Legislative Report

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Two new bills would give wildlife management to non-angler groups Western Outdoor NewsPublished: Jul 19, 2012

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SACRAMENTO — Two bills (SB 1148 and AB 2402) have been introduced in the California legislature that together will effectively remove recreational anglers and hunters from management and conservation discussions in the state, according to Keep America Fishing. These bills, as with SB 1221, the bill to ban hunting bears with hounds, are more moves by the anti's to stop hunting and fishing in California, handing management decisions over to legislators and special interest groups, and taking them away from the Department of Fish and Game and the Fish and Game Commission. Anti-fishing groups are trying to stop anglers from enjoying the sport that they love, so your voice in the regulatory process is more important than ever. SB 1148 and AB 2402 were initially introduced into the California legislature to improve how the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) functions, but special interest groups have succeeded in amending the bills to include provisions detrimental to anglers and hunters like you. Among other things, these two bills will: — Authorize "nonprofit partnerships" between well-financed organizations and the DFG, allowing these special interest groups to further their agendas within the DFG. Many of these nonprofit groups are out to stop recreational fishing under the guise of fisheries management. Add hunting to that list, and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) as a prime example. — Remove the Fish and Game Commission's regulatory power over marine protected areas and listing of threatened and endangered species and instead put it in the hands of the DFG. This could result in "nonprofit partners" making important decisions that further limit fishing access to public waters without any public forum or transparency in the process. And, since the DFG is already partnering with the anti-hunting, animal-rights group HSUS, this puts hunting even more in peril. If passed, these two bills will have a significant impact on recreational fishing in California, and will open the door to more attacks on hunting. They will allow anti-fishing and anti-hunting groups to have unchecked influence in fishery and wildlife management and remove important checks and balances in the policymaking forum. Send a message to your state Senator and Assembly Member today to ensure that your voice is heard.  To find out who your senator and/or assemblymember is, go to keepamericafishing.org/.