Special Interests

THAT'S US

That's You

madison river spotlight

WALLPAPER:  ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE

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.. The common phrase "follow the science" is insidious in it's pretense that science is somehow a magic arbitrator of decision making.

COINCIDENT INTERESTS

.. Science is as political as any other human endeavor. Is medicine political? Ask the AMA! Are refereed scientific papers political? Ask the referees! Is particle physics political? Ask Einstein! (oops - Franklin D. Roosevelt.)
.. Special interests of all stripes influence the human existence at all levels. From the personal level, family level, neighborhood level, town level, state level, national level, and international level - all are influenced by competing interests.

SOCIAL FISHING

.. Special interests need not be organized into formal groups of people. In all the the world the success of special interests is directly proportional to the political power and money of the interest. Deny it if you choose but it's how we do things.
.. Politics can be based on personal or,  religious or,  magical or,  transcendental or,  artistic or,  any other internalized human belief system. Alliances with other like minded individuals for political parties: Democrat, Republican, Baptist, Islamist, Dental, Medical, etc. are associations of interests that can and do form political groups.

SOLITARY  FISHING

.. Right now there is a political morality play dancing before our eyes. The concerns, (real or imagined,) about the use of the Madison River are being litigated politically in the press, the state house, the DFWP, and pubs in our neighborhood. Special interest groups, (including the supposed professionals of fish,) are jostling each other for priority positions in rule making about river usage.
.. So far the political clamor has centered around fish and fishing issues. Groups of fishers, guides, outfitters, and such have become amalgamated and disbanded for personal, cultural, social, economic and even religious parameters.

YAK-YAKERS

.. The 'United Kayak Paddlers' have not been heard from - yet! Nor indeed, have the beaver lovers, alfalfa irrigators, tube bobbers, bathers, been heard from in any organized fashion. Probably not enough religiosity or money.
.. We will continue to watch the hi-jinx as the most interested political group, (the Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks.) tries to herd the cats into the corral.
.. Our state has agencies and departments that could realistically address the supposed concerns of the interests involved in this business, (LINK.)

MADISON DOG DAY

.. Some of these could probably do a better job than the politically motivated localized one that is trying to tame the current cage of lions. We would suggest the following would do a better job and allow the FWP to be a competing voice rather than a politically vested special interest:
>  Department of Natural Resources and Conservation,
>  Department of Environmental Quality,
>  Department of Labor and Industry.
.. It's time for the locally owned FWP personnel be removed from their pseudo-role of arbitrator. It's time for them to get in line with the other special interests and submit to a more politically sane process to deal with Madison River public usage.

FAMILY FISHING

.. There are more stakeholders in this matter than just a few hundred guides and outfitters. There are more stakeholders than the few thousand local fisher folks. There are more stakeholders than the land owners along this publicly owned water resource. There are more stakeholders than the boaters and tubers. There are more stakeholders than the many thousands of tourists that use the river.
.. The most important stakeholders  in the Madison River are the residents of the State of Montana. These are the folks that pay taxes for the state agencies. These are the folks that matter most. These are our neighbors and they treasure this and all of our waters. These are the people that own the water. It's the law. It is written into the constitution. It's use does not belong to a single interest group - no matter how well organized or, well funded.
.. The Madison River is a Montana treasure. This is the "Treasure State" and the treasure of the Madison River is in its multiple uses and, it's attractive setting: no matter what the fisher folk believe. There may even be room for some science  -- as well as sociology, conservation, visitation,etc.

ON RIVER INSTRUCTION

.. Although the manifestations of competing usage are delivered locally, the real problems are impacting all of the treasures of our state. Our state has the opportunity to address the current situation with a view to the future. The population of Montana is growing. The visitation of folks from around the world is constantly increasing.
.. Broad principles of inclusive use need to be applied. Neither private nor state agency interests should be given priority in the decisions or rule making. It's time for the Governors office and the State Legislature to step in and provide the leadership necessary. All of our state treasures deserve no less.
.. We suggest that the situation be evaluated in the broadest of terms. We take this opportunity to thank MOLDY CHUM, (LINK,) for highlighting an article in the Missoulian, (LINK.)

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WALLPAPER:   BUTTER/GARLIC SHRIMP ON PAPRIKA BROWN RICE

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Righteous Indignation ?

YOURS OR MINING ?

Smith River Mine Meeting

see before it's pulled

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Resources:

>> KTVQ, Billings,

>> Missoulian,

>> Great Falls Tribune,

>> Montana Cowgirl, READ THE COMMENTS !

