From the Stockton Record…
Mr. Wade’s comments are so ridiculously misinformed and asinine that they almost don’t dignify a response…but a couple observations are necessary here:
First off, Mr. Wade, you do your constituents a disservice with your views that paint farmers in an unflattering way. In fact, I find them offensive.
My family farmed the Central Valley for 4 generations. Working the orchards, I learned much of what I know now about stewardship of the land, conservation of resources and respect for wildlife. Farmers have a better appreciation for these things than most and I’m quite certain your views aren’t shared by many.
Don’t make this a fish vs. farms issue — it’s not. Farms need water and so do fish. It’s a matter of setting shortsightedness and greed aside and finding a balance that suits everyone.
Secondly, you are way off the mark about anglers. Anglers (and hunters) are some of the greatest and most dedicated conservationists in the nation…and it goes way beyond wanting more fish to catch.
Organizations like those you mentioned fight for better water quality, cleaner rivers and habitat restoration — which benefit everyone…not just fishermen.
It’s a long-term objective that will affect future generations, not just an instant gratification type of deal as you suggest.
Don Brier says
Do you think if Mike and his organization spent a little more time on developing more sustainable water usage practices in lieu of beating up on fisherman it might help the farmers stay in business or be more profitable.
It probably either pays more or the job lasts longer to beat up on fisherman.
Harold Whitmore says
Supports of Conservation please help us with the NCCFFF fundraiser that benefits Conservation and Education. Go to nccfff.org and help support these efforts
Don says
Well stated JD! Mike Wade is an idiot!!
Cliff Rains says
JD, you are right on. I was born and raised in Santa Cruz (63 years), I have seen what kind of action that has taken place all alone the coast, with the creeks and rivers. We will never see the silvers, kings and steelhead as we saw in the past, Fifteen years ago we moved to the central valley. The same or worse is going on here ( San Joaquin River ) and all the dams up and down the valley.
It’s disgusting how much money is on the table and not being used for what it’s meant for .
Keep up the good work
Maybe we can hook up one of these days
take care
CBR
JDM says
Farmers can be environmentalists too, but let’s face it – there really out to use heavily subsidized water to lower their cost and receive obscene subsidies for their product and whine for more subsidies when the weather is less than perfect and reduces their crop yield – all to turn a high profit.for them selves. At least fishing is fun – I don’t think I could look at myself in the mirror if my existence was so heavily and overtly subsidized.
JC says
JD,
What are the aforementioned associations stance on today’s closure decision? While frustrated about the decision, I agree with you that we must think long term about the health and future of our fisheries.
Dave Hurley says
The writer of this letter knows not of what he speaks since the organizations that he attempts to portray as ‘out to catch the very fish they’re asking the government to protect’ are led by men with great integrity such as Bill Jennings, Roger Thomas, Dick Pool, and Zeke Grader who are far more concerned about the future of a healthy ecosystem than ‘catching fish.” As I have said before, when you are on the side of men such as these, you are on the right side. But this is indicative of the types of generalizations that will be made as the battle for this precious resource continues to heat up.