Skeena Quality Waters Strategy

[Chilkootangler]

Hey All,

I just had friends return from Terrace with news that Non Resident Anglers would have a harder time fishing rivers in the Skeena Region come 2010.

The issue on the table is a lottery system for non-resident Canadians and International anglers who wish to fish rivers such as the Bulkley, Babine, Kalum, Copper and Skeena. The lottery would be for 8 day licences, in order to better manage the carrying capacity and crowding on rivers.

I really feel as a non-resident Canadian angler who fishes the area, that all folks should get involved in the decision making process. I have read the strategy and the data and process by which the consultation process is lacking, and in some instances makes broad sweeping assumptions. I see this as a way of restricting the ability to fish by the user group that can not properly be represented at the table. I do agree that impact management tools are required based upon the data collected, but I believe a colaborative approach that plays give and take for all user groups, resident anglers, non-resident anglers and guide operators alike.

Please review the data and proposed plan for yourself, take the time to complete the online survey and tell as many anglers as possible to voice their opinion. This strategy, if made into legislation, would create anamosity between Canadian juresdictions and develop rod rage between interested parties.

Please go to the following:

http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/ske/qws/


Thanks,

Steve Hahn

[Rick Baerg]

Here is some more info posted from one of the members on BCFR, PGbilly!!

In recent years overcrowding has become a big problem on the Skeena and her tribs in the fall, specifically September and October. A number of localized working groups were struck to look at options to reduce the overcrowding and a few other issues. Here is a link to give an explanation of why these proposals are being adressed http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/ske/qws/docs/PlanningforWorldClass.pdf. There is a link also that will take you too the entire 114 page Draft but most of it is fairly dry. This has not been implemented as of yet and is in a feedback period. There is a short questionaire at this link http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/ske/qws/feedback/ if you have a chance please give some input. There seems to be a reel opportunity here for us to have some input in how our fishery is conducted, lets not waste it.

Cheers Bill

These working groups were to comprise of resident anglers, guides and the group will take into account other stackholders. I believe they are well past the selection process and have developed a DRAFT management plan, hence the beginning of public consoltation. I would expect to have local forums held in communities that will be effected. This is to be implemented by the 2010-11 liscensing year. The entire 114 page report is availble for viewing here http://www.bcfishingreports.com/PDF/SkeenaAnglingManagement.pdf hope the link works.

Bill

I'm sure if you give MOE a call you should be able to find a little more about the make-up of these particular groups. From the link I posted yesterday, "...working groups were comprised of four resident anglers, three liscensed guides, and a ministry of enviroment representantive. Each working group was assisted by an independent, professional facilitator .... Working group members were expected to represent all interest, not just those immediately around the table, but those in the community who were not sitting at the table ...". I could type all night but there is a link.

The rest is on the link I posted for you yesterday Yama, it continues on and states when the meetings took place and where. Give it a read it should answer your questions, there is a 114 pages to scan through there.

Link
http://www.bcfishingreports.com/PDF/SkeenaAnglingManagement.pdf

Cheers Bill