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WALLPAPER:   ROAST BEEF

On Inaguration Day

A MUST READ

Thanks to Moldy Boys

don't overlook this

TEDDY

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.. As Americans we have a despicable habit of selective memory and gratuitous forgetting.
.. We appreciate the note in yesterday's post about "The Real Theodore Roosevelt."
.. Lest we forget, check it out, [LINK.]

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WALLPAPER:  PORK NOODLE WITH SHIITAKI

FONSI

http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=30504

Just Like Falling Dominoes

IT'S A SIMPLE EXAMPLE

With A Complex Result

see the ecological transformation of

flathead lake

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.. By now, it would seem, that interested and informed fly fishers are aware of the Lake Trout situation in Yellowstone Lake. They are probably aware of the rapidly vanishing native species in Yellowstone National Park, as well.
.. Sadly many of our neighbors, (guides and feather merchants as well,) have poo-pooed the need to do anything about the conservation of native species. They say, sadly: "A trout is a trout, is a trout. I just want to catch them."

Opossum Shrimp

.. Many of our influential neighbors and famous fishers have remained silent on the matter; avoiding the scoping meetings and public comment forums that the NPS has held on the current EA for the Native Fish Conservation Plan, (LINK #1, LINK #2.)
.. We read with great interest the recent article in NEW WEST. The story is about the complex interaction of species in Flathead Lake.
.. A recent paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences details how the introduction of a small non-native crustacean, (the Opossum Shrimp - Mysis diluviana,) has totally altered the ecology of a large lake.
.. It has changed algae production, nearly eliminated Kokanee Salmon, enabled Lake Trout population explosion, and endangered the native Bull Trout.
.. The paper details a classic example of a trophic cascade that has been well documented since it's inception in 1968.

LAKE TROUT

.. The excellent summary in New West informs us that the introduction of the shrimp to were to provide food for Kokanee Salmon which were planted in the 20's. As it turns out the shrimp devoured the Kokanee's food and proliferated.
.. Their population explosion provided an abundant food source for the introduced Lake Trout and allowed the Lake Trout population to grow to the point where the Kokanee Salmon and the Bull Trout are now being eaten at a rapid clip by the Lakers.
.. Another by product of the trophic cascade is the increased growth of algae.

MONEY QUOTE:

"After the mysis explosion kokanee disappeared, bull trout declined, and lake trout came to be the dominant top predator, according to the study. This led to an increase in algal production because the shrimp ate up larger zooplankton, decreasing their levels and allowing smaller types of zooplankton to proliferate, Stanford explains. He says this changed the way the zooplankton “mow the lawn,” or consume algae: smaller zooplankton are less efficient consumers and allow algae room to grow."

.. We note that "simple" is seldom a concept that can be applied to ecological change. Both Yellowstone National Park and Flathead Lake, (as well as many other areas around the country and the world,) have suffered the consequences of actions in the past.
.. "While the future might hold unexpected outcomes, for now fisheries managers have their hands full dealing with the legacy of shrimp and a misinformed decision from the past."

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LINK

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Short Time Coming

KISS YOUR FELT GOODBYE

And Your Ass Too ?

will you sterilize your rubbers ?

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.. Briefly: Montana introduces legislation to ban felt soled waders. Check out the posts at The Trout Underground and comments at The Headhunter. Read carefully the comment by Earl James. We're not home free yet!

.. The tons of soil and supposed included micro organisms moved around by wading fishers is documented in a masters thesis from MSU, (LINK.)
.. The proposed amended Montana Legislation is HERE. And, just like the U.S. Congress exempts itself from many of the laws it makes, Montana exempts it's employees and emergency personnel from the ban. Is there a message here?
.. We're sure that this is not a cure all; and, further believe that the wader manufacturers still need to go a long way into providing better gripping rubber, (or whatever,) soles.
.. We predict that sales of the wading staff will skyrocket in the near future.
.. We also predict that there will now be less cleaning of wading gear, (including the newly-sold wading staffs,) than prior to the legislation
.. How about some legislation mandating the cleaning of wading gear? See how far that boat floats!

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Short Fuse, Comments Needed

20 YEAR EFFORT

Comment Now

no whiners

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.. The NATIVE FISH CONSERVATION PLAN is designed as a major effort to respond to the diminished stocks of native fish in Yellowstone National Park.
.. The Environmental Assessment is now open for public comment.

