Garden State Outdoor Sportsmens Show

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Attend our free seminars and meet the experts (see dates and times below)

1. Animal rights extremism in New Jersey. Learn how extremist elements are working to take away your freedoms to fish and hunt in New Jersey and what you can do to stop them. Plus, discover the link between conservation, the environment and your ability to enjoy the outdoors. Presented by Anthony P. Mauro, Sr., Chairman, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance. Mr. Mauro is also a writer and author on the subject of conservation.
2. Hunter harassment. Understand your freedoms to fish and hunt in New Jersey and how you can legally respond to those attempting to illegally restrict you. Presented by Ed Markowski. Mr. Markowski is President, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance (EP) and Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement Division Fish and Wildlife (RET).
3. The New Jersey Anglers and Hunters Conservation Caucus. Have you ever wondered if policy makers and legislators are listening to you in Trenton? You’ll learn who they are and how they are listening. Presented by Tom Connors. Mr. Connors is Legislative Liaison, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.
4. Also available to answer questions. Leonard Wolgast, PhD, Officer, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance. Dr. Wolgast is professor emeritus of wildlife ecology and management, Rutgers University. He is a former member of the New Jersey Fish and Game Council, and contributor to the development of New Jersey’s Comprehensive Black Bear Management Plan.

SEMINAR INFO: Day/Date/Time/Place

• Friday, January 13,2012: 4:00 PM Main Ballroom
• Sunday, January 15,2012: 1:00 PM Main Ballroom

Be sure to stop by the NJOA Booth #724 and say hello!

Learn more by visiting: http://www.gsoss.com/

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- For those of us who enjoy fishing, hunting, and the pursuit of other outdoors interests the health of forests is key to our enjoyment.

Forests help to stabilize the climate, regulate the water cycle by absorbing and redistributing rainwater to every species living within its range, aid in proving clean water, provide habitats for life to flourish, and carbon sequestration in forests and wood products helps to offset sources of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

The New Jersey Outdoor Alliance supports bills S1954/A4358 because they assist in providing active stewardship of our forest resources.

The following press release from the New Jersey Farm Bureau demonstrates that conservationists are in good company.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NJ FARM BUREAU

FORESTRY BILLS BY SEN. SMITH AND ASSEM. MCKEON HAVE STRONG SUPPORT AND MOVE THE STATE TOWARD ACTIVE STEWARDSHIP OF STATE FOREST RESOURCES

TRENTON, NJ (December 21, 2011) — By requiring the development of stewardship plans for state lands and then implementing them, the state will be taking major steps that will result in the long term sustainability of our forest resources. This is why groups like New Jersey Farm Bureau, The New Jersey Forestry Association, The New Jersey Society of American Foresters, New Jersey Tree Farm program, The New Jersey Outdoor Alliance and New Jersey Audubon along with noted professors and researchers on forestry, forest health and ecology (*see below) are working together in supporting this legislation (S-1954, A-4358).

Since the early 1980′s, the state of New Jersey has not actively managed its publicly-owned forest resources. With outbreaks in northern counties of Asian Longhorned Beetle and the emerging infestations of Southern Pine Beetle in Pinelands counties, it has become clear there needs to be more active management of the state’s forests. The proposed legislation accomplishes that through mandating the development of forest stewardship plans on public lands and by authorizing the Division of Parks and Forestry to work with the private sector to implement the plans. This public/private partnership of land management already exists in neighboring states to the betterment of their forest resources.

In developing stewardship plans in accordance with the legislation, the state must consider imperiled species and other wildlife including deer damage and reforestation goals, freshwater wetlands and streams, soils (including highly erodible soils and steep slopes), recreation and aesthetic considerations, exotic invasive plant species, forest fire fuel loads, historic resources, and carbon sequestration. The bill also requires that the state hold a public hearing on each of the plans before they are put out to bid for a contract to implement the plan. This will ensure that all interested parties would understand the goals, purposes and the work to be done on a given plan.

With these requirements and safeguards in place, the time is now to prevent further degradation of our state forest lands and start using the private sector as a partner in accomplishing the goals of sound, science-based stewardship of our public resources.

*
Steven W. Kallesser, CF
Douglas Tavella, SAF
Kris Hasbrouck, SAF
Heather J. Gracie-Petty, CF

Michael LaMana, CF, RCA, CTE
Charles J. Newlon, CF
Brian Widener, SAF
Robert R. Williams, SAF, RPF

New Jersey Farm Bureau
New Jersey Forestry Association
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance
New Jersey Tree Farm Program

James E. Applegate, Ph.D. (Professor Emeritus of Natural Resources, Rutgers University)
Christian Bethmann (retired superintendent, NJ State Park Service)
Richard M. Conley, President, NJ Forestry Association
James C. Finley, Ph.D. (Professor of Forest Resources, Pennsylvania State University)
James R. Grace, Ph.D. (M.K. Goddard Professor of Forestry, Pennsylvania State University;
retired Director, PA Bureau of Forestry)
Frank Hennion, SAF (retired NJ Forest Service)
Jane E. Huffman, Ph.D. (Professor of Biology, East Stroudsburg University)
Michael Jacobsen, Ph.D. (Assoc. Professor of Forest Resources, Pennsylvania State University)
John Keator (retired superintendent, NJ State Park Service)
Roger R. Locandro, Ph.D. (Emeritus Professor/Dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources,
Rutgers University)
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr., Chairman, NJ Outdoor Alliance
Douglas E. Roscoe, Ph.D. (wildlife pathologist)
Ronald Sheay, SAF (retired NJ Forest Service)
Dennis Slate, Ph.D. (wildlife ecology & management)
David L. Smart, Ph.D. (retired USDA NRCS State Resource Conservationist)
Kim C. Steiner, Ph.D. (Professor of Forest Biology, Pennsylvania State University)
Leonard Wolgast, Ph.D. (Professor Emeritus of Wildlife Ecology & Mgt., Rutgers University)

Paul J. Barrett, CF, CTE
George J. Boesze, CF
William Brash, SAF, CTE
E. Joseph Bruschetta, SAF
Anthony Cangemi
Lynda Cangemi
Mary Grace Cangemi
Tracy R. Cate
Margaret Conroy
Don Donnelly, SAF
G. Michael Fee, SAF
Dennis Galway, CF, CTE
Duke Grimes, CF, CTE
Christina Harrigan, CF
Thomas J. Hirshblond
Lori Jenssen
West J. Kandle, III
Brian R. Kieffer
Gary Lovallo, CF, CTE
Mark Moore
Seth Partridge, SAF
John E. Perry, CF
Thomas Respet, Jr., SAF
Matthew J. Simons, CTE
Timothy J. Slavin, SAF
Richard Spielman
F. Lloyd Staats
Ken Taafe, CF
Eugene Ventimiglia
John P. Zylstra, CF

##########

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- After reading about New Jersey Sierra Club Director Jeff Tittel’s belief that a bear hunt is unwarranted and unfounded because it will not help to manage bears in New Jersey (op-ed, “Unbearable hunt,” Dec. 8), as well as similar comments from others in the animal rights community, it occurred to me that one has to overlook some very compelling evidence to the contrary in order to cultivate such faith.

To reach the animal activists’ conclusion, one must disagree with the findings of both a Superior Court and Appellate Court judge, each having ruled that the state of New Jersey had put together a viable, comprehensive bear management plan. The two courts agreed that the hunt should proceed.

People would also need to turn a deaf ear to avoid hearing the pervading wisdom of biologists, wildlife managers and state agencies across America that argue persuasively in favor of hunting as one of several necessary bear management tools.

To agree with the conclusion of animal activists, one must close one’s eyes to the negative psychological effects associated with human-bear conflicts in residential, commercial and camping venues. It also requires an exceptional degree of callousness to ignore claims of economic loss caused by bears to agriculture-related businesses. This insensitivity would also extend to financial harm that would befall employers and employees of hotels, camps and other businesses as a result of lost tourism should a bear-human conflict result in injury or worse.

To agree with the animal activists requires one to show complete disregard for human safety. We would have to be ignorant about the ways black bears respond to periods of declining food sources and lack understanding about the perils associated with bear habituation — the reasons for increased bear-human conflicts. They may, in fact, also be the cause of recent livestock and pet deaths by black bears as well as reported physical encounters between bears and humans.

Animal activists want to promote the rights of bears, but to do so at the expense of the public health is emotional thinking. Difficulty distinguishing between emotions and thoughts may be the reason for animal activists’ sensational claims that the bear hunt is a grand conspiracy of New Jersey’s governor to curry favor with hunters, roll back environmental progress and turn the Garden State over to developers and polluters. Regardless of their origins, they are radical accusations.

Emotional thinking may also be the spark that ignited a handful of activists to hold a bear hunt protest in Trenton last week. They lectured using spurious claims based on manipulated data and research. They even earned the Truth-O-Meter “Pants on Fire” rating from truth watchdog PolitiFact for their claim that 99 percent of New Jerseyans are against the bear hunt.

Finally, for the animal activist to believe that, during a time of dwindling habitat and prolific bear population expansion, bear-human conflict can be managed solely by garbage containment and public education is to defy common sense and rely on wishful thinking. While limiting food sources and educating the public about black bears is useful, it does nothing to address the primary reasons for increased bear-human conflicts: growth of the bear population, loss of habitat and habituation.

Hunting is the tool that addresses these causes.

The New Jersey Outdoor Alliance believes that a black bear hunt is a responsible, pragmatic, environmentally sound, science-based method for bringing the black bear population in line with the cultural carrying capacity of available habitat, which is the goal of environmental stewards. It also provides food for the hunter and his or her family while aversively conditioning bears, which provides a measure of lasting public safety.

Anthony P. Mauro is chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation and New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Environmental Projects, dedicated to conservation and environmental stewardship.

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- NJOA Endorses Senator Steve Oroho, Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose, and Assemblyman Gary Chiusano in District 24.

Senator Steve Oroho, Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose, and Assemblyman Gary Chiusano are running in the general election and after careful review have received the endorsement of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Senator Oroho and Assemblyman Chiusano are co-chairs of the New Jersey Angling and Hunting Conservation Caucus (NJAHCC). Assemblywoman McHose was the 2011 recipient of the Frank Valgenti Award by the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. The award is given to a New Jersey resident “who best exemplifies and supports hunting and fishing.”

All three legislators have demonstrated their commitment to environmental stewardship, sound scientific based wildlife management, and every NJOA supported bill. Three of the bills were signed into law by Governor Christie and include:

• Bill: S1181 Changed perimeter for bow and arrow hunting (Oroho, McHose, Chiusano sponsors).
• Bill: S1776 Authorizes counties to develop community based deer management plans and apply for special deer management permits for county-owned lands.
• Bill: A2304 Revised statute concerning licenses to take menhaden.

Senator Oroho also voted in support for Bill S221 (Prohibits the use of certain fishing gear on artificial reefs) and Bill S106 (Establishes Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program in DEP and appropriates $200,000 from Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Fund; Oroho is also a cosponsor). Assemblywoman McHose and Assemblyman Chiusano are cosponsors of the Assembly versions of both bill, A1152 and A288.

Senator Oroho, Assemblywoman McHose, and Assemblyman Chiusano are supportive of sound bear management policies, including a bear hunt. In addition, they support keeping the structure and responsibilities of the Fish and Game Council and Marine Fisheries Council to minimize political interference in the management of natural resources.

The three legislators have also authored legislation to require voter registration forms be made available when applying for a hunting, fishing, or trapping license (S1360 and A141); allow licensed dealers to provide firearms for display at fund raising events sponsored by certain tax exempt organizations (S765 and A149); provide for no net loss of DEP lands for fishing, hunting, and trapping purposes; (S333 and A174); and a constitutional amendment ensuring the rights of New Jersey residents to fish and hunt (SCR30 and ACR15).

According to Anthony Mauro, Chairman, NJOA, “The team of Senator Oroho, and Assemblywoman McHose, and Assemblyman Chiusano have demonstrated time and time again their commitment to conservation and to the health of our natural resources by their actions: their voting record, the bills they introduce, and their participation in outdoor activities.”

Mauro continued, “Assemblywoman McHose was with us from the beginning at one of the first NJOA rallies in Monmouth County in 2007 and her two colleagues, Senator Oroho and Assemblyman Chiusano share in her enthusiasm by taking a leadership role in the Angling and Conservation Caucus”.

The 24th District covers all of Sussex County and portions of both Warren and Morris Counties and will include the following municipalities in the next legislative session:

• Sussex County – Andover Borough, Andover Township, Branchville, Byram, Frankford, Franklin, Fredon, Green, Hamburg, Hampton, Hardyston, Hopatcong, Lafayette, Montague, Newton, Ogdensburg, Sandyston, Sparta, Stanhope, Stillwater, Sussex Borough, Vernon, Walpack, Wantage
• Warren County – Allamuchy, Belvidere, Blairstown, Frelinghuysen, Hardwick, Hope, Independence, Knowlton, Liberty, Oxford, White
• Morris County – Mount Olive

Please join the NJOA in supporting Senator Oroho, Assemblywoman McHose, and Assemblyman Chiusano this Tuesday, November 8th, forward this email to those you know that reside in the towns listed above, and check out their website at www.District24TaxpayerTeam.com.

Remember to vote on Tuesday, November 8, 2011!

Thank you.

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- I received an overwhelming response to the “2011 NJ General Election and Your Legislators” action alert sent recently. I’d like to take a moment to respond to the many comments I’ve received.

Thanks to all of you that expressed appreciation for the format and the goal of educating and encouraging our legislators to become stewards of our environment by using the principle of conserving natural resources. This approach also makes clear the important role of anglers and hunters as custodians of the environment.

It also highlights the significance the NJOA axiom “Preservation through conservation.”

Almost every single email I received not only commented on the wisdom of using the above format but also expressed confusion about NJOA endorsements for 2011. I’m happy to explain.

Firstly, the NJOA has endorsed only one legislator for the 2011 General Election; Senator Donald Norcross. The process the NJOA uses for endorsing a candidate(s) is as follows:

1. Endorsement must be requested.
2. A review is made of the legislator’s voting record on bills regarding outdoors issues.
3. A review is also undertaken to determine whether the legislator demonstrates an understanding, appreciation, and pursuit of conservation of natural resources.

The 2011 NJ General Election and Your Legislators email sent yesterday (see link the follows: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/njelections/legislators.html ) was not an endorsement. It highlighted those legislators that responded to the NJOA Questionnaire and are members of the New Jersey Angler and Hunter Conservation Caucus (NJAHCC). It gives you the opportunity to get more legislators involved in the issues important to you.

Generally speaking, the legislators responding positively to the Questionnaire, and/or participate in the NJACC, understand outdoors issues. They may not agree with the particulars of each of our positions, but they certainly understand the importance of the scope.

From the emails I’ve received, it would be short-sighted for any legislator to believe that anglers and hunters are not “on the ball” when it comes to their voting records. Every email singled out a legislator(s) action that did not square with his words. The emails also displayed an understanding for a legislator’s opposition on fringe issues, but were unforgiving on core issues such as the removal of fixed gear from the artificial reefs.

Again, the NJOA’s “2011 General Election and Your Legislators” is to be used as a guide. It displays the legislators that responded positively to the NJOA Questionnaire and/or are members of the NJAHCC. As grassroots activists, the guide gives you the opportunity to contact the legislators who haven’t responded and/or are not NJAHCC members and ask them to become involved in issues important to you.

It also gives you the opportunity to contact a legislator(s) and request that his or her actions match his words. We are fortunate to have a form of government that allows us to express ourselves and work to effect change, let’s exercise it to its fullest extent.

Again, here’s the link to “2011 General Election and Your Legislators”
www.njoutdooralliance.org/njelections/legislators

Thank you for helping to make New Jersey a conservation-minded state.

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- NOTE: The New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation, and the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Environmental Projects are the ONLY fishing, hunting, conservation advocacy group that focuses on improving the outdoors experience for people in New Jersey.

We do this through advancing sensible environmental public policy and legislation, as well as electioneering.

The three NJOA organizations work to educate New Jersey legislators and policy makers about the important economic and environmental contributions by anglers and hunters. Our focus is New Jersey, which means that 100% of your dues go towards protecting YOUR freedoms to fish and hunt, and not on those living in other states. We are also all volunteer, which means the first dollar of your dues – as well as the last dollar - are spent on the issues important to you and not on salaries, benefits, and expense accounts.

Thank you for your support of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

It is election time again. It means that you have the opportunity to show your legislators whether you approve of their positions on issues that affect fishing, hunting, healthy forests and clean waters. Remember, healthy ecosystems and conservation of natural resources are the foundation for healthy fish and wildlife populations.

This year, Instead of ranking legislators the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance will take an inclusive approach and highlight those who have demonstrated a commitment to our natural environment and your right to enjoy it. Our goal is to encourage all legislators to join in this commitment. Having all of New Jersey’s legislators and policy makers involved in protecting our environment and supporting our freedoms to fish and hunt is the objective of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen. We will provide you with the means to contact your legislators and encourage them to become involved in the outdoors issues that are important to YOU – the constituent!

ONE: Two months ago the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance sent each incumbent legislator, and candidate, a comprehensive questionnaire seeking their position on matters specific to fishing, hunting, wildlife management and environmental stewardship.

