Camo At The Capitol

MUCC goes to Washington

Tomorrow, MUCC members Jane Finnerty, Bob Borchack, Paul Farrell, and Elden Montross will descend upon our nation's capitol to advocate for issues important to Michigan sportsmen and women. The bulk of us will visit with Michigan members of Congress to discuss the Asian Carp issue and other Great Lakes fishery issues, including restoration funding with the Healing our Waters Coalition. We'll also be joined with Conservation Coalition partners, Michigan Ducks Unlimited, National Wildlife Federation, and the Michigan River Guides Association.  

I'm especially anxious to hear more about today's announcement on the President's $2.2 billion, five-year restoration blueprint for the Great Lakes. It's encouraging that federal leaders are so enthusiastic to restore the Great Lakes, but the deafening response to the Asian Carp crisis may be counterintuitive to implementing worthy long-term restoration projects. I guess it's good timing to remind Congress and administrative officials where sportsmen stand this week. With help from MGRA's Brad Petzke from Rivers North Guide Service and Ed McCoy from Hawkins Outfitters (representing the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, respectively), this message should come through loud and clear. With a first-hand understanding on the science and economics behind this threat, these guys are fired up about Asian Carp.

Meanwhile, MUCC Policy Manager Amy Spray will be criss-crossing the halls of Congress with the Teaming With Wildlife Coalition to advocate for increased public funding for conservation and related recreation and education.

Be sure to check back for updates on how everything went in Washington.

Also, remember to attend Outdoorama this week at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi and be sure to stop by the MUCC and MichiganOutofDoors.com booth.  On Thursday at the show we'll provide a post-Washington Asian Carp update as part of a special Asian Carp conference that MUCC is hosting. We'll join Attorney General Mike Cox's office, Michigan Office of the Great Lakes Director Ken DeBeaussaert, and the Michigan Charter Boat Association from 3:00 until 4:00 p.m. to provide updates on the issue.

That's all for now - wish us luck!

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