>
>Marcus – do you figure the only real solution to this is for
>the state legislature to make it against the law for private
>groups to sue the state’s environmental management agencies
>like DFG in an effort to make them enforce laws in a certain
>way?
>

Sorry, Rob, missed your question here - I don't know.... I do think there needs to be intervention on how policy decisions are currently being driven by private interest groups. That said, I think it's important that "citizens" be able to go hold DFG accountable, and if lawsuits are the only way that happens, then it's important that mechanism be preserved or some other mechanism be introduced to provide some oversight. While I don't agree with the striper lawsuit or most of the CBD actions, I would worry if DFG could act unilaterally - as they are obviously heavily influenced/directed by upstream political *appointees* (not elected officials), where millions of dollars are being spent on campaign contributions and dirty democracy.

It is a big complex problem, way beyond my pay grade, so I try to just be supportive with fundraising and such to those that have time to work these issues vigorously on my behalf.

I went to the public comment meeting last night... good turn-out, maybe 200-300 guys. KB, Sep hendrickson, Gene BUchholz, Dan Bacher, Barrack, Jay Sorenson, and many others made great opposing comments.

There was 100% public opposition to the proposal, except for 1 guy that showed up and said "I am a diver and a spearfisherman. I'm here to ask that spearfishing opportunities be addressed in the new regulations." hahahaha the guy just wants to be able to spear stripers!!!!! That would actually be very very bad, the big super duper hogs (50-60#+) that live in the upper valley rivers all summer (very clear water) would be extremely vulnerable to spearing whereas they are hard as hell to catch with a hook and line. I know on the Colorado river they are very successful spearing huge fish.

Historically there was a 1:1 ratio for male/female for stripers... right now is 10:1 male/female. So the big bitches are extremely important, not only for their "big and wary" genes but there millions and millions of eggs. It is more critical than ever that we release the big hens.

Marcus