Posted by Mary on July 27, 2001 at 23:00:59:

In Reply to: Re: Report on MLPA meeting in Orange County posted by Dan on July 27, 2001 at
08:48:53:

I definitely agree with you, Dan.

NOW IS THE TIME FOR FISHERMEN AND WOMEN TO UNITE AND TAKE THIS OUT OF THE HANDS OF PETA-MINDED PEOPLE and POLITICIANS.

I think we have an unusual opportunity that we ALL should make use of. The MLPA has a lot of people hopping mad. That's a lot of good energy we can harness to make this law toast. Not to
mention the nipping in the bud of any new legislation that environmentalists throw our way.
ANY YOU CAN BE SURE THERE WILL BE MORE!

But I think we should unite with all anglers. I spoke today with Frank Selby who owns a fly fishing shop in Costa Mesa. I met him last at last night's MLPA meeting. He feels we need to
unite and stay united. He said he has watched antifishing interests work to divide fishermen so they could advance their own agenda. And it worked.

He also said that they (meaning the state government) had the Aliso pier removed (it's a pier that was located between Laguna Beach and Dana Point) because it represented a block in the
implementation of the MLPA law. The pier was located in one of the areas set for closure. I almost wonder if there isn't a master plan that's been in the works for years. One or two DFG team members proudly announced at the meeting that they have 4 new cruisers (actually catamarans) that will be put into operation to patrol ocean waters. Interesting, huh? Probably paid for with the fees we pay to fish CA waters.

There are still so many anglers that haven't heard of this law and don't have a clue that their rights to fish are about to be taken away. And you can bet it will be permanent! I heard that
President Bush is in favor of the MLPA's. I don't know the accuracy of that but I hope it's not true.

Fishermen need a watchful eye that can let them know when this kind of stuff goes down. This bill was brought before the legislature in 1998 and signed into law in 1999. And we are only
learning about it now! Once again, many anglers don't know anything about this.

PLEASE TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW. California fishmen and women need to write letters in addition to emailing their legislators and the governor. Remember, Gray Davis is up for re-election next year. Apparently, politicos tend to ignore email (the easy way), but ONE PERSONAL LETTER IS LIKE A THOUSAND VOICES.