The following topics were covered:

• - Support for the removal of commercial gear from the reefs
• - Support for use of forestry management to ensure healthy habitat
• - Consideration for joining the NJ Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus
• - Support for maintaining the current structure of Fish & Game Council
• - Support for increased funding for marine fisheries management
• - Support for game management as a tool for environmental stewardship
• - Support for a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to fish and hunt

Below are the legislators who support these issues and took the time to respond to this important questionnaire:

DISTRICT 1
Senator Van Drew
Assemblyman Albano
Assemblyman Milam

DISTRICT 2
Senator Whelan
Assemblyman Polistina
Assemblyman Amodeo

DISTRICT 3
Senator Sweeney
Assemblywoman Riley
Assemblyman Burzichelli
Assemblyman DiCicco

DISTRICT 4
Assembly Candidate Tony Celeste

DISTRICT 5
Senator Norcross
Assemblyman Wilson
Assemblyman Fuentes
Candidate for Senate Keith Walker
Candidate for Assembly William

DISTRICT 6
Candidate for Senate Philip Mitsch
Candidate for Assembly Greg Horton

DISTRICT 9
Senator Connors
Assemblyman Rumpf
Assemblywoman Gove

DISTRICT 11
Assemblyman Rible
Assemblyman Angelini
Candidate for Senate Raymond Santiago
Candidate for Assembly Vin Gopal

DISTRICT 13
Assemblyman Thompson

DISTRICT 14
Assemblyman DeAngelo
Assemblyman Benson

DISTRICT 15
Candidate for Assembly Peter Yull

DISTRICT 17
Senator Smith

DISTRICT 18
Candidate for Senate Gloria Dittman
Assemblyman Barnes
Assemblyman Diegnan

DISTRICT 19
Assemblyman Coughlin

DISTRICT 20
Candidate for Senate Helen Rosales

DISTRICT 22
Candidate for Assembly Jeffrey First

DISTRICT 23
Assemblyman Peterson
Candidate for Assembly Karen Carroll

DISTRICT 24
Senator Oroho
Assemblyman Chiusano
Assemblywoman McHose
Candidate for Assembly Jim Nye

DISTRICT 25
Assemblyman Bucco

DISTRICT 26
Assemblyman DeCroce
Candidate for Assembly Elliot Isibor

DISTRICT 30
Assemblyman T. Kean
Candidate for Assembly Shaun O’Rourke

DISTRICT 31
Assemblyman O’Donnell

DISTRICT 33
Assemblyman Ramos

DISTRICT 34
Assemblyman Giblin

DISTRICT 36
Assemblyman Ryan

New Jersey has 40 legislative Districts and three legislators per District. If your legislator(s) is missing please call them and ask that they respond to the Questionnaire. There is a good chance that they do not understand the importance of conservation, or perhaps they don’t support your freedom to fish and hunt. They may not actively be working for healthy forests and waters. Let them know that you would like their position on record by completing the Questionnaire.

To call your legislator and ask that they complete and return the NJOA Questionnaire go to the link that follows to find their contact information:

Http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/municipalities.asp

• Then click on your town
• Then click on your District to find your representatives and their phone numbers

TWO:  New Jersey Angling and Hunting Conservation Caucus

The NJ Angling and Hunting Conservation Caucus (NJAHCC) is a bi-partisan, bi-cameral group formed to address outdoor issues in the state legislature. The New Jersey Outdoor Alliance was instrumental in the formation of the caucus. The mission of the caucus is as follows:

• - To promote practices of conservation and environmental stewardship of our state lands and waters
• - To support efforts to enhance habitat management for wildlife and fisheries
• - To ensure that all New Jersey outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen have reasonable access to public lands to enjoy outdoor pursuits
• - To highlight the importance of fishing, hunting and conservation activities to our state’s economic and environmental well-being and support the maintenance and growth of these activities
• - To safeguard the investment of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen in wildlife and fisheries management

The following legislators are Caucus Members. This means they actively promote YOUR ability to fish and hunt. It also means they actively work to advance environmental health as a means of supporting habitat for fish and wildlife populations.

• Senator Donald Norcross D (Co Chair)
• Senator Steven Oroho R (Co Chair)
• Senator Steve Sweeney D
• Senator James Beech D
• Senator Phil Haines R
• Senator Jeff Van Drew D
• Senator Anthony Bucco R
• Senator Sean Kean R
• Senator Bob Smith D
• Senator Robert Singer R
• Senator Joseph Kyrillos R
• Senator Jennifer Beck R
• Senator Michael Doherty R

• Assemblyman John Burzichelli D (Co Chair)
• Assemblyman Gary Chiusano R (Co Chair)
• Assemblyman Matt Milam D
• Assemblyman Scott Rudder R
• Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego R
• Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon R
• Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini R
• Assemblyman Dave Rible R
• Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo D
• Assemblyman Peter Biondi R
• Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande R
• Assemblyman Scott Rumana R
• Assemblyman Anthony Bucco R
• Assemblyman Nelson Albano D

If your legislator is missing, call them and ask them if they will become a member of the New Jersey Angling and Hunting Conservation Caucus.

Go to the link that follows to find your legislators and their contact information: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/municipalities.asp

• Then click on your town
• Then click on your District to find your representatives and their phone numbers

We will update this message until the day before the 2011 General Election. Election Day is November 8, 2011. For a complete list of candidates visit: http://vote-nj.org/Election.aspx?State=NJ&Election=NJ20111108OA

For more information about the upcoming election visit: http://vote-nj.org/

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

Conservation Corner w/ Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

USA --(Ammoland.com)- Between the frequent media coverage that black bears receive in New Jersey, and reports of melodramatic behavior by a few bear devotees spouting sensational claims, it seems as if black bears now rank with Real Housewives of New Jersey and Jersey Shore for a share of celebrity status.

But bears are not celebrities and it is detrimental to both bears and people for them to be treated as such.

As much as we enjoy assigning human qualities to bears in cartoons, advertising and Disney theme parks, these unreal depictions act to impede our understanding of the important role bears play in healthy ecosystems and diminish the animal’s significance as a living thing.

Bears rely on instinct to navigate the course of their daily lives, whereas humans use rational thought. These are two distinctly different points of reference and they create wide gaps in our ability to communicate and interpret the intentions the other, which leaves plenty of room for misunderstandings.

Food and fear largely drive the behavior of black bears. These large plantigrades are carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with strong claws. They live in largely forested areas, but will leave forests in search of food. Bears are often attracted to human communities because of the immediate availability of food.

Regarding food, there are currently parts of New Jersey that appear to be experiencing a low producing wild blueberry crop and poor oak mast production. Blueberries and mast are staples of the black bear diet. If we add a possible food shortage to the doubling of the bear population since 2005 we have the formula for increases in bear and human contact and a potential for conflict.

While black bears are shy by nature, and fatal and nonfatal bear attacks are very rare, it would be irresponsible to ignore that attacks occur. In the book, “Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance,” Dr. Stephen Herrero reports that in the period between 1900 and 1980 twenty people were involved in a fatal black bear attack. He reports that of those twenty fatalities, eighteen appear to be from predaceous black bears, meaning, they viewed humans as prey and attacked for food. Since 1980 there have been approximately 32 deaths by black bears – 13 of those occurred since the year 2000.

Recent scientific studies of the history of black bear attacks have revealed that the majority of these strikes have been in areas of expanding population. Scientists speculate that the attacks are a result of a population of black bears coming into contact with humans for the first time.

It is beneficial for both bears and humans that contact is minimized. While bear education programs and secured trash cans are helpful in limiting bear/human conflicts they do nothing to control the expanding bear population. They also do not help to aversively condition bears so that they have a healthy fear of humans.

Dr. Len Wolgast is an expert on black bears. He is Professor Emeritus Wildlife Ecology and Management Rutgers University, was the primary author of the 2005 Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy, and also served as a Fish and Game Council member. Regarding black bear management Dr. Wolgast states:

“New Jersey presently supports a black bear population which far exceeds the number of animals that can exist without causing too many problems for the residents of our state. The only cost effective tool that is available to reduce the bear population to a more tolerable level is hunting. The three most recent New Jersey bear seasons (2003, 2005, and 2010) have occurred under a very conservative format. They were designed to slow the growth of the bear population and gather data. It is my opinion that future bear hunting seasons will need to be designed to reduce the density of New Jersey’s bear population.”

Hunting not only effectively manages bear populations but is a valuable tool for conditioning bears to respect the living space of humans. As with all game, bear is used as a source of food for hunters and their families.

Black bears are magnificent creatures. Decisions made by New Jersey conservationists more than thirty years ago are the basis for today’s flourishing population. But, humans have a history of being unforgiving when one of our own is harmed and we have a responsibility to black bears to ensure that they are not the subject of our reactive and callous natures.

Black bears deserve our awe and respect, but they aren’t celebrities and it is irresponsible to treat them as such.

Color The Green Movement Blue

About:
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

In addition to NJOA, Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and stewardship for the environment helped to found the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus. The NJAHC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers of the principles of conservation and the benefits that confer to the state’s wildlife and ecology.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ant is an international big game hunter and avid conservationist. He has authored two books on conservation and hunting, including “Color The Green Movement Blue“.

The fanaticism of our adversaries and the encouragement of a complicit and supportive media are hard at work gnawing away, inch-by-inch, at our freedoms to fish, hunt and practice conservation.

Conservation Corner w/ Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

USA --(Ammoland.com)- It is said that parents are the bones on which children gnaw to sharpen their teeth.

And it is my experience that we who fish, hunt, and practice conservation, make allowances for our wayward adversaries to do the same.

I speak specifically of our acceptance of the encroachments of animal rights extremism and the damaging actions of preservationists.

It is not the divine doctrine of “turning the other cheek” that leads us to accommodate our aggressors, or some different form of benevolence; the cause is indifference.

This indulgence is a peculiar aspect of our humanity. That we would allow any extremist, not just those who practice the religion of animal rights or preservation, to execute a campaign to alter our way of life without the slightest measure of our own rebellion seems contrary to survival instinct.

What peculiar aspect of the human psyche allows us to be indifferent to losing the things we love; such as fishing, hunting, healthy forests and waters?

Has our discomfort with acknowledging fanaticism caused us to over-medicate with doses of denial?

It is a rare gravestone that is inscribed with the words “This man died while allowing others to gnaw at the edges of the things he treasured, until their progress consumed his very heart.” It is a rare inscription indeed, but one that could be found far and wide if kind dedications to the dearly departed were replaced with honest ones.

You may be asking yourself, “Why the fuss, Mauro? What is the point of all this?” And I would respond, “I hear the calling of a modern day Paul Revere. He cries, the gnawing is coming, the gnawing is coming… it approaches the heart of the things we treasure!”

The question to be answered is whether we will respond with a revolution similar to that inspired by the warnings of Revere, or will we deal with these encroachments with our usual indifference? Will we begrudgingly accept the gnawing of fanatics who would deprive us of our freedom to enjoy the things we value or will we respond with a call to arms?

In 1775 the colonists responded to the loss of their freedoms (taxation without representation) with a call to arms. The odds of success were stacked against them. They had everything to lose in a battle to keep the Kingdom of Great Briton from gnawing at their valued way of life; their farms, homes, businesses, wealth, and even the state of their well-being. They accepted the charge of treason that came with uprising, along with the consequence – execution.

On the other hand, to protect our freedoms to fish, hunt and practice conservation we put none of our creature comforts, or our very lives, at risk.

After all, what great sacrifice is there in writing a letter, sending an email, or making a phone call?

We certainly do not imperil our homes, businesses or the security of our families, nor is it remotely entertained as a treasonous act. It looks to me that the greatest danger is a insufferable attack of separation anxiety between us and the nattering TV.

The fanaticism of our adversaries and the encouragement of a complicit and supportive media are hard at work gnawing away, inch-by-inch, at our freedoms to fish, hunt and practice conservation. They industriously invest in New Jersey’s political machine, while pandering to public prejudices, promoting half-truths, and inventing propaganda as if they were based on scientific principle instead of an acute form of neurosis. Their fervor prevents them from understanding that their actions subvert the good that conservation does for our natural environment.

Indifference is a disease that afflicts all of us but it is the chronic kind that is the cause our undoing. There are times and things that are worthy of our indifference but it is counterproductive to wholly rely on it as a rule-of-thumb. The medicine devised to heal indifference is quantities of involvement. We can begin with a small dose and sign up to the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance “Action Alert” email system. These alerts contain state-of-affairs alerts about fishing, hunting and conservation in New Jersey, and actions we can take to protect and advance these things we love.

Just ask to be added to the NJOA “Action Alert” by emailing me directly: apmaurosr@njoutdooralliance.org. Or ask others to join by forwarding my email address.

Consider the “Action Alert” a modern day version of Paul Revere, and yes, “The gnawing is coming, the gnawing is coming…”

Color The Green Movement Blue

About:
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

In addition to NJOA, Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and stewardship for the environment helped to found the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus. The NJAHC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers of the principles of conservation and the benefits that confer to the state’s wildlife and ecology.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ant is an international big game hunter and avid conservationist. He has authored two books on conservation and hunting, including “Color The Green Movement Blue“.

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- New Jersey’s black bear population has doubled sine 2005. Dr. Len Wolgast is an expert on black bears.

He is Professor Emeritus Wildlife Ecology and Management Rutgers University.

Dr. Wolgast is the primary author of the 2005 Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy, he was a Fish and Game Council member, and is an officer of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance (NJOA). Dr. Wolgast made the following timely comments about black bear management in New Jersey:

“New Jersey presently supports a black bear population which far exceeds cultural carrying capacity the number of animals that can exist without causing too many problems for the residents of our state. The only cost effective tool that is available to reduce the bear population to a more tolerable level is hunting. The three most recent New Jersey bear seasons (2003, 2005, and 2010) have occurred under a very conservative format. They were designed to slow the growth of the bear population and gather data. It is my opinion that future bear hunting seasons will need to be designed to reduce the density of New Jersey’s bear population.”

Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, Chairman, NJOA, added, “Yesterday’s black bear attack is only one of a number that have occurred across the country during recent months. While attacks have been infrequent in New Jersey, it should act to open the public’s eyes to the fact that managing the black bear population is a serious issue and must be determined by scientists and not those who would use it for political gain.”

Mauro continued, “The media has also acted irresponsibly by substituting legitimate insights from bear biologists and wildlife experts with the gibber of animal groupies. The chase to report the thoughtless spectacles of animal rights fanatics has created a circus-like atmosphere that has detracted from the urgent need for sound wildlife management practices, a scenario that puts both bears and people in harms way. We are relieved that yesterday’s attack resulted in only minor injuries, but it should be a sobering omen to take bear management seriously.”

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Ed Markowski, President NJOA (EP), addressed the Governor’s Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse to educate council members about the proven effectiveness of the Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs program. The Council had recently voted against the HOFNOD program based on false and misleading information, but in spite of being presented with proof of the program’s effectiveness refused to reconsider its position.

Markowski told the committee about the nation-wide success of the HOFNOD program, and provided a sample of the NJ core curriculum. He also discussed a positive evaluation of the program that was conducted by Dr. John Jackson, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, Fisheries and Wildlife Program, Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas Tech University.

The Council had erroneously considered HOFNOD as a one-day fishing derby and not the 22 week program for early drug interdiction. The majority of council members indicated that the new information provided them with an entirely different understanding of the program.

After addressing the concerns of individual members Markowski asked if the Council would rescind their June resolution. While the majority indicated that the initial information did not paint an accurate picture of the program, they refused to reconsider their position.

According to Markowski, “The Council admitted it based its decision not to support HOFNOD on erroneous information, and with the same breath stated it would not take a vote to consider evidence that shows the program works. In effect, the fate of the HOFNOD program was predetermined; it is based on the Council’s bias and not facts.”

Markowski continued, “It looks to me as if Health and Human Services (HHS) is the puppet master working the strings of the Council. They recommended that the Council not support the program and used false and unrelated information as the basis for its reasoning. Then the Council would not even consider voting after being presented with correct information. We’ve seen this approach used before by HHS; they’ve even used the tactic with state legislators.”

Anthony P. Mauro, Chairman, NJOA EP said, “HOFNOD is geared towards students in grades K-12 and is correlated with NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards. The HOFNOD network includes trained aquatic education professionals in over 30 states with literally thousands of programs nationwide. HOFNOD uses angling skill development and education as a means to teach youth about the benefits of a healthy living and how to deal with the challenges facing them in their young lives. It does not use any tax payer money.”

Mauro asked rhetorically, “How does the same state government that created a pilot needle exchange program, which dispensed over 700,000 syringes to people whose lives are being destroyed by illegal drug use, somehow conclude that HOFNOD is a gamble because it involves our kids in a wholesome, proven-effective drug interdiction program? This is a scenario straight out of Bizzaro world.”

Mauro continued, “This fight isn’t over. Governor Christie personally told me that HOFNOD appeared to be a worthy program. Our state legislators in the Senate have demonstrated their support of HOFNOD by voting overwhelmingly to support the bill. The Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee also voted to support the bill. We will continue to appeal to the sensibilities of our state legislators. We will not allow the protection of bureaucratic fiefdoms or institutional prejudice to derail a program that has proven to help kids remain drug free, whether they live in urban, suburban, and rural communities.”

