Sportsmen’s Caucus Hosts Policy Forum

[Lipripper]

Posted on Thursday, March 09, 2017

On February 28, the bipartisan New Jersey Angling, Hunting and Conservation Caucus and the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance hosted their first policy forum of the 2017 legislative session. Over a dozen Caucus Members gathered to discuss legislative priorities for the sportsmen's community, including two Caucus Co-Chairs, Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Senator Steve Oroho. The key conservation issues identified by the attendees included scientific management of the black bear population, dog proof raccoon traps, and federal changes to summer flounder catch and size limits and marine fisheries funding.

Senator Oroho commented on the economic impact of the sportsmen's community in the state. "New Jersey has a proud sporting heritage that provides numerous recreational opportunities for hunters and anglers alike. Our outdoor heritage also contributes significantly to our state's economy as it generates increased tourism dollars and jobs. In fact, sportsmen and women in New Jersey spend $1.26 billion annually on sporting activities, support nearly 17,000 jobs for the state and provide over $150 million per year in state and local taxes. So promoting opportunities for the sportsmen's community certainly makes sense for New Jersey."

In addition to the contributions to the state's economy, the sportsmen's community provides nearly $24 million per year for conservation efforts in New Jersey through the "user-pays, public-benefits" American System of Conservation Funding, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. These critical conservation dollars fund a variety of efforts including: enhanced fish and wildlife habitat and populations, recreational access to public and private lands, shooting ranges and boat access facilities, wetlands protection and its associated water filtration and flood retention functions, and improved soil and water conservation – all of which benefit all New Jersey residents, hunters and non-hunters alike.

[Mike Cork]

Like Wisconsin it's great to see states that recognize the value of our out doors

[BigNasty06]

LipRipper,
Great summation of the topics of discussions.  These Policy forums of the 2017 legislature session lead to the regulations we see later in the year and going forward.

Although all of it is important, I'm particularly interested in the Flounder regulations and what will become of the Jersey Shore points and how the Private\Public Boat Captains deal with it without sacrificing there bottom line.

Thanks again,
BN06

[Lipripper]

LipRipper,
Great summation of the topics of discussions.  These Policy forums of the 2017 legislature session lead to the regulations we see later in the year and going forward.

Although all of it is important, I'm particularly interested in the Flounder regulations and what will become of the Jersey Shore points and how the Private\Public Boat Captains deal with it without sacrificing there bottom line.

Thanks again,
BN06

Your welcome BN06 and I know your ready to get the fishing season started.

[BigNasty06]

Good morning LipRipper,
Yeah, we're suppose to kick things off tomorrow however with this unsettled weather and air temps forcasted, I have a phone call into Al Roker of the Today Show to get a better picture of what to expect Saturday morning.  LOL!!!!

I'm ready to go but not if a couple inches of snow is forecasted to fall.  Stay tuned as we may have to cancel.

Ugggh!
BN06

[Lipripper]

Good morning LipRipper,
Yeah, we're suppose to kick things off tomorrow however with this unsettled weather and air temps forcasted, I have a phone call into Al Roker of the Today Show to get a better picture of what to expect Saturday morning.  LOL!!!!

I'm ready to go but not if a couple inches of snow is forecasted to fall.  Stay tuned as we may have to cancel.

Ugggh!
BN06

Well did your area get hit with all that snow? We only got about 10" and it's just about all melted now.

[BigNasty06]

Well did your area get hit with all that snow? We only got about 10" and it's just about all melted now.
[/quote

You guys got more than we did in South Jersey.  Tomorrows forcast is calling for a mixture of rain and snow...especially later in the PM.  Hopefully the rain won't be too bad in the AM.

Stay tuned...LOL!
BN06

[Lipripper]

You guys got more than we did in South Jersey.  Tomorrows forcast is calling for a mixture of rain and snow...especially later in the PM.  Hopefully the rain won't be too bad in the AM.

Stay tuned...LOL!
BN06

Hope y'all can get out there and catch some fish before it gets too bad. Will be staying tuned.