it time to review and revise the ESA?By Frank Galusha Many outdoorsmen are very skeptical of the Endangered Species Act. Recently, (see this issue of MyOutdoorBuddy) the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation issued a call asking Congress to review this act due to a recent judge's decision to reinstate full federal protection for gray wolves. RMEF says the judge has opened a door for perhaps the greatest wildlife management disaster in America since the wanton destruction of bison herds over a century ago. In my view, this and many other questionable applications of the Act give us reason to be skeptical of all efforts to save various plants and animals that are said to need protection. Such news reached my desk on August 9. That’s when the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service issued the following press release, which was headlined: “Recently discovered plant will be considered for federal protection; Fish and Wildlife Service opens comment period for detailed review” The lead paragraph continued: “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will proceed with a full review of a rare San Francisco plant, thought extinct in the wild until ten months ago, for possible listing under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). In its initial review of a petition to protect the Franciscan Manzanita (Arctostaphylos franciscana), the Service determined that there is sufficient information to conduct a more detailed examination. At the end of a more exhaustive thorough status review, commonly termed a 12-month review, the Service will decide whether to protect the species under the ESA.” The release (also posted here at MyOutdoorBuddy) came from Sarah Swenty in External Affairs for the USFWS Sacramento Field Office. Sarah was formerly with California Waterfowl, a straight shooter and someone I respect. But because of my skepticism I couldn’t resist throwing a barrage of questions at her about the need for this examination. Full Story |
Recently discovered plant will be considered for federal protectionFish and Wildlife Service opens comment period for detailed review August 9 -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will proceed with a full review of a rare San Francisco plant, thought extinct in the wild until ten months ago, for possible listing under the federal Endangered Speces Act (ESA). In its initial review of a petition to protect the Franciscan Manzanita (Arctostaphylos franciscana), the Service determined that there is sufficient information to conduct a more detailed examination. At the end of a more exhaustive thorough status review, commonly termed a 12-month review, the Service will decide whether to protect the species under the ESA... Full Story |
MLPA UPDATE - The “Secret” Proposal Zero -- There are better options for North Coast says candidate BrooksWith a hammer over your hand, your adversary asks, “Which finger can you live without?” You are told that keeping all your fingers is NOT an option and if you’re lucky only one finger will be destroyed. This is a choice? Sounds more like tyranny. Welcome to the Republic of California... Full Story |
Residents urged to attend Save Kilarc meeting, August 17 6-8 p.m., Whitmore Community CenterBy Maggie Trevelan, Save Kilarc Committee The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission F.E.R.C. held a “short notice” public meeting in Redding on July 14th regarding the draft E.I.S. on the Kilarc/Cow Creek P 606-027, possible decommissioning of the power plants. As you are aware this report was an unwieldy 275+ pages of deplorable inaccuracies and disregard for the people, environment, history & critters of Whitmore and Shasta County. It was disrespectful and totally lacking in regard for the needs of a rural community. Many of you (over 120) attended and made superbly relevant comments! (Once again). The transcript of this meeting can be accessed here at MyOutdoorBuddy...if you have any problems please copy and paste the link into your browser.