Senate Sponsors and Co-Sponsors (HOFNOD)

• Connors, Christopher J. as Primary Sponsor
• Beck, Jennifer as Primary Sponsor
• Ciesla, Andrew R. as Co-Sponsor
• Buono, Barbara as Co-Sponsor
• Madden, Fred H., Jr. as Co-Sponsor
• Oroho, Steven V. as Co-Sponsor
• Greenstein, Linda R. as Co-Sponsor
• Addiego, Dawn Marie as Co-Sponsor
• Allen, Diane B. as Co-Sponsor
• Norcross, Donald as Co-Sponsor

Assembly Sponsors and Co-Sponsors (HOFNOD)

• Rumpf, Brian E. as Primary Sponsor
• Conaway, Herb, Jr. as Primary Sponsor
• Gove, DiAnne C. as Primary Sponsor
• Albano, Nelson as Sponsor
• Milam, Matthew as Sponsor
• Holzapfel, James W. as Co-Sponsor
• Wolfe, David W. as Co-Sponsor
• Diegnan, Patrick J., Jr. as Co-Sponsor
• McHose, Alison Littell as Co-Sponsor
• Moriarty, Paul D. as Co-Sponsor
• Chiusano, Gary R. as Co-Sponsor
• Rumana, Scott T. as Co-Sponsor
• Peterson, Erik as Co-Sponsor
• Coyle, Denise M. as Co-Sponsor

Members of NJOA Conservation Foundation.

• Jersey Coast Angler Association
• Trout Unlimited
• NJ Beach Buggy Association
• Hudson River Fishermen’s Association
• Reef Rescue
• Greater Point Pleasant Charter Boat Association
• Jersey Coast Shark Anglers
• Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club
• Cape May Party and Charter Boat Association
• Hi-Mar Striper Club
• Fish Hawk’s Saltwater Anglers Club
• Round Valley Trout Association
• New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs
• United Bowhunters of NJ
• NJ Trappers Association
• National Wild Turkey Federation
• Quail Unlimited
• Ruffed Grouse Society
• New Jersey Forestry Association
• Society of American Foresters
• National Animal Interest Alliance
• NJ Council of Diving Clubs
• New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

Southern Pine Beetle Up Close & Personal.

Conservation Corner w/ Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

USA --(Ammoland.com)- Southern Pine Beetle Invades NJ
Posted by Anthony P Mauro, Sr on July 16, 2011 at 8:38 AM

Many of you know that the founding principle of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is conservation. Conservation is also known as the sustainable use of resources and is the method nature uses to manage natural resources. Healthy water, land and forests are key to providing healthy habitat. Healthy habitat is key to providing healthy fish and wildlife populations. Therefore, whether we fish, hunt, trap, hike, bike, bird watch or photograph, we all have a vested interest in ensuring a healthy natural environment – especially since we all depend on the environment for our own health.

Forestry is one method for providing environmental health. Below is an important article about the state of forests in New Jersey. It is written in part by Mr. Bob Williams, C.F., R.P.F.. Bob is an expert in the field of forestry with a notable history of accomplishments. He is also Director of Forestry for the NJOA.

Info on Bob Williams: http://www.landdimensions.com/aboutmgtwilliams.html

Southern Pine Beetle Invades New Jersey Another Example Of Why Forests Need To Be Managed.
By Dr. Ronald F. Billings And Bob Williams

A large faction of the American public has become convinced that the only way to conserve our prized forests on public lands is to stop harvesting, prevent wildfires, and restrict or exclude forest management. Too often this “lock it up and let it go” mentality can have unintended, disastrous consequences, as demonstrated across the nation in recent years. The extensive mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreaks in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forests of the western U.S. and Canada, the bark beetle outbreaks in ponderosa pine (P. ponderosa) forests of the Black Hills of South Dakota, and, most recently, the catastrophic wildfires in Arizona are examples. Add southern pine beetle (D. frontalis) outbreaks in Texas (1975-1993), Tennessee (2000-2001), and now New Jersey to this growing list.e

As its name suggests, the southern pine beetle (SPB) is a major pest of southern pines from Texas to North Carolina. But who ever thought the beetle would become a major problem in New Jersey? Prior to 2001, the last known SPB outbreak of any magnitude in the state occurred in 1930. But, beginning a decade ago, SPB infestations began showing up at low levels in New Jersey’s Pinelands National Reserve (formerly known as the Pine Barrens). The occurrence of SPB attracted little attention until populations skyrocketed to unprecedented levels in 2010, killing at least 14,000 acres of mostly pitch pine (Pinus rigida). The senior author visited the infested area from the air and on the ground in early June and provided control recommendations to the New Jersey Forest Service. He was impressed with how closely the current situation in New Jersey resembled the SPB outbreaks in Texas he observed in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. As did those in Texas, the New Jersey outbreak provides an excellent lesson for private forest landowners wherever they may live: the best way to ensure a healthy forest is to manage it.

Tom Hirschblond of Vincentown, NJ doing a salvage cut.

To understand the current problem, one must know some of the history of southern New Jersey. Prior to being set aside as the Pinelands National Reserve in 1978, the 1.1 million acres of pine/oak woodlands had been a productive, working forest since the 17th century. The first white settlers were attracted by the growing whaling industry in 1650. Natural resources gave rise to other important industries. People used bog iron for cannonballs and household goods, sand for glass (including the first Mason canning jar), and wood for ship building, charcoal, lumber, paper, and cordwood. Shipbuilding began in 1688 and continued until the 1900s. Low lying areas were converted to commercial cranberry bogs as early as 1830, while blueberry farms date back to 1916; these two fruits remain the principal agricultural crops in southern New Jersey today.

The large resource of shortleaf (P. echinata) and pitch pines supplied local paper and sawmills up until the mid 1970s. Environmental restrictions enacted in the late 1970s that preclude cutting trees have since driven these industries out of the state.

The Pinelands harbor 43 endangered and threatened species such as the Pine Barrens tree frog (Hyla andersonii), Pickering’s morning glory (Stylisma pickeringii var. pickeringii), and bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). The area was originally recognized as of value for another critically important resource—water.

Beneath the Pinelands lies a huge natural reservoir—the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system. It extends over 3,000 square miles and holds 17 trillion gallons of water, enough to cover New Jersey in a lake ten feet deep. Efforts to protect this region’s primary source of drinking water began in the 1950s and 1960s. John McPhee’s 1967 national best-selling book The Pine Barrens generated outcry to protect the Pinelands.

In 1977, casino gambling began in Atlantic City, increasing development pressure on the nearby Pinelands. In response to threats of harvesting and development, Congress established the 1.1 million-acre Pinelands National Reserve—the nation’s first such designation—in 1978. In the following year, the New Jersey Pinelands Commission was created to administer the Pinelands Reserve. The Commission has 15 members, including representatives from the state, seven counties, and one federal agency. In 1983, the Reserve was designated a U.S. Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, an agency of the United Nations. More than 53 percent of the land in the Pinelands National Reserve is permanently protected from development.

The dense stands of underbrush and pine are conducive for destructive wildfires. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (a separate agency from the New Jersey Forest Service) conducts periodic prescribed burns within the Reserve to reduce fuel loads and is called upon to suppress frequent wildfires. Other than prescribed fire, however, forest management is no longer practiced on the Reserve.

To ensure protection of the National Reserve, strict environmental regulations have been passed that affect not only the Reserve, but all the intermingled private lands as well. A permit and Forest Stewardship Plan is required before a private landowner can manage his/her land or fell trees, a process that can take from several months up to a year or more. As a result, the pine forests on the Reserve have gone more than 30 years with no thinning, harvesting, regeneration, or other silvicultural practice, rendering a million acres as “beetle bait.”

The SPB outbreak in New Jersey, first detected in 2001, continues to expand a decade later, primarily in mixed pine/hardwood stands in the southern part of the Pinelands Reserve. If not controlled, the beetles threaten vast areas of pure pitch and shortleaf pine on the Reserve in the central part of the state.

Mild winters since 1995 are believed to have been a contributing factor to the SPB outbreak. Southern pine beetle at the northern extent of its range is killed by very low winter temperatures. Studies by professor Matt Ayers of Dartmouth College and his students have shown that 50 percent of the beetle population will die if winter temperatures reach 0° F and more than 90 percent will not survive if air temperatures drop to -7° F.

Unfortunately, due to recent changes in climate, such temperatures have become rarer in the NJ Pinelands during the last 50 years. Since 1995, for example, winter temperatures have dropped below 0° F in the Pinelands during only one winter (2004). This warming trend has favored the buildup of SPB populations. But other factors, particularly the age (many trees are over 80 years old) and abundance of pine stands, coupled with the lack of both forest management and beetle control, are believed to be primarily responsible for the unprecedented outbreak in this state. Interestingly, the same mild winter temperatures in neighboring Delaware have not led to a SPB outbreak in this state’s pine forests, nor did above-average winter temperatures in New Jersey for seven consecutive years in the 1970s. Delaware foresters are quick to point out that the difference is that forests in their state are kept healthy through forest management (periodic thinning, harvesting, and regeneration).

The lesson being learned in New Jersey about what happens when management is withheld from working forests is not new. Texas gained its first hard-knock experience with SPB outbreaks on pine-dominated preserve areas in 1975-77 with units being set aside for the 85,000-acre Big Thicket National Preserve. Essentially all the mature loblolly pines (P. taeda) on the Loblolly Unit and a large portion of those on the Lance Rosier and Beech Creek units were destroyed by uncontrolled SPB infestations.

Texas was slow to learn the lesson. In 1983-84, some 3,400 acres of unmanaged loblolly pine were lost to SPB in the Four Notch area of the Sam Houston National Forest, being considered at the time for wilderness designation under the RARE II process. The losses in this case were largely a result of environmental activist interventio n that delayed timely control. A similar SPB outbreak occurred in 1990-93 on newly-designated wilderness areas on the Sabine, Angelina, and Davy Crockett National Forests. Over 40 percent of the pine type on wilderness was lost to SPB in less than 3 years, including 7,500 acres on Indian Mounds Wilderness alone. In sharp contrast, on non-wilderness areas of the National Forests in Texas, SPB killed less than 2 percent of the pine type during the same period. The latter forests were managed and expanding SPB infestations were promptly controlled by means of salvage and cut-and-leave.

Contributing factors to the 1990-93 SPB outbreak on wilderness areas in Texas included lack of recent forest management, abundance of older, susceptible pine stands, environmental activist pressure to do nothing, environmental regulations that precluded cutting trees for beetle control on wilderness, and favorable environmental conditions. Sounds much like the situation in the Pinelands of New Jersey today!

Until federal policies change to allow more aggressive forest management, there may be little that can be done to avoid insect and disease outbreaks and devastating wildfires on wilderness, preserve, and park lands. But, private forest landowners can take measures to avoid these resource losses through sound forest stewardship. Products from a managed forest will pay the costs associated with maintaining forest health. Also, forest management allows owners to conserve aesthetic values, protect watersheds, and avoid abrupt and catastrophic changes due to wildfires and/or beetle outbreaks.

The take-home message is “a managed forest is a healthy forest,” or in bumper-sticker brevity: “Use it or lose it!”

Color The Green Movement Blue

About:
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

In addition to NJOA, Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and stewardship for the environment helped to found the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus. The NJAHC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers of the principles of conservation and the benefits that confer to the state’s wildlife and ecology.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ant is an international big game hunter and avid conservationist. He has authored two books on conservation and hunting, including “Color The Green Movement Blue“.

Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs Program

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- In an effort to correct a seriously flawed recommendation by Department of Health and Human Services, NJOA (EP) President, Ed Markowski, will address the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse on June 19, 2011, to clarify all aspects of the Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs Program.

“I was shocked and confused to learn that on June 30, 2011 the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse released a resolution opposing the Hooked on Fishing Not on drugs program.” Markowski continued,

“It appears that they lacked any knowledge of the program. Also, I obtained a two page report from the Department of Health and Human Services that was attached to the resolution and it did not contain any information about the HOF-NOD program. What it did contain was a reference to a one day fishing derby program that is totally separate from the HOFNOD program.”

Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs (S106) passed the Senate by a vote of 36-0 and was referred to the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee (A288) where it was released by a 5-0 vote and referred to the Appropriations Committee. Nation-wide the program has hat has had such great success with early drug interdiction that it is currently used in educational institutions in 30 states.

Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, Chair, NJOA (EP) stated, “We look forward to the opportunity to correct the glaring misrepresentation of the HOFNOD program. Ed (Markowski) will present an evaluation of the HOFNOD Program as researched by John R. Jackson, Ph.D., Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas Tech University. He will also detail the program’s structure, which is presented to students in grades K-12 and is linked with NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards. Plus, HOFNOD is funded through fines and penalties assessed against drug offenders — not one penny is used from tax dollars.”

HOFNOD is a unique, nationally accepted drug prevention program offered through the American Sportfishing Association’s Future Fisherman Foundation. It is presented by certified instructors at the local level with lessons that are geared towards students in grades K-12 and is correlated with NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards.

HOFNOD uses angling skill development as a gateway to teach youth about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and how to deal with the challenges facing them in their young lives. The HOFNOD network includes trained aquatic education professionals in over 30 states with literally thousands of programs nationwide.

The “Hooked On Fishing—Not On Drugs” program can be offered in many different ways, such as:

• an elective class in school
• an after school program
• integrated into the school curriculum
• offered by community groups, like churches and service organizations

This is an excellent program for helping young people cope with the problems of today’s society.

The program will:

• build self-esteem and self-confidence
• develop higher order critical thinking skills
• give young people a positive alternative to the destructive use of drugs and alcohol

Lessons provide students with hands on, real life experience and incorporate peer teaching and mentoring. Guest experts can be utilized to teach classes on subjects like fly tying, saltwater fly fishing and boating safety. During the lessons the message that you don’t need to use alcohol or drugs to have fun is interwoven into the class.

Senate Sponsors and Co-Sponsors

Connors, Christopher J. as Primary Sponsor
Beck, Jennifer as Primary Sponsor
Ciesla, Andrew R. as Co-Sponsor
Buono, Barbara as Co-Sponsor
Madden, Fred H., Jr. as Co-Sponsor
Oroho, Steven V. as Co-Sponsor
Greenstein, Linda R. as Co-Sponsor
Addiego, Dawn Marie as Co-Sponsor
Allen, Diane B. as Co-Sponsor
Norcross, Donald as Co-Sponsor

Assembly Sponsors and Co-Sponsors

Rumpf, Brian E. as Primary Sponsor
Conaway, Herb, Jr. as Primary Sponsor
Gove, DiAnne C. as Primary Sponsor
Albano, Nelson as Sponsor
Milam, Matthew as Sponsor
Holzapfel, James W. as Co-Sponsor
Wolfe, David W. as Co-Sponsor
Diegnan, Patrick J., Jr. as Co-Sponsor
McHose, Alison Littell as Co-Sponsor
Moriarty, Paul D. as Co-Sponsor
Chiusano, Gary R. as Co-Sponsor
Rumana, Scott T. as Co-Sponsor
Peterson, Erik as Co-Sponsor
Coyle, Denise M. as Co-Sponsor

Members of NJOA Conservation Foundation.

Jersey Coast Angler Association
Trout Unlimited
NJ Beach Buggy Association
Hudson River Fishermen’s Association
Reef Rescue
Greater Point Pleasant Charter Boat Association
Jersey Coast Shark Anglers
Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club
Cape May Party and Charter Boat Association
Hi-Mar Striper Club
Fish Hawk’s Saltwater Anglers Club
Round Valley Trout Association
New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs
United Bowhunters of NJ
NJ Trappers Association
National Wild Turkey Federation
Quail Unlimited
Ruffed Grouse Society
New Jersey Forestry Association
Society of American Foresters
National Animal Interest Alliance
NJ Council of Diving Clubs
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

Picturesque Hudson Farm in Andover NJ

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Final Reminder: Please join us for a “once in a lifetime” shooting experience!

Monday, July 18, 2011
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Environmental Projects
Charity Sporting Clays Event

Individual Shooter @ $350 each

Sporting Clays Fees includes cartridge carrier, shells, breakfast, and lunch.

Squad of 4 Shooters @ $1,100 (includes Station Sponsor sign and name in program)

• 8:00 am Registration/Breakfast
• 9:15 am Safety Speech & Course Rules
• 9:30 am Day Program Begins
• 1:00 pm Lunch

Register online:

https://phibetagib.wufoo.com/forms/njoa-environmental-projects-sporting-clays/

About Hudson Farm:

HUDSON FARM, located on 3,000 acres of beautifully landscaped farmland in Andover, New Jersey, has a long standing reputation of being one of the finest sport-shooting clubs in the entire United States. Industry leaders, dignitaries and even past US presidents have visited this pristine facility to experience its grandeur. Hudson Farm simulates a day of shooting at one of the great estates in England. It’s a once in a lifetime experience that necessitates a good deal of preparation.

