Why don't we take the next step?

hmmm. Interesting idea.

What would be the purpose of the group?

I think as an organized group, we should only work on non-volatile issues like pistol cartridge rifles for deer hunting, and the OBR. ;D

We are a group which shares a love for the outdoors and hunting, fishing, trapping, etc., but how we as individuals go about doing so varies dramatically. While organizing to provide input to DNR is a good thing, the minute you form a group you'll split your membership into those that do it my way and those that don't (just read the threads mentioned above about OBR & pistol rifle cartridges). Who's voice will be heard when the group goes to the DNR to provide input?

Organizing and forming a not-for-profit is not that difficult nor expensive; however, keep in mind: You'll likely have by-laws and a board. Assuming the board is elected, what happens to the not-for-profit if over time the board makeup changes or they desire to take a different direction than the one the original memership had input on? It happens all the time.

Sure, we can provide them 'unscientific' polls about members wishes and suggestions (in fact, this site's 'unscientific' polls could, and probably are forwarded to or read by DNR already). As individual members, we already have the right/ability to provide that to DNR on our own.

After spending 20+ years working with the general assembly, I can tell you that broad based organziations can work, but it is incredibly difficult to manage. If you look at the ones which have been successful, you'll find that often different sectors of the group will end up forming 'single issue' organziations outside of the original......in order to lobby/provide information on the issue they are most interested in.

Not trying to bash you or your idea, just pointing out some of the pitfalls of legally formalizing a group in order to lobby.....and call it what you will, it is lobbying and will be regulated by the state.

I would have to agree that in order for it to work it would have to be one voice. I don't think everyone is on the same page with most issues concerning hunting in Indiana. We all share the passion but have different tastes for that passion.

Besides, I came here for info and a little orneryness not politics.

I'd have to say that it's a duplication of the hundreds of conservation groups already out there. Like Paul I am working now with the legislature and the NRC on a several different rules and legislation. The big problem you are going to run into is that not everyone on this or any board agrees with all topics so you will have to water down what you can agree on.

Next Tuesday the Indiana Conservation Alliance is puttting on conservation Day at the Statehouse. Go down there or contact your legislator and tell him to go down there and listen to the already "organized" folks about the very topics you are concerned with. Keep in mind that INCA is only one of these groups. The Sportsmens Roundtable and the Indiana Wildlife Federation also do a grreat job for the sportsmen of this state.

Jack

Indiana Conservation Alliance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ANGELA HUGHES (317) 951-8818

Conservation Day 2007 at the Statehouse, January 23rd
Conservation Legislator of the Year Award Given

(Indianapolis--January 3, 2007) Are you concerned about our rapidly changing environment? Do you wish your legislators shared your concerns? Are you confused or unsure as to how to communicate to your legislators? If you answered YES to any of these questions, you won’t want to miss the 3rd annual Conservation Day at the Statehouse, Tuesday January 23rd.

Hosted by the Indiana Conservation Alliance (INCA), Conservation Day gives Hoosiers concerned about the future of Indiana’s natural resources an opportunity to have their voices heard at the Statehouse.

“The issues that are important to legislators are the ones that are important to their constituents,” said Angela Hughes, organizer of Conservation Day. “Unless we take the time and effort as citizens to contact our legislators and let them know our concerns, we cannot expect or assume that they’ll vote in an environmentally-friendly manner.”

Conservation Day will start with an organizational meeting at 9:30 a.m., followed by a reception for attendees and legislators in the North Atrium of the Statehouse. Conservation Legislator of the Year award will be presented at 11:15 a.m.. Conservation organizations from INCA will be displaying information at booths in the Atrium throughout the day. A resident critter from the Eagle Creek Park Nature Center will be visiting the statehouse as well.

“This is Conservation Advocacy 101,” says Hughes. “Conservation Day will de-mystify the political process and open the door for Hoosiers to communicate easily and effectively with their legislators.”

The Indiana Conservation Alliance is made up of Indiana’s leading conservation and environmental groups. Through INCA they will be advocating for the following priorities in this year’s legislative session:

• $6 million for Indiana Heritage Trust in the Budget
• $6 million for Clean Water Indiana in the Budget
• Quality growth/land use policies, including farmland protection

“Protecting Indiana’s natural resources will improve our quality of life across the board,” said Gary Doxtater of the Indiana Wildlife Federation. “What’s good for our forests and rivers is ultimately what’s best for Hoosiers. INCA members understand this, and it’s important that our legislators understand it, too.”

For more information on Conservation Day or to register, please visit www.nature.org/indiana or contact Angela Hughes at: 317-951-8818 or ahughes@tnc.org.

Sponsoring Organizations:

Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc. • Central Indiana Wilderness Club • Hoosier Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society • Hoosier Environmental Council • Hoosier Heartland RC& D • Hoosier Hikers Council Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts • Indiana Forestry and Woodland Owners Association Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society • Indiana Organic Gardeners Association • Indiana Public Health Association • Indiana Society of American Foresters • Indiana State Council of Pheasants Forever, Inc. • Indiana Urban Forest Council• Indiana Wildlife Federation • Issak Walton League • National Audubon Society • Oxbow, Inc. • Save the Dunes • Sycamore Land Trust • The Garden Clubs of Indiana • The Nature Conservancy – Indiana Chapter • The Wildlife Society – Indiana Chapter • Whitewater Valley Land Trust

I thought perhaps you were going a different direction. I wouldn't be interested in it being a political organization.

For or against crossbows for what...is there a current proposal on crossbows........The OBR is already decided.

Very simple, like any other group. Post a thread on an issue and have the MEMBER vote. Except it's not a show of hands or on a piece of paper, it's recorded in the archieves of the web site.

If you can enlist 20-50 members, you'll have a voice as powerful as any of the others out there.