As a result of protests and complaints by the public, the Shasta County Board of Supervisors and Congressman Wally Herger CD-2 regarding the short notice and inconvenience of time and place for themselves and many Whitmore residents. Subsequently F.E.R.C. is holding a PUBLIC Meeting here in Whitmore, August 17 from 6-8 p.m. at the Whitmore Community City to allow those who were unable to attend the first meeting to have a chance of making their views known. See notice below... |
No on 18 Opposes A.B. 1265
Repeal, Don’t Delay the Water Bond The No on Proposition 18 campaign today announced its opposition to A.B. 1265, a bill to postpone the $11 billion water bond from this November’s ballot to 2012. “A vote for A.B. 1265 is a vote for the water bond,” said Jim Metropulos of the Sierra Club California. “Legislators should do what’s right for California and vote down this attempt to delay the measure – not try to hoodwink voters by postponing it for two years.” Full Story |
No Prop. 18: In Case You Missed It[Editor’s Note: MyOutdoorBuddy is normally in favor of any proposition that leads to privatization of anything including use of our resources. We do not object to private companies making lots of money. We are against Prop. 18 because we know the state is broke and the budget is in limbo. To be considering a bond issue of this magnitude, which includes money for senseless destruction of the Klamath River dams is outrageous. The southland should be developing ways of turning saltwater into fresh, not taking more from the north state in order to keep golf courses built in the desert well-watered. – FG] As Legislators consider AB 1265, a delay of the misguided, expensive water bond (Proposition 18) it is worth noting two articles on a recent report exposing the big beneficiaries of the passage of this pork-laden solution... Full Story |
CA Environmental Quality Act "process" begins for proposed South Coast Marine Protected AreasPublic comment now being accepted on prep of EIR [Editor’s Note: This process is a sham. Despite what this press release says, the Integrated Preferred Alternative noted below does not represent the positions of all stakeholders – it was selected by the Blue Ribbon Task Force, which is nothing more than a front for “money” driving the entire process. The money comes from the Resource Legacy Foundation not the state and the outcome is largely predetermined. Support your South Coast brethren by submitting written comments. You’ll need their support as the North Coast MLPA Process grinds on…demand suspension and repeal of the Marine Life Protection Act! You have four days to act, do it now!] The environmental review process has begun for the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) South Coast Study Region Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). On June 29, the California Fish and Game Commission and Department of Fish and Game (DFG) together issued a Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the project. This initiates the scoping phase, during which interested members of the public are invited to help identify the range of issues and type of information to be considered in the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) that will be prepared in the coming months. Full Story |
Ft Bragg stakeholders rally against MLPAThe following video was produced by demonstrators outside an MLPA meeting in Ft. Bragg on July 21...link courtesy of Jim Martin, Recreational Fishing Alliance... Full Story |
Some Hollywood Stars against Proposition 18The No on 18 Campaign today announced its release of a public service announcement against Proposition 18, the $11.14 billion pork-laden water bond that remains on this November’s ballot. The PSA features such actors as David DeLuise, from “Wizards of Waverly Place” and son of Dom DeLuise; Justine Bateman, from “Family Ties,” “Californication” and “Desperate Housewives;” Kelly Williams, from “Lie to Me,” “The Practice” and “Scrubs”; Anna Belknap, from “CSI: NY.” --- Full Story |
Misconceptions of “Agreements” entered in Congressional Record by Klamath Off-Project Water UsersJuly 23, 2010
Tom Mallams Before the US House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Water and Power, The Bureau of Reclamation and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act:
Madam Chair and SubCommittee Members,
Our organization was formed about 5 years ago to deal with power rate issues starting with the relicensing process of the Klamath River dams. I personally have been involved in the water issues for the past 30 years. Our groups is based on volunteers, there are no paid positions like all others that are pushing for dam removal and the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement. I would like to help correct the misconception of the dam removal and Klamath Basin Restoration issue. I know there have been individuals and groups portraying the sentiment in the Klamath Basin as being in favor of the Klamath Hydro Settlement Agreement and the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement. This is not true. Full Story |