Fortunately, that preparation can be a one-stop by visiting our Hudson Farm NJOA Charity Sporting Clays event. Some of the amenities include a well-equipped Pro-Shop, the stately mansion/club-house dating back to the 1800′s, complete dining facilities, motel and guest room accommodations, challenging course ranges, planted game food plots, hunting blinds, hiking trails, even a state of the art manufacturing facility. The Farm raises over 20,000 sport-birds per year on-site and employs a full staff of pro-instructors, chefs, gunsmiths and care-takers. (www.HudsonFarmNJ.com)

Why you should attend:

1. This is a “once in a lifetime experience” you will not soon forget
2. Hudson Farm is one of NJOA’s primary supporting sponsors
3. This event raises funds for the NJ Quail Project and Reef Rescue

Learn more about Hudson Farm: http://www.hudsonfarmnj.com/

“Preservation through conservation”

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- I have received a number of requests for details on my offer to do a “conservation” presentation to clubs or organizations dedicated to improving the outdoors experience.

The presentation is a PowerPoint presentation about 1/2 hour in length. It puts into perspective that anglers, hunters, divers… are the true environmental stewards because we understand the importance of conservation in the workings of Mother Nature.

It also explains how we can use this understanding to educate others, and to influence public policy that improves environmental health and expands our opportunities to fish, hunt, dive, etc. and betters the outdoor experience as we hike, bike, or view nature through binoculars.

The presentation covers three components to improving environmental health

1. Looking at how Mother Nature uses conservation as a foundation for ecosystem balance and health.
2. Examines how fishing and hunting play important roles in supporting environmental awareness, health, and importantly – connect us to the natural world.
3. Explains the mission of the 3 New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Organizations and the role they play in educating the public and policy makers about the principles of conservation.

For those that would like to take a closer look at the idea of “preservation though conservation” I’ve provided the link that follows.

www.anthonypmaurosr.webs.com/apps/blog/show/6153022-preservation-through-conservation

I welcome the opportunity to speak to your club or organization. There’s no cost involved so feel free to take advantage of the opportunity.

Simply respond to this email. apmaurosr@njoutdooralliance.org

Sincerely,

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- If you enjoy fishing, hunting, or if you simply enjoy nature looking through the lens of a camera, binoculars, or from the confines of a hiking trail, then you are a conservationist.

Conservation is a word we use a lot at the NJOA. It is fundamental to our mission and fundamental to our being effective environmental stewards.

A lack of understanding about the workings of conservation is why many in the green movement are doing more harm than good in the name of environmental health. They use a methodology that attempts to preserve the natural world, when in fact Mother Nature has no such prescription as preservation in the natural world; she uses conservation as the means of preserving things in her care.

To this end, and on behalf of the NJOA organizations, I’d like to extend to any outdoors related club or association (fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, bird watching, forestry, etc.) an invitation to do a presentation about the key role that conservation plays in environmental health.

The presentation is called, “Color the Green Movement Blue: A Remedy for Environmental Health.”

Simply respond to this email, apmaurosr@njoutdooralliance.org ,  and I will contact you with more specifics and to make arrangements. The presentation is free but I think that you’ll find the information priceless.

Sincerely,

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

Picturesque Hudson Farm in Andover NJ

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Shooting at the great estates in England is a once in a lifetime experience – fortunately, you need only travel to Andover, New Jersey, and the 3,000 beautifully landscaped acres of Hudson Farm to experience the grand tradition.

We invite you to the 3rd annual New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Environmental Projects Clay Tournament.

This year’s event is hosted by NJOA (EP) charity and supports Quail in the Classroom and Reef Rescue. Both of these programs focus on land and sea habitat restoration and improvements.

Your support will help to ensure the protection of our great outdoors, assist in restorative habitat programs and support youth oriented conservation education programs.

Please come and enjoy a fun-filled day with your friends, colleagues and fellow-outdoorsmen and help the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance (EP) fulfill its mission. If you can’t attend the shoot then be sure to join us for “dinner only!”

Learn more and sign up: www.njoutdooralliance.org/where/sporting/clays2.html

Well see you on, Monday, July 18, 2011

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The NJOA has been informed that Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell, (D) District 31, requested to be added as Co-Sponsor of Bill A1152, which prohibits the use of certain fishing gear on artificial reefs.

Assemblyman O’Donnell becomes the 16th supporter of the Bill.

Anthony P. Mauro, Chair, NJOA (CF), said, “It is exciting to see the democratic process slowly working, with respect to removing fixed gear from the artificial reefs. As I’ve said before, the need to remove the traps and pots from the reefs and have Federal funding restored to the NJ Reef Program is not a partisan issue – it is a moral issue. The list of Co-Sponsors of Bill A1152 is growing. That’s why it’s frustrating to know that the bill is being blocked from an up-and-down vote by one person — the Chairman of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Perhaps the full power in the democratic process will soon be realized and the Bill will be allowed to be heard.”

Captain Pete Grimbilas, Co-Founder, Reef Rescue and President, NJOA (CF) said, “There is near universal support for removing fixed gear from the reefs. It’s hard to believe that 20 trappers are able to lobby a single legislator to block a hearing on a Bill that would not only restore Federal funding to our state’s reef program but would also allow access to the reefs by nearly 800,000 anglers and divers. These anglers and divers pay for the reefs with excise taxes on gear purchases. The trappers pay nothing. Allowing a hearing on the Bill should be a no-brainer.”

On behalf of the outdoor community the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance (CF) thanks Assembly members for recognizing that removing fixed gear (traps and pots) is simply the right thing to do. We suggest that outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen call and thank them.

The list that follows includes the Assembly members who are Primary Sponsors and Co-Sponsors of Bill A1152.

Assembly Sponsors and Co-Sponsors:

Rible, David P. as Primary Sponsor (R)
Angelini, Mary Pat as Primary Sponsor (R)
Albano, Nelson T. as Co-Sponsor (D)
Wolfe, David W. as Co-Sponsor (R)
Holzapfel, James W. as Co-Sponsor (R)
Diegnan, Patrick J., Jr. as Co-Sponsor (D)
McHose, Alison Littell as Co-Sponsor (R)
Greenwald, Louis D. as Co-Sponsor (D)
Rumana, Scott T. as Co-Sponsor (R)
Amodeo, John F. as Co-Sponsor (R)
Voss, Joan M. as Co-Sponsor (D) *
Wagner, Connie Co-Sponsor (D) *
DeAngelo, Wayne P. as Co-Sponsor (D) *
Casagrande, Caroline as Co-Sponsor (R) *
DiCicco, Domenick Jr as Co-Sponsor (R) *
O’Donnell, Jason as Co-Sponsor (D) *
(* signing on as a Co-Sponsor)

You can contact your Assemblyperson and ask that they become a Co-Sponsor too – or thank them if they are already a Primary Sponsor or Co-Sponsor by taking the following steps:

1. Go to the following link and click on the town where you live. http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/municipalities.asp
2. Click on the District where you live.
3. Call the phone number next to your Assembly representatives (there are two).
4. Ask them to be a Co-Sponsor of Bill A1152 (Prohibits the use of certain fishing gear on artificial reefs). Let them know that you support Bill A1152.

It’s that easy.

You can also write your legislator!
People can use the link that follows to send a prewritten letter requesting that bill A-1152 be heard in the Assembly, which allows for public access (hook and line, and spear fishing) to ocean reefs as intended by the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Act.

http://capwiz.com/njoutdooralliance/issues/alert/?alertid=36620501&PROCESS=Take+Action

NJOA (CF) Council members supporting “Traps Off the Reefs” are:

- New Jersey Outdoor Alliance
- Reef Rescue
- NJ Council Diving Clubs
- Jersey Coast Anglers Association
- NJ Trout Unlimited
- NJ Beach Buggy Association
- Hudson River Fishermen’s Association
- Greater Point Pleasant Charter Boat Association
- Jersey Coast Shark Anglers
- Cape May County Party & Charter Boat Association
- NJ State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs
- Hi-Mar Striper Club

Non Council Members supporting “Traps Off the Reefs”:

- Saltwater Anglers of Bergen County
- The Regency Fishing Club
- Manasquan Fishing Club
- Sunrise Bay Anglers Fishing Club
- Village Harbour Fishing Club
- Penn-Jersey Saltwater Anglers
- Absecon Saltwater Sportsmen
- South Jersey Saltwater Anglers
- Forked River Tuna Club
- Newark Bait and Flycasting Club
- Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club

There are additional saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, hunting and conservation groups that support “Traps Off the Reefs.” The list will be updated on an ongoing basis.

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- NJOA Chairman, Anthony P Mauro, Sr. issued the following statement mourning the passing of John Adler, a former New Jersey Senator and Congressman:

“On behalf of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance I extend my deepest sympathies to the Adler family. All of us at the NJOA were impressed with John’s quick wit, intelligence, compassion, open-mindedness, and his commitment to the best interests of the people of New Jersey.

He was a friend of those who enjoyed the great outdoors and it was our pleasure to work with him on conservation issues. John’s passing is a loss to all New Jerseyans.”

NJOA Mourns the Passing of John Adler

NJOA CF Council members:

• Reef Rescue
• NJ State Federation Sportsmen’s Clubs
• Jersey Coast Anglers Association
• NJ Trout Unlimited
• National Wild Turkey Federation
• NJ Beach Buggy Association
• Hudson River Fishermen Association
• United Bow Hunters NJ
• New Jersey Council Diving Clubs
• NJ Trappers Association
• NJ Forestry Association
• Society of American Foresters
• Quail Unlimited
• Ruffed Grouse Society
• National Animal Interest Alliance Trust
• Greater Point Pleasant Charter Boat Association
• Hi-Mar Fishing Club
• Fish Hawks
• Jersey Coast Anglers Association
• Cape May County Part and Charter Boat Association
• Round Valley Trout Association
• NJOA

Preservation through conservation.

JOIN NJOA: www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

Conservation Corner w/ Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

USA --(Ammoland.com)- It may seem like an unlikely title for a topic about ocean reefs, but please humor me a bit.

Frankly, I don’t fish New Jersey’s ocean reefs.

I go striper fishing and fluke fishing a few times a year, but not over ocean reefs.

Regardless, it is as plain as the nose on our face that an injustice is occurring on the ocean reefs and most of us realize as members of society that any injustice allowed to continue will ultimately spread and affect all of us.

The injustice I am referring to is one where the ocean reefs have been taken from their rightful owners. The commercial fishing industry has spread tens-of-thousands of feet of fixed gear (traps and pots) over the ocean reefs and by doing so they restrict access to others.

Those who are restricted from accessing the reefs are the public; recreational anglers and divers. It is the recreational angler and diver, using hook and line, and spear, for whom the ocean reefs were intended. They have paid for the building of the reefs, and for their continued administration, by excise taxes on their fishing and diving gear. The commercial fishing industry does not pay excise taxes on their fixed gear (traps and pots), and therefore pay nothing for the ocean reefs. In essence, they operate their businesses rent free and at the expense of the paying public.

However, this is a deeply rooted injustice being carried out against the public. The injustice is also perpetrated by our own state government. While our government has seen enough of the injustice to have written a bill that to end it, it does not have the determination to pass the bill. Instead the same state government that wrote the bill employs a parliamentary procedure to block its passage. What kind of state government does this? It is certainly not a state government “of the people, by the people, for the people.”

The federal government has designed laws and policy that are meant to ensure that state governments do not allow fixed gear (traps and pots) on artificial reefs, these laws and policies are designed to guarantee access. It is called the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Act, which states that the ocean reefs are designed for hook and line, and spear use.

The federal government returns the excise taxes paid by recreational anglers and divers to the states to administer the reefs for purposes of hook and line, and spear fishing. How should we label an injustice that is committed by our own state government against the very people it is meant to represent? What type of state government defies the laws of our federal government that is meant to ensure fair treatment of “the people?” Isn’t this the definition of tyranny? Isn’t this a form of taxation without representation? Isn’t this the same form of tyranny and injustice that that gave birth to our nation?

Now, the federal government has recognized the New Jersey’s acts of injustice and tyranny against “the people” and has terminated funding for the artificial reefs. John F. Organ, Ph.D., Chief, Division of Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration, wrote DEP Commissioner Bob Martin and stated that because of conflicts that, “clearly violate provisions of the Sportfish Restoration Act (SFR) and its implementing regulations, I am terminating all further SFR funding for the artificial reef program in New Jersey…” He continued, “Funding can be restored when appropriate action is taken to eliminate the conflicts that currently interfere with recreational fishing on these reefs.”

I will tell you my opinion about the effects of injustice and tyranny on a society; it causes a palpable nervousness. It is a nervousness that seethes, and it is a prolonged seething that eventually ignites the flames of anger. At first it is an anger confined by one’s oppressors, but like any energy that builds strength greater than the force that confines it – the confines rupture. It is our rage that now ruptures the confines of our oppressors. It is rage that drives even the most common of men and women to act in ways to reverse injustice and tyranny.

For those of us who understand the degree of injustice and tyranny being committed against the public by its own state government we face a defining moment. It is as much a moment to assert ourselves and take back the ocean reefs as it is a moment to take back our own state government. We can do both at the same time.

We can request that those elected to represent us to stop blocking a bill designed to reverse the injustice perpetrated by the commercial fishing industry and give us back our reefs. The bill is A1152, and it needs to be heard in by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. We can contact the Chairman, Assemblyman Albano, and ask that he allow his committee to hear the bill. Our actions may well begin to remove the tyranny of our government and return it to, “of the people, by the people, for the people.”

Contact Assemblyman Albano: (609) 465-0700. Politely ask him to allow his committee to hear Bill A1152: Prohibits the use of certain fishing gear on artificial reefs.

All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent. – Thomas Jefferson

Color The Green Movement Blue

About:
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

In addition to NJOA, Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and stewardship for the environment helped to found the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus. The NJAHC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers of the principles of conservation and the benefits that confer to the state’s wildlife and ecology.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ant is an international big game hunter and avid conservationist. He has authored two books on conservation and hunting, including “Color The Green Movement Blue“.

Conservation Corner w/ Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

USA --(Ammoland.com)- Thank you for your interest in learning more about how New Jersey’s ocean reefs are being used inappropriately.

We received a large number of requests for additional information on the unfair practices taking place on New Jersey’s ocean reefs. We’re glad to answer your questions.

It’s important to realize that as with public parks, the ocean reefs belong to all of us – regardless of whether or not we use them. Therefore, it is wrong for commercial interests to profit from a public trust (our State-built reefs) while restricting public access. Just as it would be wrong for a business to establish a manufacturing plant on a public park and restrict public access.

You can use the link that follows to send a prewritten letter requesting that bill A-1152 be heard in the Assembly, which allows for public access (hook and line, and spear fishing) to ocean reefs as intended by the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Program.

http://capwiz.com/njoutdooralliance/issues/alert/?alertid=36620501&PROCESS=Take+Action

Q.) What are the objectives of New Jersey’s Reef Program?

A.) According to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s “Reef Management Plan,” the objectives of the Reef Program are to create hard substrate habitat for marine life, new fishing grounds for hook and line, and spear fishing (recreational or commercial), underwater attractions for scuba divers and economic benefits to the state’s recreational fishing and diving industries.

Q.) What types of fishing gear are appropriate for use on reefs? Is there any particular gear that is inappropriate?

A.) Since reefs were designed for use by the general public and built with Federal Sport Fish Restoration funds, the appropriate gear for use on ocean reefs is inefficient gear; hook and line, and spear. Hook and line can be used by recreational or commercial fishermen. This is also true for reefs built in other states.

Highly efficient gear is inappropriate for use on artificial reefs. This includes gear that is capable of catching large quantities of fish such as traps, trawls, dredges and gill nets. Gear such as trap lines catch fish and lobster 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without the fisherman having to be present. The trap lines also restrict access to the reefs by those using hook and line, or spear. The trap lines act to snag rigs and anchors, and also impede divers.

Additionally, the dragging of trawl nets or dredges across reefs destroys reef structures. Gill nets become entangled and lost in reef structures and indefinitely ensnare and kill fish.

Q.) What are “ghost” traps?

A.) When traps (fixed gear) are lost during storms or through entanglement in reef structures, they are referred to as “Ghost traps.” Ghost traps continue to catch and kill fish, crabs and lobsters until a degradable panel, or the net funnel, is finally breached. The extensive ground ropes and plastic-coated wire traps last for decades on the sea floor. These remnants, also known as “Ghost gear” are an impediment to angling; snagging fishing rigs, anchors and even divers.

Q.) Are reefs the only place commercial fishermen can catch lobsters?

A.) No. New Jersey’s traditional lobster fishing grounds encompass extensive areas of rough bottom, rock outcroppings, deep sloughs, channel edges, clay banks, the shelf edge and thousands of old shipwrecks and snags. Lobsters were caught in traps for decades before the Reef Program was started; there are fewer trap fishermen today than there were prior to reef development. In fact, according to commercial docks, over 80 percent of the state’s lobsters are caught in the Mud Hole, an extensive area far removed from any reef.

Additionally, the lobsters that are on reefs do not remain there, they move around with seasonal changes in water temperature. Traps do not have to be set on reefs to catch lobsters, since lobsters migrate over the sea floor they will eventually find their way into a trap set elsewhere.

