Paddlefish update.

[Xtreme]

Folks I've sent out quite a bit of correspondence regardeing this issue and I have yet to hear the first reply from an elected official.

Just thought I'd keep y'all posted.....Rick.

[Multidigits]

According to an article in the Courier Jounal, this industry will net about $7 million per year, but it will only create 40 jobs. Looks like the INS will be getting rich and the bass fisherman will suffer. The paddlefish eat zooplanktom and the University is not sure if there is enough of it to go around. If they find this to be damaging to the resourse, they will remove the fish....yeah, right!

http://www.courier-journal.com/cjsports/news2002/09/08/sp090802s272907.htm

[GSP]

Thanks for posting the link multi. I have been asking around and this is the FIRST public mention that I have found on this subject. Looks like they are really getting the word out on this for public input. How can anyone read this article and see any good coming out of this.
Yes, $7,000,000 is big. But 40 jobs??? Let's see, 34 of those jobs will last for about 3 weeks, seasonal work, minimum wage, that will require migrant workers to do. That leaves $6+ million to spread around between 6 people (Corporations, who else is going to have the start up capital)and their close political friends.

[Xtreme]

NEWSFLASH!....I recieved a response from the Governor. He has instructed Ann Latta to correspond with me personally. Stay tuned......At least we have their attention.

[Multidigits]

The clencher in the article is that even the experts don't know if there is enough zooplanktom to go around.

This was the topic of the Jim Strader show Sunday night, And there is absolutely NO support for this froma sportsmans perspective.

[mossyhorns]

Typically commercial fish farmers would oppose this since they would want to raise the fish themselves. The hook for this proposal, however, is that the State would buy 12" paddlefish from the fish farmers for stocking. (Smaller paddlefish get scarfed up pretty quickly by bass and other predator fish.) They would have to buy fish to stock in the lakes every year to keep a harvestable age class available annually. For the commercial fish farmer, this is a godsend.

There are two markets for paddlefish: Caviar and smoked fillets. There is possibly some state money available to construct processing facilies for paddlefish operations. The battle is on two fronts. One is the attempt to move farmers away from tobacco into alternate farming. The second is the prospect of cleaner water thanks to all those paddlefish out there continually straining the lake. Both of these prospects are particularly attractive to the politicians who are getting on the wagon in spite of opposition from fishermen and wildlife agencies.

In my opinion, the sums of money being handed down from the tobacco settlement and the silly programs that will feed off it are far more injurous to the Commonwealth than smoking in the first place.

[Xtreme]

Great White Bowhunter and X-cutter went to the paddlefish meeting at Morehead and as I understand it no one there wanted any part of this fiasco. I'm still waiting on a reply from Ann Latta as well as several elected officials.

[GSP]

Good for y'all Great White Bowhunter and X-cutter. It's really good to see people stepping up to the plate.
Looks like there has been zero public support for this project, makes you wonder how to out come can or will be justified.

[shogan]

Sounds like someone has friends in High places.

Well I've got freinds in LOW places.

[Xtreme]

I just got a letter from the Governor on the paddlefish issue and he directed Benjy Kinman of the F&W DEPT. to send me a letter telling me what I already knew.

So far he is the only one to respond even if it was lip service. I fear he has his hands full though[:o)]

Fear not, we keep trying.

[mossyhorns]

Gov. William Jefferson Patton!

[Xtreme]

Folks, I'm getting some feed back that this is a subject that has gotten quite a bit of response from the sportsmen and it looks like we may have helped make a difference. Thanks to the LOKS, Cyberhunters and the folks on www. fishin .com there has been quite a bit of opposition placed in high places regarding the "fishy bizz" at hand.

Your hard earned ten bucks at work and keep up the good work all!!!.....Rick.

[GSP]

I received word tonight that Tom Bennett is rounding up all articles and letters to present. Rick you may want to forward another letter via e-mail to him. Anyone else out there that has written a letter should do the same.
We are getting ready for a fight. This is the perfect time to sneak by some dumba$$ law because there is no money and this can be sold as "providing jobs"!!!