Notice to would-be plagiaristsMyOutdoorBuddy.com contains copyrighted work that is the property of the publisher and/or the various authors. We never use the intellectual property or copyrighted work of others without giving complete credit. We expect you and other publications to honor our original work in the same way. This is what makes the Internet so great! Please help us keep it that way. Feel free to use our information but if you do, please give full and complete credit including our trade name, the author’s name and our URL web address. Anyone or any publication that reproduces or redistributes our work in any way without giving full and complete credit to www.myoutdoorbuddy.com in the manner described above will hear from our attorney. Full Story |
Notes from July 14 FERC Redding meeting about future of Kilarc Reservoir and hydropower plants[Editor’s Note: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission held a meeting in Redding July 14 to take public comment about the Draft EIS recently released in which FERC concludes Kilarc Reservoir and associated hydropower facilities should be destroyed. MyOutdoorBuddy was unable to attend this meeting but Maggie Trevelyan of www.savekilarc.org did. Trevelyan took notes as best as she could and has given MyOutdoorBuddy permission to reproduce them here. In her email she added this additional note: “Also speaking was Jeff Parks State of California [Water Resources Control Board] who assured us that the State will be watching carefully and will have additional parameters to consider soon!” Public comments will be accepted until August 25 by writing to FERC as directed in Trevelyan's notes.] By Maggie Trevelyan, Whitmore, CA The F.E.R.C. staff held a public meeting regarding the draft environmental impact study on decommissioning KILARC was held in Redding CA July 14. Over 120 residents, interested persons including members of the press attended and spoke about the many issues regarding the proposed decommissioning of Kilarc & South Cow Creek powerhouses and the destruction of Kilarc reservoir & picnic area. The consensus was that the draft E.I.S. was inaccurate and had more holes in it than a slice of Swiss Cheese and that the environmentalists at FERC should take the E.I.S. back to the drawing board so that the public’s comments at both this meeting and the previous scoping meetings in October 2009 be addressed. Full Story |
Don’t bring up politics? Watch this on YouTube!By Frank Galusha It’s time to stop being politically correct! If good American citizens don’t start speaking up we will soon lose all our freedoms. We see it happening piecemeal all the time. One step at a time we are losing our rights to use our lands and the oceans. Worse yet, we are also losing rights guaranteed to us by the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. A video being shown now on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVAhr4hZDJE really makes this point starkly clear. Full Story |
CFWU comments on Kilarc Draft EIS; cites provisions of ADABob Baiocchi, President of California Fisheries and Water Unlimited in Graeagle filed the following letter of comment on July 6 regarding Kilarc-Cow Creek Hydroelectric Project 606-027, the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Licensee and the Notice of Extension of Time for Filing Comments on Draft Environmental Impact Statement by the Commission of July 1, 2010. The letter is reproduced below... Full Story |
Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) charges Center for Biodiversity with using oil to start a fireSame group caused grief in California trout plant program [Editor's Note: The environmental groups are using the court system and the ESA to devastate our fishing rights all across the United States. MyOutdoorBuddy chooses to print this news about the plight of our east coast brethren for one simple reason: If we don't unite and fight back against these whacko's we will surely see our fishing rights taken away one by one. Let the RFA know you support their efforts by joining the organization!] (6/30/2010) New Gretna, NJ -The New York Times is reporting at least one environmental non-governmental organization (ENGO) is using the tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico as a calling card for fisheries reform. The Center for Biological Diversity, a non-profit ENGO heavily supported by the oil-endowed Pew Charitable Trusts, is citing the Gulf oil spill as a reason why the U.S. Government should list bluefin tuna on the endangered species list... Full Story |
No on the Water Bond Co-Chairs respond to Governor’s comments seeking postponement of Proposition 18“Repeal it. Don’t postpone it. Fiscally irresponsible plan won’t get better with age.” SACRAMENTO– The No on the Water Bond (Proposition 18) Committee Co-chairs, State Senator Lois Wolk (D-Davis) and State Assemblyman Bill Berryhill (R-Ceres), today issued the following response to the Governor’s announcement that he will seek postponement of the $11.14 billion water bond now scheduled for this November’s ballot. Full Story |
F&GC reacts to call for South Coast MLPA Scoping Meeting[Why is this news to North Coast anglers? The same MLPA steamroller is headed your way! See article here at MyOutdoorBuddy about July 7 Protest in Eureka. Protest NOW! Don’t let the corrupt MLPA process restrict our fishing rights for generations! The article below explains how it’s done.—FG] Sacramento, June 29, 2010 - In response to requests made by the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO), United Anglers of Southern California (UASC) and the city of Redondo Beach, the California Fish and Game Commission has agreed to schedule one scoping meeting for the South Coast phase of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) at a time, date and place to be announced. The decision was announced during the June 23-24, Commission meeting held in Folsom, California. Full Story |