Ocean reefs are of great benefit to commercial lobster fishermen, regardless if they set a trap on a reef. A Department of Environmental Protection study found that reefs are nursery grounds, which produce 14 “baby” (cricket-sized) lobsters per square yard of reef structure. In total, NJ’s 15 reef sites provide nursery habitat for tens of millions of baby lobsters. As lobsters age and reach market size, they move off reefs and become available to trap fishermen. Hook and line fishermen rarely catch lobsters on reefs, nearly all go to commercial harvest.

Q.) Who is in charge of building reefs in New Jersey?

A.) In 1984, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), initiated the State’s Reef Program, which replaced some small private reef initiatives. The DFW is solely responsible for all ocean reef construction in NJ. The DFW developed a network of 15 ocean reef sites, 2 of these sites are in state waters and 13 sites are in federal waters. Each site requires a permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers. The 15 reef sites encompass about 25 square miles of sea floor, representing 0.3 percent of the total ocean bottom off the Jersey coast. Therefore, 99.7 percent of the sea floor is open to all types of fishing gear.

Q.) How do recreational anglers pay for the artificial reefs?

A.) Beginning in 1989, the administration of the state’s Reef Program has been paid for with funds from the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Act. These funds are derived from excise taxes on recreational fishing and diving equipment. These monies are returned to state natural resource agencies (NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife) for specific purposes, such as artificial reef management, that directly benefit recreational fishermen and divers. It is a users pay, users benefit program. Also, numerous fishing and diving clubs have donated millions of dollars to assist in the construction of artificial reefs over the past 25 years.

Q.) Can federal funding be discontinued for the ocean reefs if New Jersey is not in conformance with the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Program?

A.) Yes. In fact, in an April 2008 letter to us, Mr. John Organ, PhD, Chief, Wildlife Section, US Fish and Wildlife wrote that Federal regulations and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service policy are, “…explicit that commercial use of the reefs cannot interfere with the purposes for which the lands are being managed.” According to Dr. Organ, one of the approved grant objectives, consistent with the Sport Fish Restoration Program is, “To provide increased fishing opportunity to recreational anglers, and thus provide economic benefits to New Jersey’s sport fishing industry.”

If New Jersey does not conform to the purposes outlined in the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Program – funding for the reefs can be discontinued.

Q. I’ve heard it mentioned again that there needs to be a management plan before traps are removed from the reefs. Is this true?

A. No. The framework for managing gear on reefs is already provided under the Summer Flounder/Black Sea Bass Management Plan of the Mid Atlantic Fisheries Management Council, which allows reefs to be designated as Special Management Zones (SMZ). Florida, Georgia and South Carolina obtained SMZ status for their reefs and thus limited fishing gear to hook and line, and spear – there are no traps of any kind – the fixed gear was simply removed.

(NOTE: Answers provided by Bill Figley, retired Coordinator, NJ Artificial Reef Program and Anthony Mauro, Chair, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance)

NJOA (CF) Council members supporting “Traps Off the Reefs” are:

- New Jersey Outdoor Alliance – Reef Rescue – NJ Council Diving Clubs – Jersey Coast Anglers Association – NJ Trout Unlimited – NJ Beach Buggy Association- Hudson River Fishermen’s Association – Greater Point Pleasant Charter Boat Association – Jersey Shark Anglers Association – Cape May County Party & Charter Boat Association – NJ State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs – Hi-Mar Striper Club

Non Council Members supporting “Traps Off the Reefs”:

- Saltwater Anglers of Bergen County – The Regency Fishing Club – Manasquan Fishing Club – Sunrise Bay Anglers Fishing Club

Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

Chair

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Environmental Projects

“Preservation through conservation”

Color The Green Movement Blue

About:
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

In addition to NJOA, Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and stewardship for the environment helped to found the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus. The NJAHC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers of the principles of conservation and the benefits that confer to the state’s wildlife and ecology.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ant is an international big game hunter and avid conservationist. He has authored two books on conservation and hunting, including “Color The Green Movement Blue“.

Conservation Corner w/ Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

USA --(Ammoland.com)- Why You Should Get Involved in the Fight for Access to Our Ocean Artificial Reefs and What You Can Do to Help.

Q. Why should I be concerned about having access to ocean artificial reefs?

A.As with public parks, ocean reefs are open to everyone as long as they use the type of gear for which the reefs were designed; hook and line, and spear (DEP Reef Plan). During the past 20 years commercial fisherman have put their lobster and fish traps (commercial gear) on these reefs to the point where the public (recreational and commercial anglers) are restricted from accessing the reefs.

It’s no different than a company setting up a business on a public park and profiting from using the publicly funded location, while restricting access to a public that has paid for the park for the purpose of recreation. The issue is a clear violation of the intended use of a public trust.

Q. How do recreational anglers pay for the artificial reefs?

A. Beginning in 1989, the administration of the state’s Reef Program has been paid for with funds from the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Act. These funds are derived from excise taxes on recreational fishing and diving equipment. These monies are returned to state natural resource agencies ( NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife) for specific purposes, such as artificial reef management, that directly benefit recreational fishermen and divers. It is a users pay, users benefit program. Also, numerous fishing and diving clubs have donated millions of dollars to assist in the construction of artificial reefs over the past 25 years.

Q. What are “lobster and fish traps?”

A. Lobster and fish traps are 4-foot long boxes made of plastic-coated wire. Traps are attached to long ropes stretched across the sea floor. A typical trap line is 1500 feet long, with 2 dozen traps attached. Sometimes, the ends of the trap line are marked with surface flags. Once set, trap lines are left on a fishing spot for months at a time.

Traps have net funnels that prevent fish and lobster from escaping. Lobster traps are baited, fish traps are not. Compared to hook and line, traps are highly-efficient gear, capable of catching 24 hours a day, day after day, throughout the entire fishing season.

Q. How does fixed commercial gear (traps) present a problem for recreational anglers and divers?

A. The thousands of feet of trap lines and hundreds of traps stretched across every reef site act to snag anglers’ rigs, anchors, and even immobilize boats when trap buoy lines wrap around propellers. This is costly to recreational anglers and can also be dangerous. A DEP survey in 2009 found that 57 percent of anglers stated there was too much commercial trap gear on reefs. Many anglers stop fishing on the reefs when there is too much trap gear.

Q. Does the gear conflict created by too many traps on reefs jeopardize federal funding of the state’s Reef Program?

A. Yes. Restricting access of anglers and divers to reefs built with Federal Sport Fish Restoration funds violates federal funding regulations. Failure to eliminate the gear conflict created by traps can result in the loss of federal funding for the Reef Program.

Q. Have other states encountered this problem? If so, what have they done?

A. The gear conflict between trap gear and hook and line anglers and divers is by no means unique to NJ reefs; it has been a common problem along many states with shorelines. However, states such as; Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and New York have protected public use of artificial reefs off their coasts by limiting fishing gear on artificial reefs by to hook and line, and spear. Delaware is in the process of doing the same. Hook and line gear can be used by either recreational or commercial fishermen.

Q. Who is blocking the current legislative Assembly bill A-1152 that would resolve the trap gear conflict issue?

A. Approximately 20 commercial trappers are setting thousands of traps on NJ artificial reefs and restricting access to the approximately 800,000 recreational anglers who have paid for the reefs. Many of the commercial interests using traps on the reefs operate out of Cape May, New Jersey.

Our research has shown that in the last few years there have been campaign contributions in excess of $40,000 to legislators in District 1 (includes; Cape May, Atlantic and Cumberland counties) from the commercial fishing industry (located in Cape May County), the commercial fishing industry’s lobbying group, and also the food industry. This figure does NOT include indirect contributions, which consists of various fundraising activities.

For four years the NJOA and ReefRescue have tried to have legislation heard that would allow New Jersey to comply with the Federal Sports Fish Restoration Act and provide anglers and divers with unrestricted access to the reefs. The legislation has been blocked (in the Assembly) by parliamentary procedures initiated specifically by legislators in District 1.

Over the years, the actions of District 1 legislators in preventing legislation to be heard have continued to put in jeopardy the Federal funding New Jersey receives for administration of the artificial reef program, while allowing 20 commercial trappers to restrict the access of 800,000 recreational anglers to the artificial reefs. Remember, these 800,000 anglers have paid for the reefs and not the commercial trappers.

Q. I’ve heard it mentioned that there needs to be a management plan before traps are removed from the reefs. Is this true?

A. Talk of a management plan is “code” used by those with an interest in protecting the commercial fishing industry’s misuse of the artificial reefs. It is also misinformation designed to confuse the public and deflect attention from a few legislators posturing and blocking “Traps Off the Reefs” (A-1152) legislation from being heard.

The framework for managing gear on reefs is already provided under the Summer Flounder/Black Sea Bass Management Plan of the Mid Atlantic Fisheries Management Council, which allows reefs to be designated as Special Management Zones (SMZ). Florida, Georgia and South Carolina obtained SMZ status for their reefs and thus limited fishing gear to hook and line, and spear — there are no traps of any kind. The issue is simple, commercial gear are on the artificial reefs in violation of both the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Act and the public’s trust. The commercial gear must be removed.

Q. Who are the legislators blocking the “Traps Off the Reefs” bill (A-1152) and how can I contact them and ask them to allow the bill to be heard in the Assembly?

A. At this time, we believe the best course of action is for people to contact Assemblyman Albano, District 1. As Chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resources committee, Assemblyman Albano has the authority to allow the committee to hear bill A-1152. It is in this committee that the bill should be first heard. Once the bill passes the committee it will then move on to the full Assembly for a vote.

Our lack of involvement in protecting the things that belong to us has provided others with the will to take advantage of us and has created the problem of commercial gear on the reefs. The commercial fishing industry is using a part of the profits they make on our artificial reefs to fund efforts to restrict recreational anglers from accessing the reefs.

We have provided a letter that you can send to Assemblyman Albano, along with copies to the Governor, Lt. Governor, Senate President, Assembly Speaker, and all Assembly legislators. Simply go to the link that follows, fill in a few bits of information and then click your mouse.

It’s time to tell our legislators to return the artificial reefs to anglers and to stop jeopardizing the flow of Federal funding to New Jersey that is used to manage the reefs. Tell Assemblyman Albano to give us back our reefs! Here’s the link:

http://capwiz.com/njoutdooralliance/issues/alert/?alertid=36620501&PROCESS=Take+Action

(Answers provided by Bill Figley, retired Director, NJ Artificial Reef Program and Anthony Mauro, Chair, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.)

Color The Green Movement Blue

About:
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

In addition to NJOA, Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and stewardship for the environment helped to found the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus. The NJAHC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers of the principles of conservation and the benefits that confer to the state’s wildlife and ecology.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ant is an international big game hunter and avid conservationist. He has authored two books on conservation and hunting, including “Color The Green Movement Blue“.

Conservation Corner w/ Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

USA --(Ammoland.com)- The question as to how anglers should pay for the management of New Jersey’s marine fisheries has been argued for many years. During this time our obstinance has allowed the state’s ability to perform marine fishery management functions to decline precipitously.

In effect, we’ve chosen to occupy ourselves with unimportant matters while neglecting priorities. We are the modern day version of Nero fiddling while the great fire of Rome raged.

The Bureau of Marine Fisheries (BMF) is responsible for the administration of marine fisheries programs. The mission of the bureau is to protect, conserve and enhance marine fisheries resources and their habitat. There are nearly 130 miles of Atlantic coast and 83 miles of bayshore under its charge.

The BMF performs research and inventory projects designed to provide data on fishery resources. This information is used to determine the health and sustainability of New Jersey’s fisheries and is relevant to the establishment of fish quotas.

The viability of our natural marine resources is the sustaining factor of New Jersey’s recreational and commercial fishing commerce. Marine fisheries are the foundation of a value-added tourism industry estimated to add $16 billion to New Jersey’s economy, it also employs 10,000 people.

Nearly $2 billion are directly attributed to recreational fishing revenues. It is obvious that the success or failure of fishing dependent businesses is to some degree a function of the ability of BMF to perform its responsibilities.

With this in mind, it is important for us to have an idea of the ramifications of the Bureau of Marine Fisheries budget.

The total budget is $3.48 million and it breaks down as follows:

• • $1.35 million from the federal government (Sport Fish Restoration Act, Wallop Breaux).
• • $345,000 from commercial license sales, shellfish permits, and net licenses.
• • $686,000 from the state treasury by means of appropriation
• • $1.1 million from the Nuclear Emergency Response Fund (this is a one time transfer)

The budget is actually $280,000 less than prior year, which may not seem significant but it needs perspective to understand its relevance. The inadequacy of the BMF budget can be highlighted by the fact that the $3.48 million used to manage 130 miles of New Jersey shoreline is less than New Hampshire’s budget, which used to manage only 13 miles of shoreline.

Additionally, by the time you read this column Governor Christie will have likely decided whether to give New Jersey a free saltwater registry and possibly fund it from the existing BMF budget. If so, the free registry may cost $600,000 – an amount not included in the original budget.

Unless the Governor designates funding from a source other than our marine fisheries the money needed to implement and manage the free saltwater registry might come from natural resource management programs. Monies could be taken from the artificial reef program, or perhaps it will necessitate the firing of a biologist that works on species management plans for weak fish, black fish, or other species. We can only wonder as to how it will impact our ability to enjoy our marine resources and to what degree.

We should keep in mind that New Jersey’s average recreational harvest ranking from 2002 – 2006 among all 14 Atlantic Coast States was # 1 for species such as summer flounder, bluefish and black sea bass and # 2 for species such as tautog and striped bass.

Regardless of the action taken by the Governor with the free saltwater registry, the dismal state of affairs at BMF should concern us since the other Atlantic Coast States are in a better position than New Jersey to compete for coast-wide fisheries quotas. New Jersey currently ranks last in total State Marine funding per angler among every Atlantic Coast State, this is according to United States Fish and Wildlife Service data (2006).

Even if the Governor finds the $600,000 from a place other than our natural resources to fund the registry, it will most likely be a one-time fix since he is faced with a $10.7 billion budget deficit. You may have noticed that in the current BMF budget there is already a one-time fix – a transfer of $1.1 million from the Nuclear Emergency Response Fund. It is unlikely that this money will be available next year.

When we add New Jersey’s financial woes to the long history of indifference by our policy makers towards fishing and the apathy of the angling community towards waging a campaign for funding BMF it is no stretch to conclude that reversing the downward trends with fisheries management will not improve of its own accord. We need to create a long term strategy to secure permanent funding for BMF.

For a better understanding of how the BMF became so vulnerable we first need to understand that our preoccupation with our own agendas have prevented us from making our fisheries a priority with policymakers – we’ve been out of sight and out of mind.

Some people have rallied behind their belief that anglers already pay excessive tax dollars to both federal and state governments, with only a pitiable amount returned to the stewardship of natural resources. They maintain that BMF should be funded with a greater share of tax dollars from the general treasury and not be paid for by a license, stamp or fee.

Without an involved and energized angling community actively campaigning to obtain more tax dollars for BMF it is difficult to see how monies will be appropriated. Plus, a $10.7 billion state budget deficit makes the task a daunting challenge, even if such a campaign existed.

There are also those who believe a saltwater license is needed to remedy the deficiency at BMF. While this would provide an influx of cash for BMF to perform its responsibilities, there remains a concern that the money would not be guaranteed the protection it needs from the quick fingers of a state treasurer.

Even the Federal system that is in place to protect the monies in the Hunter and Angler fund have been breeched by the state’s penchant for creative financing and millions of dollars used to pay for the fringe benefits of Division of Fish and Wildlife employees. In contrast, the general treasury of New Jersey pays for every other agency.

Some people also believe that a quick infusion of cash from a license excusues our policymakers from engaging in the problems faced by the BMF and therefore perpetuates their lack of appreciation and respect for the important contributions made to our state by the angling community.

So, as both schools of thought fortify their stands the ensuing paralysis has caused a steady decline at BMF. Lost in this ideological battle is the goal of having a viable BMF that is accountable to stakeholders.

It seems one solution would be to provide a forum for all stakeholders to meet and articulate their vision for a viable BMF. Once there is agreement we can begin to chip away at the paralysis and begin establishing goals and strategies to work towards our vision.

We can take the resulting plan to Trenton and as a coalition begin to engage our legislators and ask for a law to provide an equitable, permanent and protected source of funding.

There is no doubt that this is a daunting undertaking but it is in our own best interests that we prioritize the competency of the BMF, which will give us a better ability to compete with the other States for our share of fishery quotas.

Saltwater anglers have fiddled for too long while the fires at BMF have raged. It’s time to return the fiddle to Nero and turn our attention to laying a foundation for an effective and accountable BMF.

Color The Green Movement Blue

About:
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

In addition to NJOA, Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and stewardship for the environment helped to found the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus. The NJAHC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers of the principles of conservation and the benefits that confer to the state’s wildlife and ecology.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ant is an international big game hunter and avid conservationist. He has authored two books on conservation and hunting, including “Color The Green Movement Blue“.

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Two years ago the NJOA CF initiated a meeting with Senator Robert Smith (D-District 17) regarding the need for expanded forest stewardship practices in New Jersey.

The original meetings included NJOA CF Directors of Forestry, Bob Williams and Doug Tavella. Also included was NJ Audubon.

As a result, a forest stewardship bill was signed into law by Governor Corzine. Since that time the NJOA CF has led the effort in bringing together a coalition of groups to advance environmental stewardship, forestry management, deer management and more.