[KY_Xcutter]

I don't see where the 7mill per year is comming in they said it would take about ten years for the fish to reach maturity for adequate egg extraction and size for the gill nets to work.

[GSP]

The $$$ they talk are BS. It will amount to a goverment contract for 1 to 3 people and generate 20 or so part time min. wage jobs that will have to be filled by migrant workers.

[Xtreme]

I'm getting ready to fire my printer up on this and send Mr. Bennett a letter.

Do any of you know any fishing guides? I would think these guys would sqwauck like hell. If this "fishery" starts depleting big gamefish like stripers and monster cats jobs[guides etc.] will be lost.

[Birdman]

Rick get in touch with Rolly, the state bassing club joined the league a few months ago, Rolly will know who to get in touch with. The ball is rolling in this area. NONE OF OUR STATE OR FEDERAL VOTES WILL SUPORT THIS PROGRAM. You need to talk with Rolly about the meeting in Frankfort, concerning this. So you'll have a good understanding of just where we're at.

[GSP]

I've been talking with him.
X, you may want to just e-mail him a copy. They probably have one, just a back-up in case they don't.

[Xtreme]

I've already sent quite a bit of correspondence awhile back. I'm understanding that you request a letter to "reiterate"? GSP?

It's no problem, "reiterating" is one of my finer qualities[:D]

[GSP]

Correct on the "reiterate". Just making sure the "ammo" is easy to grab.

[KY_Xcutter]

The sad part is that no where in this plan to raise paddlefish does Kentucky benefit. It would be a different story if the plants that produce the smoked fillets and Caviar were located somewhere in the state. Then we would benefit from more jobs!!!

[LoweBow]

Commishioner Gailer reported at the 3rd dist. League meeting last night that this is a dead issue. Looks as if it is going nowhere.
Mike

[Xtreme]

Thanks for reporting Mike, I hope he is right but as of the last caucus meeting it was still very much alive.

I liked your handle better when you were MQ1...it kind of made you sound like a 00 spy or something[:D]

[schuyler olt]

The paddlefish deal is dead in the department but still has some life left in the legislature. What I'm hearing is that there are some legislators who see some attraction to it as the infamous "alternative agriculture." I'm trying to find out where the Ag Dept stands on it, because I'm concerned someone will try to use it as leverage on the cervids issue. This is one of those that seems like something worth trying to folks who aren't educated on the biological issues involved, and could therefore be dangerous. We really need to keep our eyes open on this one.

[Xtreme]

Folks I just got a email from Rolly Beers and they have it on good accord that this will go through thanks to some smoke and mirrors. Call 1-800-372-7181 and PLEASE!!!!!....voice your opposition to the plundering of OUR PUBLIC waters in the name of this ludicrous paddlefish ranching...........HOT!!!!!!!

[Flintlock54]

Anybody got a bill number for this critter.

[Xtreme]

I don't know what the bill is but when you call just tell the lady to send a message to all of the legislators that you oppose the paddlefish ranching in public waters. While your at it tell her to send a message telling them to keep their mits off F&W monies as well.

They will know what you are talking about.

Folks, it only takes a minute to do this and I promise you every call makes a difference!!!

[schuyler olt]

I have looked all over the lrc website and can't find a bill or amendment on it. I'm checking my sources and will report anything I find. Make the calls and send the email!

[schuyler olt]

There is no bill YET. The "report" is going to committee. We all need to be on this one.

[handgunner]

Just got an e-mail that this will be introduced wed. morning to the Ag. $ Natural Resources.

[Xtreme]

This goes along with the subject I have on another thread. We need folks in Frankfort with good sense, good morals and integrity as well as second amendment supporters.

Folks, this state is in a very sorry shape. It's time the good GOD fearing folks took it back!!!!! Every day when I open my newspaper I get ill.[:(!][xx(][V]

[Xtreme]

Folks, this deal will be attempted to be taken one step further today. If anyone hears anything post it. I'll do the same.