Long Gun Registration Bill set for hearing in Senate CommitteeLegislation is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Committee on Public Safety on June 29th which would expand the current handgun registration law to long guns by requiring the Attorney General to permanently maintain a registry of all firearms purchasers. Under the provisions of AB 1810 (Feuer), those who purchase or transfer a shotgun or rifle will be required to register that firearm by submitting their name, address, place of birth, phone number and occupation to the California Department of Justice... Full Story |
FERC recommends destruction of Kilarc ReservoirBy Frank Galusha In a draft Environmental Impact Study released this week (June 22), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission brushed aside common sense appeals by local residents and offers from would-be hydropower operators to recommend destruction of Kilarc Reservoir... Full Story |
Davis Hydro files letters of support for KilarcBy Frank Galusha Davis Hydro was not napping when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a draft Environmental Impact Study this week recommending the destruction of Kilarc Reservoir despite years of common sense appeals by local residents and an offer from the would-be operator to maintain the hydropower facilities on Cow Creek and the reservoir. Within days the DH group sent out four letters of support to various federal agencies and the governor’s office. A few of the points made in these letters are highlighted here... Full Story |
Who is Davis Hydro LLC? What’s behind the letterhead?Three of the four letters sent to federal agencies and Governor Schwarzenegger this week in support of saving Kilarc Reservoir were on Davis Hydro LLC letterhead. The fourth was delivered on letterhead from The Kilarc Foundation. In addition, the name Davis Hydro LLC has appeared on numerous documents related to events in the ongoing battle to save the reservoir and its green hydropower facilities located east of the town of Whitmore. MyOutdoorBuddy asked the founders of to explain the purposes of these firms and their relationships to one another. The following response was furnished by Kelly Sackheim... Full Story |
Kilarc – a “Gordian” knot that could be unraveledBy Frank Galusha I have been following Project P606, the proposed destruction of Kilarc Reservoir and the decommissioning of two green hydropower projects in place on Old Cow and South Cow Creeks for several years. Some years ago PG&E elected not to renew its license to operate these facilities because at that time it was no longer economically viable. Today, that is not the case. The price of power is much higher but PG&E has walked away, and the decision to keep or destroy the lake and power plants is in the hands of FERC, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Full Story |
Don't enable the southland to go on another drinking binge! No on the Water Bond Coalition issues statement on AB 2775[MyOutdoorBuddy.com's postion on AB2775. -- AB2775 is nothing more than a water grab designed to serve the best interests of metropolitan areas and big agriculture in central and southern California. This is case of too many users fighting for too little water largely as a result of prior governmental interference in our markets that encouraged massive settlements or enormous farming operations in parts of California that were largely deserts. These large voting blocks have the power to pass this water bond and take more of northern California's water away from our residents, including fish and wildlife. It will take every vote we've got plus the realization by many of our south state neighbors that the Water Bond is nothing more than the hair of the dog that bit us if it is not defeated handily. This Bond will only encourage waste of our water instead of conservation. This Bond will also discourage the pursuit of other solutions to the thirst down south; namely desalinization of our ocean waters, curtailment of illegal immigration and migration to those areas in general. "Nobody is migrating south anymore," a friend of mine said not long ago, and he was right. I say, let them be parched, let natural market forces determine their future. Letting them turn more sand dunes into golf courses and more sage brush into orchards will just let the south state go on another drinking binge. --FG] No on Water Bond coalition issued the following statements on AB 2775, an alleged “fix” of the Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2010, and which passed out of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee today: Full Story |
Who is behind the Marine Life Protection Act? Follow the money!By Frank Galusha 1st District Assembly Candidate releases video of June 16 press conference; statements show Resource Legacy Fund has poured nearly $10 million into DFG coffers to finance MLPA since 2005. Karen Brooks, candidate for the 1st District California Assembly seat now held by Wesley Chesbro has released a video of her June 16 press conference in which she challenged Chesbro to stop dithering while the MPLA Initiative destroys coastal communities... Full Story |
