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Post by hatchetjack on Apr 15, 2019 10:10:27 GMT -5
LEGISLATIVE ALERT Indiana Sportsman's Roundtable wants to alert hunters, anglers and recreational boaters of our opposition to HB 1279. In effect this amendment will “privatize” the waters of Geist Reservoir making it increasingly expensive and even more difficult for public access for hunting and fishing to one of the state’s best fishing lakes. This could be a threatening precedent for other such waters in our state! Please forward this Alert to anyone who can help with this critical threat! The Geist Conservancy District language was added in the Senate Environmental Affairs Committee last week. The amendment creates a new type of Conservancy District that only applies to Geist Reservoir (but could be used later as a precedent to limit access on other such waters). · ISR is concerned this privatizes a public body of water and creates a precedent for similar attempts on other public waters of Indiana. · Sportsmen have battled attempts to prohibit waterfowl hunting on Geist for years. · Daily boat launch fees already create a significant barrier for public access to both anglers and recreational boaters. · The bill would allow the new Geist Conservancy District to impose and collect additional fees for the recreational use of motorboats on the reservoir and only further restricting public access. · ISR believes the existing Conservancy District language is sufficient to address stated management objectives. The bill will be going to Conference Committee as soon as this week. We ask that you contact all of those Senators and Representatives who are part of the Conference Committee immediately and voice your opposition to this bill as amended (ask them to oppose the amendment). Hunters, anglers, and boaters should be able to enjoy the recreational use of our public waters and strongly oppose any attempts to restrict public access to Geist Reservoir or any other public waters of Indiana. Senator Mike Crider 800-382-9467 Senator Sue Glick 800-382-9467 Senator Mark Messmer 800-382-9467 Rep. David Wolkins 800-382-9841 Rep. Doug Miller 800-382-9841 Rep. Andy Zay 800-382-9841 Rep. Todd Huston 800-382-9841 Rep. Sean Eberhart 800-382-9841 iga.in.gov/legislative/find-legislators/ iga.in.gov/static-documents/d/b/b/0/dbb0842f/HB1279.04.ENGS.pdf |
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Post by Woody Williams on Apr 15, 2019 12:59:22 GMT -5
Crider voted against it but it still passed..
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Post by HuntMeister on Apr 16, 2019 6:27:05 GMT -5
Thanks for posting this Hatchetjack.
I cannot find the details in black and white but I have heard that if this bill passes, it will cost $250.00 per boat per year for a lake use permit plus daily launch fees. They are saying that this conservancy district plan is just like many in the state and they reference Lake Lemon as an example. I do not know of any lake in this state that requires a annual $50.00 lake use fee let alone a $250.00 fee. I get that they need to raise funds to address issues on the reservoir but this is not the way to accomplish it.
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Post by greghopper on Apr 16, 2019 7:39:34 GMT -5
Thanks for posting this Hatchetjack. I cannot find the details in black and white but I have heard that if this bill passes, it will cost $250.00 per boat per year for a lake use permit plus daily launch fees. They are saying that this conservancy district plan is just like many in the state and they reference Lake Lemon as an example. I do not know of any lake in this state that requires a annual $50.00 lake use fee let alone a $250.00 fee. I get that they need to raise funds to address issues on the reservoir but this is not the way to accomplish it. My guess is they are trying to push OUT the Duck Hunting....from what I Understand that's what happened a Lake Lemon also. Don't they have fishing Tourneys at Geist also? |
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Post by HuntMeister on Apr 16, 2019 8:24:27 GMT -5
Yes, many fishing tourneys there every year. Again, 2nd hand info for me but, I do understand there is friction between some local folks and the duck hunters and fishermen.
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Post by Woody Williams on Apr 16, 2019 19:27:53 GMT -5
Critical Update on HB1276 Geist Reservoir.
An amendment has been introduced which would in effect make it much more difficult / expensive for citizens to access the lake for fishing / boating / hunting activities. In reality privatizing this lake which is currently one of the states best fisheries.
- we need people to show up for the Legislative Conference Committee meeting TOMORROW at 12:30pm - we will have an ISR person talking, All that what we need are audience members to be there as a show of support.
12:30pm. State Capitol building. Room 156B.
Respond if you can - will you be able to attend
Distribute to all
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Post by dbd870 on Apr 17, 2019 6:55:17 GMT -5
No doubt making it like a private lake is the goal
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