We have been working closely with New Jersey Audubon, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Nature Conservancy, NJ DEP, Parks and Forestry, Division of Fish and Wildlife and state policy makers to strike a balance between a healthy environment, the management of wildlife resources and the optimization of fishing and hunting opportunities.

I am glad to report that we have made significant progress since we initiated the endeavor two years ago. Not only are we helping to advance a diverse set of forest stewardship initiatives in areas like the Pinelands and on State properties, but our efforts also include plans for fishing and hunting mentorship opportunites as well as a permanent source of revenue for Hunters Helping the Hungry, a program that provides venison to those in need of quality protein.

Since our initiative began the NJOA CF has not only included the expertise of professional foresters but has added the skill of wildlife biologists, conservation officers and other specialists. Also contributing are NJOA CF council members including; Jersey Coast Anglers Association, New Jersey Forestry Association, Society of American Foresters, New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs and United Bowhunters of New Jersey.

We are glad to be working on behalf of a better environment and to provide diverse opportunities for NJOA members. We will continue to provide updates on our progress.

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Why not have some fun as you support the only PAC committed to fighting for your freedoms to fish, hunt and enjoy New Jersey’s lands and waters?

Join the NJOA for our 3rd Annual Central Region Sporting Clays Event.

The Sporting Clays Event is the only fundraiser for the central Jersey region and is critical in helping us to work on issues that matter to you.

Remember, the NJOA is “all volunteer” and we are focused on New Jersey issues only, so all of our resources are dedicated to improving matters that concern you.

Red Wings Sporting Clays : 317 Sooys Landing Road, Port Republic, New Jersey 08241 609.381.1200

For directions visit: www.redwinglakes.com

$65.00/person includes:

• 100 Rounds of Sporting Clays shot over 15 Stations
• Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Pulled Pork, Salads & Cold Beverages
• Event T-Shirt (specify size)
• Numerous events planned throughout the day

(Bring your own Shotgun (NO Single Shot) and Shells)

Event details and registration are available on our website at the following link: www.njoutdooralliance.org/where/sporting/clays.html

Help us to help you.

Thank you.

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- On occasion I will take the liberty of advancing our understanding of the importance of conservation by directing people to an article on my blog.

Although the blog it is not an “official” position of the NJOA the writings are a reflection of the fundamental principles on which the NJOA is founded, these are principles shared by those affiliated with the NJOA.

We are all committed to environmental stewardship.

The blog article is titled “Preservation through Conservation.” I welcome you to visit by clicking on the link that follows:

www.anthonypmaurosr.webs.com/apps/blog/show/6153022-preservation-through-conservation

JOIN NJOA: www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

Conservation Corner w/ Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

USA --(Ammoland.com)- Answering questions on the Free Saltwater Registry on behalf of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation:

Q. I’ve heard conflicting information as to the position of the NJOA CF on the Free Saltwater Registry. Would you explain the organization’s position?

A. Although the NJOA CF originally supported a $2.00 administrative fee to cover the approximately $600,000 in costs needed to manage and implement the registry, there is no such bill under consideration. The only bill before the Governor provides for a free registry. Ever since the bill reached the Governor we’ve stated that we support the bill but we have recommended that people ask the Governor to designate funding to pay for the free registry from outside of monies currently spent on natural resources.

Q. Why are you recommending that monies be designated from outside of our natural resource programs?

A. The idea of a free saltwater registry, as we understand it, is based on the fact that anglers are paying too many taxes with only a tiny fraction of the money being returned to our fishing resources.

If the Governor signs a free saltwater registry into law but then instructs that the money be taken from the current Bureau of Marine Fisheries budget (the entity that manages our fishery resources), we would be acting to defeat the purpose of seeking a free registry. In this scenario we’d be paying for the registry ourselves, while causing further erosion of the programs provided by BMF.

In other words, we’d look unwise for demanding a “free” saltwater registry based on the argument that we don’t believe we have enough tax dollars returned to our natural resource programs – but then allow the Governor to take the cost of implementing and managing a registry from the same measly, fixed amount of tax dollars we complain about receiving.

That’s why we’re recommending to people that they let the Governor know that they don’t want the money to be taken from the current BMF budget. We’ve included a link below for people to contact the Governor with this request.

Q. What if the Governor doesn’t like the idea of designating funding for the Free Saltwater Registry and he decides to ignore the bill?

A. The Governor has 45 days from the day the bill is presented to him to act on it (note: If the House of origin is in recess on the 45th day, the time is extended until it reconvenes). If he doesn’t act on the bill it automatically becomes law after 45 days. A request for designated funding can not cause the Governor to ignore the bill beyond the 45 day confine of the law.

Q. Is there federal funding available for the registry?

A. We’ve been told by the federal government that the registry does not qualify for Wallop-Breaux funding. We’ve been told that there is a Federal fund available that would support the development of a registration program but this not a permanent source of funding. We’ve also been informed that the states must have attained exempt status from the federal government before they can request the money. New Jersey does not currently have exempt status.

Also, simply submitting an application does not guarantee that a State will receive money nor does it guarantee how much money a State might be granted. If the registry costs $600,000 but the federal government grants $50,000, the balance will still have to be paid by someone at the State level. Again, even if NJ did receive some money this year it is not permanent, so it is unlikely it would be available next year to run the registry program.

Q. If the Governor signs the bill, will the registry be delayed because of the regulatory process?

A. The bill is written as a regulation and should the bill be signed, the saltwater registry would qualify for regulatory review. However, the Governor may have powers available to him to bypass or expedite the review process. Due to the urgent need for New Jersey to attain exempt status, we imagine the Governor would invoke any powers available to him to avoid a lengthy review period. This is something we will learn should he sign the bill.

Q. From what I’ve heard, the ability of the BMF to perform its federal and state responsibilities has eroded over the years. How can we change this?

A. The Bureau of Marine Fisheries (BMF) is responsible for the administration of marine fisheries programs. The mission of the bureau is to protect, conserve and enhance marine fisheries resources and their habitat. There are nearly 130 miles of Atlantic coast and 83 miles of bayshore under its charge.

The inadequacy of the $3.48 million BMF budget can be highlighted by the fact that the amount is used to manage 130 miles of New Jersey shoreline and is less than New Hampshire’s budget, which used to manage only 13 miles of shoreline. New Jersey currently ranks last in total State Marine funding per angler among every Atlantic Coast State, this is according to United States Fish and Wildlife Service data (2006).

We should keep in mind that New Jersey’s average recreational harvest ranking from 2002 – 2006 among all 14 Atlantic Coast States was # 1 for species such as summer flounder, bluefish and black sea bass, and # 2 for species such as tautog and striped bass. The dismal state of affairs at BMF should concern us since the other Atlantic Coast States are in a better position than New Jersey to compete for coast-wide fisheries quotas.

Over the decades it seems that the angling community has been so determined to argue whether, or how, the Bureau of Marine Fisheries should be funded that we’ve lost sight of the need to have a viable BMF that is accountable to stakeholders.

In the coming months, the NJOA CF will provide a forum for saltwater anglers and clubs to meet and develop a vision for a viable BMF. Once we can agree on what it is we want, then we can begin establishing goals and strategies to work towards our vision and figure out the way(s) to get adequate funding.

We will then take our plan to Trenton and as a coalition engage our legislators and ask for a law to provide an equitable, permanent and protected source of funding.

We realize that this is a daunting undertaking but it is in our own best interests to prioritize the competency of the BMF, which will give us a better ability to compete with the other States for our share of fishery quotas.

Q. I can’t think of any good reason to charge for the right to fish in saltwater, can you?

A. It’s already been determined by the Federal government that the States must have a saltwater registry. It is going to cost the State money to implement and manage the registry. We are recommending that you send your thoughts to the Governor. Let him know that you don’t want to pay for the registry from monies currently budgeted for natural resource programs. Here’s a link with a prewritten letter.

http://capwiz.com/njoutdooralliance/issues/alert/?alertid=24287511

Color The Green Movement Blue

About:
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

In addition to NJOA, Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and stewardship for the environment helped to found the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus. The NJAHC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers of the principles of conservation and the benefits that confer to the state’s wildlife and ecology.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ant is an international big game hunter and avid conservationist. He has authored two books on conservation and hunting, including “Color The Green Movement Blue“.

Conservation Corner w/ Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

USA --(Ammoland.com)- Q. Mr. Mauro, if the Assembly and the Senate passed the free saltwater registry bill how could there be something wrong with it?

A. The saltwater registry is the result of a federal mandate. The fact that New Jersey legislators have voted to have the registry “free” is recognition of the overwhelming numbers of anglers in New Jersey. I am proud to say that in just over three years the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance has helped to give voice to the 600,000 anglers. All of this is wonderful news.

But, frankly speaking, there is another side to this story. In the haste of getting a “free” saltwater registry bill passed shortcuts appear to have been taken. The bill was produced and passed without an honest examination of the costs involved in implementing and managing the registry. Also, there was no determination as to where funding would be taken to pay for a free registry. Had there been due diligence in these areas a funding source(s) would have been referenced in the bill.

In our personal lives we would not make spending decisions without first understanding the tradeoffs between our family budget and our quality of life. The same approach should have been taken with the “free” saltwater registry however it was created without an understanding of the tradeoffs between the Bureau of Martine Fisheries budget and the quality of our fishing experiences.

In response to the above the NJOA (CF) has continued to review the bill for shortcomings to be certain they could be corrected as soon as possible and ensure that the saltwater registry is in place immediately. That’s when we discovered that the bill was written as a “regulation” as opposed to using a more direct approach.

If the Governor signs the registry bill as it is currently written it might need to go through a review process that includes a public comment period. If true, there is a possibility it could take as long as 12 months before the registry goes into effect. We all want New Jersey’s registry to be exempt from the federal $15.00 fee – immediately.

Since the bill orders the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in consultation with the Marine Fisheries Council, to establish and implement a registry using the regulatory process we contacted the DEP to see if our interpretation about a possible delay is correct and it appears to be so. It seems to us that the DEP is aware of the potential problem and they are working to resolve it so that we can have a viable registry in place shortly. Perhaps there’s even a way for the Governor to circumvent the review process.

The bill is now awaiting the Governor’s consideration. He has until the middle of February to decide whether he will sign it, veto it or give it a conditional veto (return it to the legislature for changes.)

We’re confident that the Christie administration will quickly resolve any issues with the free registry bill. In the interim the NJOA (CF) is suggesting that the angling community call the Governor’s office and not only ask that the registry take effect immediately but also insist that the monies used to implement and manage the free registry not cannibalize funds used for the health and protection of our natural resources.

Call the Gov: 1-609-292-6000.

Color The Green Movement Blue

About:
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

In addition to NJOA, Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and stewardship for the environment helped to found the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus. The NJAHC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers of the principles of conservation and the benefits that confer to the state’s wildlife and ecology.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ant is an international big game hunter and avid conservationist. He has authored two books on conservation and hunting, including “Color The Green Movement Blue“.

Conservation Corner w/ Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

USA --(Ammoland.com)- Q. Mr. Mauro, I think you are missing the main point of why people want a free registry. Nobody owns the ocean but we just keep paying more to the feds or the state to hunt or fish. When the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance (CF) says it wants a $2.00 registry it is jamming its foot in the tax door.

A. When the people of the United States chose to have the federal government be the administrator of our national natural resources (by means of various acts and laws) we also chose to assume the financial burden. The same goes for our state government. Our federal and state governments don’t generate revenue by making and selling products, instead they tax people.

The federal government is now telling state governments to implement and manage a saltwater registry. The National Saltwater Angler Registry is the law and is a tool meant to help better count fishermen and their catch. If we are in favor of a “free” saltwater registry then we have to recognize that there are costs to implementing and managing the registry and since it is being done by our state government then the people of New Jersey will likely bear these costs.

If we are demanding that the registry be ”free” as a means of rebelling against federal and state government oversight of our natural resources then our rebellion should be targeted toward removing federal and state supervison of the conservation and management of our fisheries, and not be fooled by thinking that a “free” registry will accomplish the task. On the other hand, if we believe that federal and state government oversight is useful then we will need to consider the broader aspects of the matter in order to be productive.

What I have been pointing out in my commentaries is that as the anglers of New Jersey demand a “free” registry they are gambling with the very resources they hold dear. They are betting that the state of NJ, which is responsible for implementing and managing the registry by using our tax dollars, will take the money from somewhere other than the tax money used for managing our natural resources (fisheries, reef management, etc.)

I’m also warning that it is a high-stakes gamble to think that the money to manage the free registry will come from a place other than natural resource accounts, because New Jersey is facing a $10.7 billion budget deficit. The likelihood is that as anglers demand a free registry our state will respond by taking monies used for managing fisheries and artificial reefs and transfer it to the implementation and management of the registry, which is projected to cost approximately $600,000.

The gamble we now face could have been avoided if the free registry bill specified where the funds would come from to pay for the registry, and it could have easily been included in the bill. The fact that it isn’t should concern all of us because it forces us to gamble. It is also evidence that those responsible for the free registry are gambling since they didn’t specify a funding source in the bill they created.

The bureau responsible for managing fisheries and reefs is so underfunded now that it can not adequately manage its responsibilities. So as $600,000 is transferred from natural resource accounts to manage the free registry then other programs we rely on for our fishing enjoyment will suffer. Will this ultimately create a moratorium on a particular fish species? Will it mean our artificial reef program will suffer? I can’t say for sure I’m simply pointing out there is a likelihood.

So, my point is that if we are advocating for a “free” registry to change federal and state government oversight of our fisheries our efforts are seriously misdirected. If we want a free registry for other reasons I would suggest that when we contact the Governor’s office (1-609-292-6000) we also state that we don’t want the money needed to run the free registry to come from monies currently used to manage natural resources. Otherwise as we advocate for a free registry we may unwittingly advocate to undermine the very things we value. We end up cutting off our noses to spite our face.

The consensus of the majority of NJOA (CF) council members is that a $2.00 administrative fee is needed to cover the projected costs of the saltwater registry and keep our natural resource programs from declining further, but we have not attempted to defeat the bill. We are simply educating people about considerations they may not have been exposed to. Regardless of the fate of the free registry bill the members of NJOA (CF) are committed to finding methods to adequately fund our natural resources.

Color The Green Movement Blue

About:
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

In addition to NJOA, Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and stewardship for the environment helped to found the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus. The NJAHC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers of the principles of conservation and the benefits that confer to the state’s wildlife and ecology.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ant is an international big game hunter and avid conservationist. He has authored two books on conservation and hunting, including “Color The Green Movement Blue“.

Conservation Corner w/ Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

USA --(Ammoland.com)-  I’ve received a few good questions about the free saltwater registry. I thought the questions and my answers might be of interest.

Q. Would it be possible to use some of the funds from the taxes paid on saltwater fishing products and supplies?

A. It might not be legitimate to use money received from the taxes on fishing products/supplies to be put towards a registry. I am still waiting for an interpretation from the federal government.

However, it doesn’t matter. Let’s say that the total budget for Bureau Marine Fisheries (BMF) is $X. This total ALREADY includes the money from the feds that you are questioning. So, even if it were legal to use the money we get from the feds the total budget doesn’t increase – we simply siphon off the funds from one area to another.

My point is that the total BMF budget pie remains the same so the cost of the registry is a matter of taking out a new slice from a historically shrinking pie. The funds will come from an existing program(s) to pay for the registry. There is one thing on which the angling community agrees — the BMF is critically underfunded — therefore something will suffer unless the state increases funding. Since there is a $10.7 billion budget deficit in New Jersey it is a long-shot that the state will actually take funding from outside of natural resource management.

It seems to me that we are giving our total attention to how we spend a small amount of money, but we’re being careless with the larger amount it might cost us. I don’t believe any of us want the money to come from natural resource management to cover the cost of the registry. Perhaps there is an inexpensive way to manage the registry but unfortunately the sponsors and backers of the bill have not identified one.

Q. Is it possible to have a conservation license plate or state lottery to pay for the registry?

A. A license plate isn’t expected to bring in even $50,000. If the license plate idea were a viable means to fund the registry I would imagine that it would have been included as a funding source in the free saltwater registry bill — but it isn’t. The registry is expected to cost $600,000.

As for the lottery, I spoke with Hazel Gluck former Executive Director of the New Jersey State Lottery last year and asked her opinion about the viability of a conservation lottery to fund the registry. Ms. Gluck is one of New Jersey’s most well known and respected straight talkers in politics. She politely smiled and told me a conservation lottery is impractical if not impossible. Even if we were to get past the enormous political obstacles it would then have to go to the public to vote on as a constitutional amendment. Of course, there is the distinct possibility the constitutional amendment would fail.

The conservation lottery threatens to take a piece out of someone else’s lottery “pie.” She told me that the monies collected from the current lottery system aren’t necessarily being spent on the things they are supposed to be spent on. The conservation lottery does not appear to be a legitimate suggestion as a means to fund the registry.

Q. Don’t you feel the priority should be to implement the registry and avoid the Federal fee of $15.00?

A. Absolutely. I have done nothing to suggest a delay in implementing a Federally mandated registry. I have not suggested that anglers try to defeat the free registry bill. However, I am making the angling community aware that there is a cost associated with implementing the registry and that the costs are likely to come out of our own pocket. Therefore, if anglers don’t want to experience a further weakening of their fishing experiences I recommend that they request that the Governor find the funds from a place other than the management of our natural resources.

