Blue Ribbon fund=no $$ for stillwaters??

[Minivan]

Does the Blue Ribbon Fund/Initiative apply only to rivers and streams?? From everything I have read and heard there has been alot of talk on how to improve access, habitat, stream flows, etc., on rivers and streams. Where is the discussion on how to improve our stillwaters? It seems the folks behind the BRF have no problem soaking every fisherman in the state to pay into their fund, but where is the equity? Why are lakes being ignored in the program? Ask me for some ideas on how to improve our stillwaters and I will give you a laundry list. Also let me give you an example of our habitat funds at work. I am very familiar with the East Fork of the Sevier River project. In fact I have a summer home less than 2 miles from the river. Alot of money and time has been spent improving the habitat and access on the Black Canyon section of the river, south of Antimony. I don't have a problem with any of this. But let's look at usage. I would say this section of river is lucky to see an average of one or two anglers per day. But just 10 miles up the road is Otter Creek Reservoir which easily sees an average of 200 or more anglers per day in the summer. For the uninformed, Otter Creek was and still could be the best trophy stillwater in Utah. But how much money will the Blue Ribbon fund be spent on Otter Creek Res.? My guess is zero. Because it's a lake. Down the road the East Fork of the Sevier will receive and has already received tens of thousands of dollars in funds. Another reason is the underlying commercial aspect. A local fly shop can benefit alot more economically from funds spent on a local river than it can on let's say a high elevation lake in the Boulder Mountains for instance. Hmmm. Ever wonder why a few fly shop owners are on the advisory board?? Just my two cents to the matter.

[Jason]

Minivan, lakes are not being left out of the mix. Streams and rivers probably have the most focus because they tend to be more delicate than the lakes or reservoirs and need more attention, but there are plans for improvements on lakes. I don't know the current details for lakes (Pineview and Lake Canyon are two that are currently being worked on now), but I do know that Pineview Reservoir, Lake Canyon, Strawberry, Minersville, Kolob Res, Panguitch Lake, Lost Creek Res, Jordanelle, Flaming Gorge, Pelican Lake, Mantua, and Schofield are a few of lakes across the state that are being targeted for future improvements or regulation changes. So, there are a bunch of lakes and reservoirs that they intend to target and focus on. IF you have suggestions on where some of the money could be used towards, give Wes Johnson an email and he'll be glad to take your comments into consideration. (you can email Wes through the Forums under 'Members') Keep in mind, the Blue Ribbon Fishery Committee wants to be guided by the public on what to do. They have ideas and plans, but they strongly encourage suggestions from the public. They don't have all the answers.

What sort of ideas do you have for Otter Creek? Regulations changes? Improvements?

[Mike]

One of the first projects being considered by the BRF was in fact the purchase of permanent rights to a stillwater. I can't remember what stillwater it was off the top of my head unfortunately. It wasn't necessarily an amazing deal, so I don't know if they decided to do it or not, but there you have it -- they were thinking of stillwater fisherman! Also, it's important to note that a lot of the BRF council is composed of people who don't fly fish, usually fish stillwater, etc....

[Wyoming 2]

The big thing to remember with the whole Blue Ribbon fishing idea is that the program was a one-shot deal. Simply put, unless the legislature allows for more money to be allocated to the program, the whole Blue Ribbon Fishery project will go down the tube as a dumb joke! My opinion will definitely be debated hotly on this site, but what the heck...the Blue Ribbon project is as stupid as running naked through the streets and barking at the moon--the worst thing for Utah fishing is for a bunch of yahoos to be hired to run a program that is not totally backed by Utah fisheries biologists. If Blue Ribbon personnel are telling Utah fisheries biologists how to run the streams and lakes (like many citizens already do with the whole RAC program), then we will continue to have crazy and idiotic rule changes (like the one at Panguitch which designates a fly-fish only zone). Why not leave the management of our fisheries to the professionals who have been trained and who are experienced in the field? I, for one, am tired with the politicians and beaurocrats trying to run Utah's outdoors! Yes, I am totally for improving our lakes and streams...in fact, every time I fish Corn Creek, the Sevier River, Clear Creek, and many others I am thankful for the work that has already been done. But, let's give the money and means to the Utah DWR! I think Mike Leavitt has made too many people happy on a hoaky idea that is filled with flaws. Sorry, for the vent...but I just couldn't help it!

[K.B.]

Face it, fisheries are managed by people for people (the fish don't care) and because people have differing views as to what's important there always has been and always will be a political aspect to fisheries management, and that's as it should be. I see the Blue Ribbon Advisory Committee as a good way for those who value a particular type of fishiing experience (e.g., naturally reproducing fish over stockers, catch and release over keeping a limit) to advocate their views.

KB

[PowerBaitHeppy]

If you really want natural reproduction, then eventually you will end up with June Suckers and Utah chubs instead of trout. People have many good ideas about the way our fisheries should be managed, but they also have alot of bad ones. I personally would rather have someone that has the knowledge to manage the fisheries than someone that owns a fly shop nearby the fishery.

[K.B.]

I didn't mean to suggest that stocking is always inappropriate for a quality fishery, nor did I say that catch and release is always appropriate, and I believe that the biologists' opinions should be given due deference. I just don't think matters involving public policy can be left completely in their hands.

KB

[Minivan]

I agree with Wyoming2. I think the Blue Ribbon initiative sounds fine in theory, but in practicality it will fail. The main reason is when either state or federal funds are available such as this you will have every body with some sort of special interest trying to get a slice of the pie. I think it is a horrible idea for anybody with a commercial interest, ie., fly shop owner, to have any involvement whatsoever. In fact I feel that if anything it is a conflict of interest. Let's face it. Your average fly shop owner is a typical small businessman. He is constantly struggling and finding new ways to produce cash flow. What makes matters worse is fly fishing for the most part is very seasonal. Therefore if they are given a voice in this process, they will definitely be looking out for their best interests. I think they Blue Ribbon project will be a flash in the pan, with a few pet projects completed then it will die out completely. And as Wyoming2 points out, look at the ridiculous law change at Panguitch. Guess what. The owner of Panguitch Anglers Fly shop is on the Blue Ribbon advisory board.

[ElkHair]

I agree with Wyoming also. Sometimes you have to run naked through the streets and bark at the moon to get what you want.