Conservation News

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Headed East to See the West
by Rob Dumford

I was excited for the forecast of rain, rain, and then some more rain as I packed my truck this last Saturday, we all know the rivers need all they can get. That said, it was rough to hit the road knowing that I would be leaving just as steelhead season would start picking up. As most know, I am a total fishaholic and have been taking steps toward becoming a guide. This past month I had opportunities for me out in Colorado, including one that could give me just as much conservation work as guide time. So I chose to point my truck east and see what the Rocky Mountain state has to offer.
John and Pat, I stopped by the Green River, it was slow and bitter cold. I didn't have my midge box with in reach so I only took a quick walk. The water looked so good that I might have to run out there when the club does. Troy, keep up with those pole stripers...I've got to get back into town so we can get some pictures out there. Tim, thanks for the heads up on Dan Bailey's...I don't think Alaska is in the works for me this year, but I know it will be in the future.
I would like to thank everyone in the club for a wonderful year of fishing and getting to know a number of fellow anglers. Unfortunately I am not going to be able to make the SRF Conference in March so I'm a little jealous Marcus...or the ConFab, but hey, I guess that's one less competitive casting contest. I plan on being back in Santa Cruz in December and look forward to seeing the club again. I started a blog, so I can share some of my upcoming adventures http://fishchaser.wordpress.com/. I hope the year brings everyone some great times out on some great water!

Dear Santa Cruz Fly Fishermen Club Members,

We need you to take action now to make sure that the US House of Representatives passes historic wilderness and wild rivers legislation.
On Jan. 15, the Senate passed S.22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act which will designate over two million acres of wilderness in nine states, create a new 26 million acre National Landscape Conservation System, protect over a thousand miles of free-flowing rivers, and establish four new national conservation areas. The bill would also protect more than 750,000 acres of wilderness and 105 miles of wild and scenic rivers in California including wilderness additions and wild rivers in the Eastern Sierra, the mountains and deserts of Riverside County and Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park. The bill also contains other important land and water provisions that will benefit communities throughout California.
Now the measure heads to the House of Representatives where we are expecting a vote within weeks, maybe days! The vote will be close. And, if the House makes any changes to the legislation, the bill would be sent back to the Senate where it could be stalled for months if not longer.
We can't let that happen and your Representative in Congress could be a key vote.
Phone calls are the single most effective way to influence legislators. So please call your Representative right now at (202) 224-3121 (the Capitol Hill switchboard will direct you to your Representative) and let them know how important this is to you.
If you can't call, please e-mail using the editable letter below, or even better, do both.
Below is the sample letter:

Subject: Omnibus Public Land Management Act
Dear (decision maker name inserted here),
I urge you to support the Omnibus Public Land Management Act, an historic opportunity to protect some important and spectacular California rivers and landscapes.
The Act is supported by many California anglers because the California bills contained in the omnibus package will permanently protect important fisheries habitat and water resources including the headwaters of the Upper Owens River in the Eastern Sierra and Piru Creek in the Angeles National Forest.
The California wilderness and will river bills in the package are also broadly supported locally because they improve the local economy and quality of life.
Please support the measure and oppose any amendments. This is an historic opportunity for AmericaÕs public lands and will benefit future generations of anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Sincerely,
(Your name inserted here)

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