Q. How can we contact the Governor to let him know that we don’t want funding for the free saltwater registry to come from natural resource management?

A. I will be providing a means for anglers to contact the Governor with their request in the next few days.

Color The Green Movement Blue

About:
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

In addition to NJOA, Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and stewardship for the environment helped to found the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus. The NJAHC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers of the principles of conservation and the benefits that confer to the state’s wildlife and ecology.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ant is an international big game hunter and avid conservationist. He has authored two books on conservation and hunting, including “Color The Green Movement Blue“.

Conservation Corner w/ Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

USA --(Ammoland.com)- We’ve all heard the cliché that tells us that there is no such thing as a free lunch.

We all know that if something appears to be free, there’s a catch and we end up paying in one form or another.

When a business offers something for free the cost is actually hidden in the price of the products it sells. If the government provides something for free it is paid for by our tax dollars.

We know that a free saltwater registry will cost something to implement and manage. Estimates are in the range of $600,000. We also know that it will be paid for by state government in the form of our tax dollars. The important question saltwater anglers need to be asking is where the money will come from to pay for the registry. If we are to be “pick pockets” we should know upfront if it is our own pocket we will be picking.

Some of us might be thinking that it will be the “general public” that will have their pocket picked. In this scenario, we might feel comfortable thinking that the money will be taken from some obscure account that will not impact us directly. However, with a $10.7 billion budget deficit facing our state it is unlikely it will be paid by the general public since there is a shortage of money to pay for even the most essential things.

Therefore, it is more likely that the money will come from the department responsible for the free registry. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is likely to own the pocket that will pay for the saltwater registry. The DEP’s core mission is to protect our air, waters, land, and natural and historic resources.

The DEP has several pockets and will likely choose the one that pays for the protection and management of natural resources; the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). It is this pocket that pays for things that have an impact on fishing, hunting, forestry, and threatened and endangered species. This is our own pocket; the brotherhood of anglers, hunters and nature enthusiasts.

But who will be the party that assumes the financial burden of the free registry? Freshwater anglers and hunters pay for a license to access land and water quarry. Their license money helps to protect and manage the resources they enjoy. To pick their pockets to pay for the $600,000 free saltwater registry is not only unjust, but it will pit saltwater angler against freshwater angler and hunter; brother against brother.

However, it is likely that the DFW will choose to pick from the pocket of the saltwater angler since it is he or she that benefits from the free registry. The DFW will likely remove $600,000 from the Bureau of Marine Fisheries (BMF.)

Therefore, when the saltwater angler supports a “free” registry he is likely to be impacting his own fate – the money will come from the pocket that provides for the very things that he or she enjoys. But saltwater anglers will not have much say as to where in the pocket the funds will be lifted. It may come from monies directed at maintaining or creating artificial reefs or those used to manage fisheries (specifically fishery research) or perhaps some other fishery functions.

Many saltwater anglers don’t realize that the state of affairs of BMF is so destitute that it struggles to provide even the most basic research required by the federal government for fishery management. So, the decision to pick our own pocket today may have a direct impact on the species we are able to fish in the future. Correcting current shortfalls would take years to reverse even if we were to begin at this moment. However, the BMF continues on a course of deterioration.

For these reasons NJOA (CF) council members did not feel a free saltwater registry was a viable solution to federal registry requirements. We feel that given New Jersey’s enormous budget deficit a free saltwater registry will only serve to pick our own pocket. We have maintained that a $2.00 administrative fee will cover the registry cost and defer a more serious decline in our management of fisheries until we can find equitable way to reverse the dire financial situation at BMF.

As a result, those that sponsor and support a free registry are picking our collective pockets. In response, the NJOA (CF) council is asking to know the source of funding so that all saltwater anglers may decide to what degree they are willing to comprise the integrity of the resources they enjoy. We also want assurances that it will not be paid for by our brothers and sisters that freshwater fish or hunt.

We have not suggested that anglers defeat the legislation – instead, we are strongly recommending that they be educated about the funding source and the ramifications of raiding the BMF. It is not wise for anglers to go along unquestioningly even if to do so is against the tide of a popular opinion. It is best to have a hand in deciding our own fate and not be cynically used by others. The outdoor community should not feel intimated about asking a simple and honest question about funding.

When anglers call the Governor’s office (1-609-292-6000) they should ask where the funding will come from to pay for bill S1122/A823 – the free saltwater registry. We should understand the consequence of picking our own pocket.

Color The Green Movement Blue

About:
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

In addition to NJOA, Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and stewardship for the environment helped to found the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus. The NJAHC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers of the principles of conservation and the benefits that confer to the state’s wildlife and ecology.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ant is an international big game hunter and avid conservationist. He has authored two books on conservation and hunting, including “Color The Green Movement Blue“.

Conservation Corner w/ Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

USA --(Ammoland.com)- According to opinion polls, the majority of New Jerseyans were in favor of the recent black bear culling that ended last Saturday.

Even New Jersey’s highest court supported the hunt by ruling that it is “a safe, legal and responsible use of wildlife resources, as well as a legitimate and effective means to control overabundant game species in a cost-effective manner.”

Also, candidate Chris Christie was voted into office with his unambiguous support of a bear culling.

The actions of a small number of people in opposition to the hunt certainly added drama, with protests and madcap tales of conspiracy between the governor and me. But these antics were designed to exploit people’s emotions; they were the sleight of hand meant to tempt our gullibility and distract us from applying reason.

The truth is that we are experiencing a burgeoning bear population at the same time as we are experiencing dwindling habitat for them. This is causing increased reports of incidents of bear-human conflict — a public health and safety issue. The solution is either to increase available habitat for bears or cull bears to bring the population in line with available habitat. Members of the vocal opposition to the culling did not offer to raze their homes and return the acreage to wilderness for the expanding bear population. In fact, they did not offer a single solution to reverse diminishing habitat. They provided only firebrand rhetoric. It took the leadership of our state’s wildlife managers, the courts and the governor to address a festering situation that is as unsuitable for bears as it is for people.

As a result of the hunt, the number of bears that were culled fell into the range projected by professionals in the field of biology and wildlife management. The use of hunting is not only a straightforward solution to reducing the bear population, it also helps to provide equilibrium to the ecosystem while supplying food to those who opt to hunt versus buying slaughtered cow, sheep, pig, turkey, fowl or fish at the food market.

A study commissioned by the Division of Fish and Wildlife and performed by wildlife biologists at East Stroudsburg University put the number of bears in two study areas of northwest New Jersey at almost 3,500. A reported 589 bears were killed during the hunt, which is 17 percent of the area’s population. In spite of the culling, biologists believe that at least 800 cubs will be born in winter dens that will emerge next spring. In other words, the culling was designed to reduce the rate of black bear population growth; there will be more black bears next year, but the number will more likely be approximately 3,700 instead of 4,300, had there been no hunt.

A few animal-rights activists bitterly blamed the Department of Environmental Protection transition team for recommending the hunt. I was a member of the transition team, and I can attest that its members were focused on “big picture” issues, not black bears. After much discussion, one of the recommendations we made was for the DEP to renew its focus on natural resource management and conservation. We envisioned a new, self-sustaining department of natural resources whose priority would be the environment and the practice of stewardship of forests and threatened and endangered species habitat. The transition team report is public information.

It makes sense that we continue to use hunting as one of the key tools to manage a balance between bear populations and available habitat. It helps to open areas for bears to recede from human contact while providing sustenance to the hunter.

Hunting helps to ease the ever-increasing number of bear-human conflicts and provides a measure of public safety.

http://www.nj.com/opinion/times/oped/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1292654728260920.xml&coll=5

Color The Green Movement Blue

About:
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

In addition to NJOA, Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and stewardship for the environment helped to found the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus. The NJAHC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers of the principles of conservation and the benefits that confer to the state’s wildlife and ecology.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ant is an international big game hunter and avid conservationist. He has authored two books on conservation and hunting, including “Color The Green Movement Blue“.

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Some of you know that a few weeks ago the NJOA and I were the targets of a baseless smear campaign. The Times of Trenton allowed me to respond on behalf of the quality people associated with our organization. I feel it is appropriate to share the OpEd with our supporters.

Bear hunt helped balance population, available habitat

Saturday, December 18, 2010 SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

According to opinion polls, the majority of New Jerseyans were in favor of the recent black bear culling that ended last Saturday. Even New Jersey’s highest court supported the hunt by ruling that it is “a safe, legal and responsible use of wildlife resources, as well as a legitimate and effective means to control overabundant game species in a cost-effective manner.” Also, candidate Chris Christie was voted into office with his unambiguous support of a bear culling.

The actions of a small number of people in opposition to the hunt certainly added drama, with protests and madcap tales of conspiracy between the governor and me. But these antics were designed to exploit people’s emotions; they were the sleight of hand meant to tempt our gullibility and distract us from applying reason.

The truth is that we are experiencing a burgeoning bear population at the same time as we are experiencing dwindling habitat for them. This is causing increased reports of incidents of bear-human conflict — a public health and safety issue. The solution is either to increase available habitat for bears or cull bears to bring the population in line with available habitat. Members of the vocal opposition to the culling did not offer to raze their homes and return the acreage to wilderness for the expanding bear population. In fact, they did not offer a single solution to reverse diminishing habitat. They provided only firebrand rhetoric. It took the leadership of our state’s wildlife managers, the courts and the governor to address a festering situation that is as unsuitable for bears as it is for people.

As a result of the hunt, the number of bears that were culled fell into the range projected by professionals in the field of biology and wildlife management. The use of hunting is not only a straightforward solution to reducing the bear population, it also helps to provide equilibrium to the ecosystem while supplying food to those who opt to hunt versus buying slaughtered cow, sheep, pig, turkey, fowl or fish at the food market.

A study commissioned by the Division of Fish and Wildlife and performed by wildlife biologists at East Stroudsburg University put the number of bears in two study areas of northwest New Jersey at almost 3,500. A reported 589 bears were killed during the hunt, which is 17 percent of the area’s population. In spite of the culling, biologists believe that at least 800 cubs will be born in winter dens that will emerge next spring. In other words, the culling was designed to reduce the rate of black bear population growth; there will be more black bears next year, but the number will more likely be approximately 3,700 instead of 4,300, had there been no hunt.

A few animal-rights activists bitterly blamed the Department of Environmental Protection transition team for recommending the hunt. I was a member of the transition team, and I can attest that its members were focused on “big picture” issues, not black bears. After much discussion, one of the recommendations we made was for the DEP to renew its focus on natural resource management and conservation. We envisioned a new, self-sustaining department of natural resources whose priority would be the environment and the practice of stewardship of forests and threatened and endangered species habitat. The transition team report is public information.

It makes sense that we continue to use hunting as one of the key tools to manage a balance between bear populations and available habitat. It helps to open areas for bears to recede from human contact while providing sustenance to the hunter. Hunting helps to ease the ever-increasing number of bear-human conflicts and provides a measure of public safety.

Anthony P. Mauro Sr., chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, writes about conservation and environmental stewardship

http://www.nj.com/opinion/times/oped/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1292654728260920.xml&coll=5

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

Round Valley Reservoir, NJ home of Round Valley Trout Association

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The New Jersey Outdoor Alliance (Conservation Foundation) is pleased to welcome Round Valley Trout Association (RVTA) as the newest associate member of its conservation council.

Round Valley Trout Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the fishery at the Round Valley Reservoir.

The NJOA Conservation Foundation is dedicated to advancing sound conservation policy in Trenton.

The addition of Round Valley Trout Association brings the council membership to 23 prominent organizations representing the interests of salt water anglers, fresh water anglers, foresters, divers, hunters, trappers, promoters of animal welfare and all those committed to environmental stewardship by means of conserving our natural resources.

You may learn more about the history of Round Valley Trout Association by visiting their website: www.fishingrvta.com/rvta.html

A list of current NJOA (CF) council members follows:

• Reef Rescue
• NJ State Federation Sportsmen Clubs
• Jersey Coast Anglers Association
• Trout Unlimited
• National Wild Turkey Federation
• NJ Beach Buggy Association
• Hudson River Fishermen Association
• United Bow Hunters NJ
• New Jersey Council Diving Clubs
• NJ Trappers Association
• NJ Forestry Association
• Society of American Foresters
• Quail Unlimited
• Ruffed Grouse Society
• National Animal Interest Alliance Trust
• Greater Point Pleasant Charter Boat Association
• Hi-Mar Fishing Club
• Fish Hawks
• Jersey Coast Anglers Association
• Beach haven marlin and Tuna Club
• Cape May County Part and Charter Boat Association
• Round Valley Trout Association
• NJOA

I would like to thank all of the above organizations for their continuing efforts in protecting and improving the health of our natural resources. Again, a warm welcome goes out to the membership of Round Valley Trout Association.

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

Conservation Corner w/ Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

USA --(Ammoland.com)- Truth is found in the outdoors. A truth that is native to the soil, the water, the air, and the yawning canopies of forests.

It is an elementary truth, one that also ripples and swells through the essence of all humanity. It is quiet and inconspicuous.

It is absent from the man-made comforts. Pursuit of such comforts only serves to lead us further from the wisdom that resides in this truth.

It is recreation in the outdoors that untethers our thoughts from the earthly stresses and allows us to flirt with freedom and wonder. Recreation is the profit of the outdoors, a dividend to be splurged by the spirit and not recorded as an entry in a ledger. Recreation is the carnival of the soul.

Recreation is not a time of idleness but of discovery of life. Its benefits cannot be counted like the gizmos produced by the chugging factory, its measure is found in refreshment of the mind. It does not march to the ticking of timepieces; its charm is in its ignorance of such twinklings.

I have spent boundless hours fishing and hunting and remain uncertain as to whether it is fish and fowl that I am truly after. I often come home without either at my side and feel equally satisfied for the effort. Give me the earth, give me the skies, give me the waters and wildlife for my leisure.

These are the things that unfetter the mind and allow it to mingle with the meaning of life.

Color The Green Movement Blue

About:
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

In addition to NJOA, Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and stewardship for the environment helped to found the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus. The NJAHC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers of the principles of conservation and the benefits that confer to the state’s wildlife and ecology.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ant is an international big game hunter and avid conservationist. He has authored two books on conservation and hunting, including “Color The Green Movement Blue“.

Conservation Corner w/ Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

USA --(Ammoland.com)- Today it seems we are bombarded with information stating the fragile condition of the natural environment and inundated with opinions for corrective measures.

Hardly a day goes by without hearing about the green movement, environmental activism or a report about environmental imbalance or degradation.

In response, we try to make sense of these matters but since most of us don’t have backgrounds in the sciences it’s easy to be confused. Complicating our understanding are experts that give conflicting advice and activists with motives of advancing political and social agendas under the cover of environmentalism. It is no wonder that we find ourselves in a state of bewilderment.

There’s a question I ask myself when trying to make sense of environmental problems, “What would Mother Nature do to bring about balance?”

After all, Mother Nature has successfully managed the environment and all living things since the beginning of time. I attempt to understand the problem by looking at it in the context of conservation, since conservation is Mother Nature’s formula for ecosystem balance and the formula that sustains life on earth.

Conservation, or sustainable use, is a process that acts to keep something in a safe or entire state. When applied to the natural world it is the means for maintaining the health of fisheries, habitats, forests, wildlife and biological diversity.

There’s a spokesperson I often see the media use for quotes on environmental matters and I’ll refer to her by the fictitious name, “Guru Jane.” Whenever there’s a quote in the paper from Guru Jane, I try to understand how she relates her position on an environmental matter to conservation methods used by Mother Nature. Unfortunately, there are times there are no apparent links. If Guru Jane isn’t looking at the issue from a conservation standpoint, isn’t her advice prone to doing harm rather than good?

Forests illustrate my point. Let’s imagine that Guru Jane and like-minded people believe that forest health is achieved by “preservation” alone, meaning forests should have no human interference or management. Guru Jane states that forest policy should be to purchase acreage for open space and then insists that trees not be cut, tree disease be eradicated and fires be prevented or immediately suppressed.

On the face of things this might appear to be sound policy, but let’s relate it to conservation – the way Mother Nature manages her forests. Foresters tell us that she uses the forces of fire, insects, disease and wind as mechanisms of forest health and regeneration. The effect of these forces is to provide a healthy habitat for dependent flora and fauna. So what happens if we follow Guru Jane’s recommendation?

Sir Isaac Newton discovered that “for every action (force) in nature there is an equal and opposite reaction” (Newton’s Third Law.) When we apply Newton’s Third Law to Mother Nature the practice of “preservation” prevents the forces of conservation (fire, insects, disease, wind, etc.) from managing ecosystem health and creates an equal and opposite reaction – forests become overgrown.

Overgrowth prevents sunlight from reaching the forest floor. In response, certain vegetation withers and others thrive. This facilitates a change in forest habitat and the dependent wildlife that cannot adapt ultimately perishes. This is currently the case in New Jersey where we have seen near extirpation of quail, grouse, red headed woodpeckers and other plant and animal species.

Commensurately, other species such as deer flourish and in the process cause further ecosystem degradation. Plant succession, which occurs in the absence of Mother Nature’s restraints, grows high and provides a living ladder that reaches nearer to burgeoning tree canopies. There is also an ever-increasing accumulation of forest fuels.