Humboldt Anglers send S-O-S; plan huge protestThe Humboldt Area Saltwater Anglers and the Humboldt Tuna Club have put out another distress call, asking all their friends who love the north coast to join them in creating a huge protest rally on land and at sea against the MLPA on Wednesday, July 7. “The time has come to make an even LOUDER statement because the process continues to steamroll with completion in December 2010,” said the appeal... Full Story |
Call Arnold! Say “No to MPA” 916-445-4341Karen Brooks, (Republican) 1st District candidate for State Assembly, called out incumbent Wesley Chesbro (Democrat) to act on the controversial Marine Life Protection Act in front of North Coast fishermen and other supporters at Woodley Island in Humboldt Bay on Wednesday afternoon. Standing before a large sign reading Save Your Fishing, Tell Arnold No MPA 916-445-4341, Brooks used the press conference to challenge Chesbro to introduce legislation that will stop the MLPA process that is obviously corrupt and will, if carried forward, do irreparable harm to our already stressed coastal cities and their economies. Full Story |
MyOutdoorBuddy endorses Karen Brooks for 1st District Assembly SeatBy Frank Galusha, Editor/Publisher June 15: The MLPA should be suspended and repealed. Karen Brooks has the right idea, the right strategic plan and will to carry it out. Her vow yesterday to lead a campaign to fight for the suspension and repeal of the MLPA is, as she says, “the right thing to do at the right time.” If you haven’t seed today’s headlined article “Repeal the MLPA, read all about it at: http://www.myoutdoorbuddy.com/fishing_hunting_water_report.php?water=1963. Please read it now! Full Story |
“Repeal the MLPA!” Assembly Candidate Karen Brooks to hold press conference at Dock D, Woodley Island Marina, June 16, 12 noon Challenges incumbent for 1st District seat; wants to repeal Marine Life Protection ActBy Frank Galusha Vowing she would fight to repeal the MLPA, Karen Brooks, candidate for the 1st District Assembly seat has challenged north coast and all other fishing industry stakeholders to stand together behind her candidacy or watch government “systematically remove every opportunity to make a living and/or enjoy our marine areas.” In a blunt “fish or cut bait” statement on Monday, Brooks asked everyone with a stake in the battle to beat back the MPLA to stand behind her on June 16 at a “High Noon” press conference on Dock D at Woodley Island Marina in Humboldt Bay. Full Story |
What will become of our trout fishery?By Gary Heffley I credit my parents with teaching me, the all too uncommon commodity of common sense which is something I feel that many single minded or singularly focused environmental groups lack. I feel that the injunction foisted on the Department of Fish and Game in regards to their Hatchery Stocking Program by so called environmentalists and liberal jurists is just such an example of lack of common sense... Full Story |
Why limited fish plants?By Glenn Dye, Whitmore Word finally filtered out why there were few if any lakes or reservoirs planted. Initially the word was that plants of hatchery trout could escape the planted waters and genetically alter the wild trout. That meant that only triploids (sterile trout) could be planted. DFG was not prepared for this and as it turned out this appears to be more of a subterfuge than fact. After more than 100 years of stocking hatchery trout (quoting DFG Spokeswoman Jordan Traverso) it is hard to believe that one more year would affect 100 years of interface... Full Story |
It could happen here! Red Snapper ban approved by SAFMC; RFA Sees More "Nickel and Diming" From Administration[Editor's Note: What does South Atlantic fishing have to do with fishing off our Pacific Coast? A lot! All across the nation anglers are losing more and more of their fishing rights due to faulty science. If you think it can't happen here, think again, and read this report fromt he Recreational Fishing Alliance. Here on the Pacific Coast we have the Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC) and the Marine Life Protection Act to contend with as well as several other regulatory agencies. If we don't pay attention, bad science will be used against anglers here, too. -- FG] Despite significant protest from the fishing community, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) this week voted 9-4 in favor of closing nearly 5,000 square miles of fishing grounds to all forms of bottom fishing. The wide scale ban was deemed necessary in order to protect red snapper being caught as bycatch by recreational fishermen while targeted other snapper and grouper species in the area which stretches from northern Florida to the Carolinas, encompassing depths of anywhere from 98 to 240 feet, extending out from approximately 3-1/2 miles to upwards of 230 miles... Full Story |
UPDATE AB 1810: Long Gun Registration Bill passes Assembly, on way to Senate
After a lengthy debate which featured passionate opposition from Assembly Members Bill Berryhill and Jim Nielsen and quotes from the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance's opposition letter, AB 1810 passed off of the Assembly Floor this afternoon by a vote of 43-28. The measure now moves to the Senate.