The “opposite reaction” to suppressing Mother Nature’s method of conservation includes the opportunity for fire to exploit accumulated forest fuels and travel along living ladders of vegetation to yawning tree canopies resulting in intense fire. What might have been a productive burn providing healthy regeneration – if the forest were managed by means of conservation – is instead made into a destructive conflagration.

Foresters tell us that the practice of “preservation” is responsible for the infernos we have witnessed in California’s forests. They also say that the practice of “preservation” is the reason that New Jersey’s forests are in similar condition to California’s. Foresters have the ability to duplicate Mother Nature’s methods of conserving forests by means of selective cutting, controlled burns or other methods but are either restricted by imprudent state procedures or discouraged by the influences of a cadre of misguided Guru Janes.

The next time you find yourself listening to someone opine about environmental problems or reading a sound-byte from your local media “go-to guy,” ask yourself, “What would Mother Nature do to correct the problem?” Look for the answer to square with Mother Nature’s method of conservation. More importantly, our answer to “What would Mother Nature do?” may provide us with an insight and course of action that will lead us to a policy of true environmental stewardship.

Color The Green Movement Blue

About:
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

In addition to NJOA, Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and stewardship for the environment helped to found the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus. The NJAHC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers of the principles of conservation and the benefits that confer to the state’s wildlife and ecology.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ant is an international big game hunter and avid conservationist. He has authored two books on conservation and hunting, including “Color The Green Movement Blue“.

Visit the Conservation Corner Blog

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- If you’re the type of person that is interested in conservation and environmental health, if you believe that anglers and hunters are the true environmental stewards and if you think that New Jerseyans need to find their way back to nature, I’d like to invite you to visit “Conservation Corner.”

Conservation Corner is a place to read about the workings of conservation; whether it applies to environmental stewardship, ecosystem health, fishing, hunting, forestry practices or caring for the integrity of our waters.

It is a place to get in touch with the essence of our natural environment. Although it is my personal “blog” it is written in conjunction with the interests of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance and is targeted to everyone with an appreciation for the outdoors.

It is free of charge, educational and there is no personal monetary gain. There’s even a forum for people to freely discuss their ideas. So please take a moment and visit “Conservation Corner.”

Save the link as one of your favorites and visit as often as you like.

www.anthonypmaurosr.webs.com/apps/blog/

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

Conservation Corner w/ Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

USA --(Ammoland.com)- I am a hunter.

There, I have put it in writing for all posterity. To use a popular idiom, I have come out of the closet.

Even in this day, a time when the public prides itself on being open minded, there are those with prejudice against hunters. I twist another common word to symbolize such bias: huntophobia. Huntophobia is an intense disgust of people that hunt and is manifest in the loathing of the hunting culture.

Aside from huntophobia, the second leading cause of prejudice against hunters is ignorance, particularly in the media and the radical element of the environmental and animal rights movements. It is well documented that societies are filled with those naturally afraid of the unknown and the misunderstood. Their fears have proven to be one of the most common causes of huntophobia. This is especially true about society’s attitudes towards huntsmen and huntswomen. However, hunters perform an important environmental service to society on many levels.

To become fully aware of these environmental merits it is first necessary to understand that the omnipotent force that has sustained life on earth since the dawning of time, and the designer and steward of ecosystems that maintains all earthly organisms, is Mother Nature. This grand lady has created and executed a formula that has successfully perpetuated the existence of life on our planet for four billion years. It would seem that humankind would be wise to study her formula and employ it to the best of its ability if it wants to be harmonious with the ways of nature and ecosystem health.

The way that Mother Nature sustains life on earth, and balances populations of living things with available habitat, is by means of predator and prey relationships. It is the never ending pursuit of the hunter hunting and catching the hunted (predator and prey) that is the essence of Mother Nature’s formula that provides the ebb and flow for balance in the world’s ecosystems.

We may ask ourselves why it is that nearly every living thing on our planet survives by consuming another living thing, from stealthy micro fauna to the most ungainly beast. The simple answer is that from the time of birth until the moment of death living things must consume energy in order to sustain their lives and the source of energy is found in other living things.

The huntophobe is often lulled by modern conveniences into to believing he or she does not participate in this formula. But, the huntophobe works to earn money in lieu of hunting and trades their hard earned currency with the food purveyor who in return performs the butchery.

Butchery has become an industrialized process with the food market as the end distribution point. The fact that the dirty work is often hidden from view conveniently anesthetizes the mind of the huntophobe from understanding that their own role in bloodshed is equal to that of the hunter. Additionally, the huntophobe imposes environmental damage that the hunter does not lay claim to.

The industrialization of food distribution has its origins in the farming of domesticated livestock and agriculture. In order to create farms forests are razed and in the process habitats are destroyed and wildlife is displaced or killed. Non-indigenous grasses are planted to feed animals such as cows, chickens, pigs, turkeys, sheep and more. These animals may even pollute our air with methane gasses or cause further collateral environmental damage. The livestock is then slaughtered and distributed along highways and flyways in pollution-generating vehicles with final destinations being food markets. These businesses have also razed forests for their buildings and paved surfaces.

The huntsman or huntswoman leaves no such scarring on the landscape. They enter the fields and forests and leave it as it was found, perhaps with a deer or other wild animal that is the quarry that will feed their families. The hunter does not support or perpetuate the industrial engine we call food manufacturing and distribution. This seems to me to be a good thing for our environment and society.

There are additional benefits to society that comes from the practicing hunter. One of these advantages is that hunters consume a prey that is not fed with adulterated products or treated with drugs that have been shown to compromise human health over the long term. Hunting does not add to the growing list of ailments caused by processed foods, which swells the cost of providing health care and burdens an already overstressed health care delivery system.

Yes, hunters perform important environmental services to society. The benefits include culling overabundant game populations in a way that follows Mother Nature’s predator/prey formula for ecosystem balance while at the same time obtaining healthy, lean game meat as a way to obtain the energy that all things need to survive.

Yes, I’m a hunter. I’m also at ease at being out of the closet.

Color The Green Movement Blue

About:
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

In addition to NJOA, Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and stewardship for the environment helped to found the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus. The NJAHC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers of the principles of conservation and the benefits that confer to the state’s wildlife and ecology.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ant is an international big game hunter and avid conservationist. He has authored two books on conservation and hunting, including “Color The Green Movement Blue“.

Commitment to improving the environment must include a proactive Deer culling Program.

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- It’s a question I’m often asked by those unfamiliar with the links between forest health and the health of forest dependent vegetation and wildlife.

This important link also includes fish and humans. Below is a press release that highlights just a few of these links and details why it is a critical component of our responsibility as environmental stewards.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2010 Anthony Puglisi / Lauren Shears
ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE OUTLINES PLANS FOR THE FOURTH ANNUAL DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Program will Continue in South Mountain Reservation,
Eagle Rock Reservation and Hilltop Reservation
West Orange, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. outlined plans for the fourth annual Deer Management Program in Essex County on Monday, November 8th. The program will be continued in Essex County South Mountain Reservation for the fourth consecutive year and in Essex County Eagle Rock Reservation and Essex County Hilltop Reservation for the second consecutive year. It will be conducted over a six-week period on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Tuesday, January 18th to Thursday, February 24th. To maximize safety, the three reservations will be closed to the public on the days the Deer Management Program is being conducted. Reducing the number of deer is part of an ongoing initiative by the administration to preserve and restore the forest ecology in Essex County’s open spaces.

“Reducing the number of deer in our reservations is a very controversial and emotional issue, but it is a necessary step if we are going to preserve the forest habitat and maintain our reservations as viable resources for recreation and open space,” DiVincenzo said. “Over the last three years, we have removed 750 deer from our reservations, started a program to accelerate the growth of our forests and expanded a pilot program to reduce traffic accidents involving deer. The over abundance of deer affects all of our communities, and our program provides a comprehensive approach to address the problem. We are starting to see positive results and have updated our program to adapt to the changing conditions in each reservation,” he noted.

In previous years, the County Executive lobbied the elected officials in each municipality where the culling program would be conducted to adopt a resolution supporting a controlled hunt. The Executive, however, believed that since the program was being conducted exclusively on County-owned property the decision should be made by the County and not by the municipalities. Legislation allowing counties to develop community based deer management plans and apply for special deer management permits for county-owned lands was approved by the State in June 2010. (Note: The law was supported by NJOA and signed by Gov. Christie)

The program will be conducted in South Mountain Reservation on Tuesdays, January 18th and 25th and Thursdays, January 20th and 27th and in Eagle Rock Reservation and Hilltop Reservation on Tuesdays, February 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd and on Thursdays, February 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th. The Executive pointed out that the program has been scaled back in South Mountain Reservation from six half days to four half days in the evening and in Eagle Rock Reservation from six full days to eight half days in the evening. The reduction in the number of days is attributed to the success of the program during the first three years.

From 2008 to 2010, a total of 750 deer were removed from the three reservations utilizing the volunteer services of experienced and qualified sharpshooters. From South Mountain Reservation, there were 360 deer culled in 2008 (213 deer and 147 unborn deer), 138 deer in 2009 (83 deer and 55 unborn deer) and 59 deer in 2010 (44 deer and 15 unborn deer). In 2010, there were 42 deer removed from Eagle Rock Reservation (19 deer and 23 unborn deer) and 151 deer removed from Hilltop Reservation (97 deer and 54 unborn deer). South Mountain Reservation is located in Maplewood, Millburn and West Orange, Eagle Rock Reservation is in West Orange and Hilltop Reservation is in Cedar Grove, North Caldwell and Verona.

“We appreciate the ongoing support of the County Executive to continue the Deer Management Program. The aging forest and dwindling understory make this program a necessity,” South Mountain Conservancy President Dennis Percher said. “The flip side is the unprecedented forest regeneration program. As the population of deer decreases, the seeds that are created in the enclosed areas will help regenerate the local ecosystem with native plants,” he said.

“The Deer Management Program has been a blessing for Eagle Rock Reservation. It is a much smaller area than South Mountain, but the damage to the forest is the same,” Eagle Rock Conservancy President Jim Christiano said. “The culling and forest regeneration have given us a platform to revitalize the forest. We can’t thank Joe enough for what he has done,” he noted.

To maximize safety, South Mountain, Eagle Rock and Hilltop reservations and all parking areas and roads inside the three reservations will be closed to the public on the days the program is held. Fairview Avenue in Cedar Grove and Verona will be closed to traffic, but all other county roadways will remain open. Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, Essex County Codey Arena, the Essex County Park-N-Ride facility and the Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange will remain open. The Essex County Sheriff’s Office will coordinate safety patrols with local police departments.

Qualified, volunteer marksmen will be selected to participate as agents in the program. The volunteers are licensed by the State of New Jersey and must demonstrate their marksmanship ability and complete an orientation program with the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office. When in the reservations, the agents will station themselves in trees at least 20 feet above the ground and only take shots at a downward angle.

All deer removed from the reservations will be transported to a check station where County officials will inspect the animals and collect information about its age, reproductive status, gender and weight, as well as the number of shots fired. They will then be transported by the County to a U.S. Department of Agriculture and NJ Department of Health approved butcher for processing. Venison will be distributed to the needy and homeless through the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Volunteer agents who complete at least six (6) half-day shifts of volunteer service will receive 40 pounds of venison.

In addition to culling the deer herd, an aggressive replanting program to accelerate the regrowth of the forests is underway in South Mountain Reservation and Eagle Rock Reservation. A total of 47 enclosures (42 in South Mountain and 5 in Eagle Rock) have been installed over the past two years. Inside the enclosures, native vegetative species are planted so their seeds can be reintroduced into the area. The eight-foot high fences are designed to prevent deer and other large animals from foraging on the newly planted areas, but allow smaller animals, such as rodents and birds, to enter and exit. The fences will remain in place for about 25 years. The planting project was funded with grants from the NJ Green Acres program received by the South Mountain Conservancy and the Eagle Rock Conservancy and grants from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund.

Replanting native plant species was necessary to restore the forest understory that was being destroyed by the overbrowsing of deer. The loss of this vegetation has prevented new trees from growing, created erosion problems, allowed invasive plant species to flourish and caused the number of native animal species that rely on the plants for food or protection to decline.

The third aspect of the Essex County Deer Management Program is enhancing safety on County roads by reducing the number of motor vehicle accidents involving deer. Over the last two years, a pilot program has been underway to install detection devices that reflect motor vehicle headlights and emit a high-pitched noise to scare deer away from the road when cars approach. Essex County received a $30,000 grant from the Essex County Parks Foundation in 2009 and a $75,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation in 2010. The reflectors are installed along Cherry Lane, Brookside Drive, JFK Parkway and Parsonage Hill Road in Millburn, Livingston and West Orange. The program has had positive results. In 2010 through October 1st, just 114 deer were removed from County roads. In 2009, there were 284 deer removed from County roads, in 2008 there were 363 and in 2007 there were 303.

Congratulations to Essex County officials for understanding these responsibilities and to their commitment to improving the environment with their Deer Management Program.

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

Conservation Corner w/ Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

USA --(Ammoland.com)- I’m sure that many of you have been reading about the coalition of groups that have petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency to ban lead bullets and weights used by hunters and anglers.

They state the federal government is charged to enact such a ban under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

As with so many initiatives of our modern era it is difficult to determine those fueled by political agenda versus those by substance. Certainly, the petition before the EPA can be interpreted to represent the former. Even the main argument in the petition, the impact of lead on waterbird populations, is not adequately substantiated.

Those of us who have weathered decades of attacks on our freedoms to fish and hunt are predisposed to view the petition as another salvo to weaken our freedoms and create attrition in our ranks by making fishing and hunting too expensive and cumbersome.

We can legitimately assert that there is no evidence that “populations” of wildlife are being impacted by the use of lead products. In fact, we can point to populations of endangered species that have robustly recovered in spite of the use of lead bullets and gear; bald eagles, wolves and wild turkeys are examples. Much of this success can even be attributed to the efforts of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen.

From a wide-view perspective, wildlife management is a practice of managing “populations” and not “individuals.” The petition inverts this methodology with its emphasis on managing “individuals,” and if we begin to manage “individuals” we risk losing our focus on the real threats to “populations.”

A good example of this phenomenon is now taking form in New Jersey, as groups work to ban lead and save “individual” animals they turn their backs on extirpated (locally extinct) wildlife species such as; quail, ruffed grouse, shortnose sturgeon and other “populations.” These groups have been ineffective in managing the key cause of extirpation: habitat loss caused by sprawl, forest neglect, water pollution and other factors. How do we justify our focus on preventing the unlikely swallowing of a lead sinker by an “individual” fish while turning our backs on the pervasive destruction of wildlife “populations” due to habitat loss or degradation?

Furthermore, if we choose to direct our attention at managing “individuals” there is the opportunity for those with malicious intent to misuse laws and stop fishing and hunting due to effects that might occur to an individual animal, but not animal populations. The devil remains in the details and with this petition there is enough reason to consider that the details are at the devil’s whim.

A similar petition to ban lead in fishing tackle was presented to the EPA in 1992 and was canceled partly because the agency found that the impact of lead was not a threat to any bird population. The current petition is also a misplaced priority and should be abandoned by the EPA.

However, with due respect to what I’ve written, the commitment of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen to environmental stewardship should encourage us to consider the role of lead in ecosystems. Lead found in one animal can be ingested by prey in the food chain. Although there is no immediate threat to public health or to wildlife populations our obligations as outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen extend to the environment and should compel us to use lead-free alternatives such as copper bullets or rigs made of tungsten, brass or even drilled river stones.

If the federal government is truly committed to lead-free outdoor products then it should focus its efforts on creating a policy that provides incentives to manufacturers to produce effective and affordable alternatives. As more people purchase these alternatives companies will find predictability in a growing market and have the confidence to invest in research, development and production of lead-free bullets and gear. Economies of scale and a breadth of lead-free product offerings should ultimately drive down prices of gear.

Unlike the proposed lead ban, providing incentives to assist manufacturers in producing lead-free products will inspire trust in the outdoor community towards the initiative, make these products more affordable and also help the outdoor community fulfill its obligation to ensure a healthy environment.

Color The Green Movement Blue

About:
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

In addition to NJOA, Ant’s commitment to the principles of sustainable use of natural resources and stewardship for the environment helped to found the New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus. The NJAHC is the first outdoor caucus of its kind in New Jersey and is designed to educate opinion leaders and policy makers of the principles of conservation and the benefits that confer to the state’s wildlife and ecology.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ant is an international big game hunter and avid conservationist. He has authored two books on conservation and hunting, including “Color The Green Movement Blue“.

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Today is Election Day.

There are more than 800,000 people who fish, hunt and trap in New Jersey.

We are potentially the largest voting bloc in our state. Our numbers are 4 times larger than the powerful New Jersey Education Association.

How many times during the past year have we read an article, watched a news report or opened a newspaper to the “Opinion Section” to find ignorance or ugly words describing our outdoor pursuits?

While it may seem that those who do not understand the precepts of conservation are given more venues to express their views throughout the year, remember…

Election Day is when we have OUR say!

Polls are open from 6:00AM to 8:00PM. ?

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org