Under the provisions of AB 1810 (Feuer), those who purchase or transfer a shotgun or rifle will be required to register that firearm by submitting their name, address, place of birth, phone number and occupation to the California Department of Justice.
The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) will continue to fight this intrusive and unnecessary piece of Legislation as it heads to the Senate. COHA would like to thank all of those who submitted a letter of opposition to their Assembly Member in anticipation of today's floor vote. Watch for future Field Wires for your opportunity to assist COHA in defeating this bill in the Senate. Full Story |
ANGLER ALERT!!!! EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!!!MyOutdoorBuddy.com is lending its full and complete support to this effort and we are asking ALL our angler readers to do the same! The MLPA process has been totally corrupted by the environmentalists. Don Benninghoven is one of their puppets. This time they have our ocean fishing rights in their sights. We must unite to oppose what's going on if we are going to preserve our fishing rights off the California Coast. As it was said, "What will you do when they come to take away your rights?" UNITE and ACT NOW as requested below. Please send a letter opposing Don Benninghoven as a Member of the California Fish and Game Commission!!!! Urge the California Senate Rules Committee to reject Benninghoven's confirmation due to his one-sided stance on the MLPA Background... Full Story |
RFA-CA still actively engaged in MLPA warsJust prior to the implementation of a massive new no-take marine reserve off Stewarts Point in Sonoma County, Jim Martin, West Coast Director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA-CA North), joined members of the Kashia Pomo Tribe in a historic ceremony to bless the area held sacred by native tribes for centuries... Full Story |
Yuroks take big step to repair relations
By Frank Galusha
The Yuroks of the Klamath River have a classic “perception is reality” problem.
Yurok Tribal leaders advanced point after point at their headquarters in Klamath on Saturday April 24 at a first-of-its-kind, perhaps historic, educational workshop but if the Klamath River Tribe is to overcome the negative perception held by many in the angling community they have (to paraphrase, Robert Frost), “miles to go before they sleep.” --- Full Story |
Extremist groups should be held responsibleBy Gary Heffley
Millions of Californians face a very troubling situation that few know about. A lawsuit was filed* into the court system which places the future of fishing for hatchery raised trout -- which in many cases complement natural wild fish or allows recreational opportunities in waters in which the trout were not native -- in jeopardy. The lawsuit stems from the fear of these introduced trout damaging natural populations of some species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Many of waters in question have been stocked for over 120 years. Common sense dictates that a balance has established within that time frame between planted trout and the native populations... Full Story |
ALERT for GUN USERS: Loss of firearms for 10 year period proposedAssembly Member Kevin De Leon (D-Los Angeles) has introduced AB 2186 to prohibit a person from owning, purchasing or possessing a firearm for 10 years for violating the state’s “loaded firearms” laws. Current law generally prohibits the possession of a loaded firearm not only in a vehicle on a public road, but also on one’s person in many public places—including restricted areas of unincorporated lands... Full Story |
No Trout Stocking: One pixel in a disaster movieBy Frank Galusha
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Quirk of fate haunts dam removal dealBy Frank Galusha
“On-project irrigators” (farmers who receive water from the Klamath Reclamation Project) who – with a gun pointed at their heads – signed the so-called Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement are already getting double-crossed.
While some parts of the north state have received almost normal rainfall and Shasta Lake is only 30-feet below the crest, the Upper Klamath Basin and Modoc areas are well below average rainfall totals.
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Butte Environmental Council wins water lawsuitMarch 16 -- The Superior Court of California has ruled that the state has to comply with environmental reviews when proposing water transfers under the State’s Drought Water Bank (DWB) program.
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Tell the White House New National Policy for the Ocean, Coasts and Great Lakes Must Safeguard Recreational Fishing
ANGLER ALERT: Your input is needed to ensure that this new national policy does not restrict people from enjoying saltwater and freshwater recreational fishing
Within the next 30-60 days, the Obama Administration is planning to issue a final report, and possibly other management guidance, intended to govern the management of the nation's oceans, coastal areas and Great Lakes... Full Story |