.. Mark your calendars; only two public meetings are scheduled:

* Bozeman, Montana: January 5th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Comfort Inn, 1 370 North 7th Avenue
* Cody, Wyoming: January 6th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Holiday Inn, 1701 Sheridan Avenue.

.. Written comments may be submitted through the project web site, in person, by mail, or at either of the scheduled public meetings. Comments will not be accepted by phone, fax, or e-mail. All public comments must be received or postmarked by midnight, January 31, 2011.
..  Here are the important Links:
==> Project Home Page,
==> Project Plan Process,
==> Meeting Notices,
==> Project Links,
==> Document List,
==> Comment Form.

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.. The scoping meeting in West Yellowstone last April was poorly attended. No feather merchants were present, one local guide was present, and a handful of concerned fishers attended.
.. Input by these few interested parties helped shape the current document that is now open for review.
.. The EA addresses Lake Trout in Yellowstone Lake, other invasive species throughout the rivers in the park, the effects of climate change on native species, and disease.
.. Conservation efforts addressed include: increased gill netting in Yellowstone Lake, establishing barriers and weirs, removing non native species, restoring native populations, and a host of other actions including poisoning fish populations.
.. The key concept is conservation. The actions taken to implement this can be extensive, varied, and vast.
.. It's important that input at this time be concise, reasoned and rational. It will help steer the project and will certainly affect the fishscape of the future.
.. Please understand that, at base, this addresses the question of "What Is The Purpose Of Yellowstone National Park." Several guides have remarked that it does no good to replace one trout with another. They are just concerned with catching any fish.

.. Many guides and fishers of the park will be voicing opinions that catching fish, (the more - the better,) is what the park should provide.
.. There are others that feel it's important to remove all invasive species such as Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Brook Trout to foster the recovery of native Cutthroat Trout & Grayling(?).
.. Many feather merchants feel that the role of Yellowstone National Park is to provide fishing opportunities for recreational fishing, (and an economic base for their enterprise.)
.. Some conservationists believe that the only way to enable preservation of native fish is to "restore" the park to "natural" conditions, including removal all planted stocks of fish, (which is a large segment of the current fishable populations.)
.. Definition of terms and concepts will be argued and explored at the public meetings and in the submitted comments. Many oxen could be gored by this project.

.. The subtext of comments will be interesting to observe, as will the rationale behind the proposed actions in those comments.
.. Some fishers of Yellowstone have opined that since Brown Trout have been in the rivers for over 100 years that they are "native."
.. Does that make Lake Trout native if they survive another 70 years?
.. In another 100 years what will the descendants of those fishers say about Rock Snot, New Zealand Mud Snails, and other yet unforeseen invasive species?

.. As the waters warm will we see Yellowstone become a trophy fishery for Carp and Chubs and Largemouth Bass?
.. What will happen if some fool decides to dump Northern Pike or Muskellunge or Lake Trout in Hebgen Reservoir, right at Yellowstone's door?
.. Your input is necessary for the decision making process. We're talking about the future and how history will view the legacy that we leave.
.. Make no mistake about it, this is a significant project. It will last for 20 years, (1/5 of the next 100 years.) It will significantly affect the definition of Yellowstone National Park and it's role in species conservation and recovery.
.. It will also determine who fishes where and for what in the park. It is an historic effort that demands you input and your concern for how Yellowstone is defined: a fun and profitable fishery for visitors seeking "non-native," invasive trout or a refuge for indigenous species - or both.

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Very Important Download

NATIVE FISH CONSERVATION

EA Available

3-part PDF

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.. In Rapid fashion Yellowstone National Park and the National Park Service have completed the Environmental Assessment for the Native Fish Conservation Plan.
.. We just received notification and downloaded the files. We'll study them and let you know our thoughts.

GET THE EA & APPENDICES HERE.

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VIsitation / Participation

NPS VISITS WEST YELLOWSTONE

Small Turnout - Big Input

information & education

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.. The open house for the "Native Fish Conservation Plan / EA" was attended by some of the neighbors. Fewer, however, than in Bozeman, MT. or Cody, WY.
.. The well prepared staff was eager for input prior to drafting the Environmental Assessment (EA) that will delineate the management policies for the foreseeable future.
.. Those attending had the opportunity to submit their concerns and recommendations during the gathering. These will be addressed in the draft document.
.. Public input at this stage of the process is disproportionately significant compared to later stages in the process. The draft document will reflect this input. Later changes and modifications must address the scope of the document and it's contents. We're pleased to see our concerned neighbors taking advantage of this opportunity.

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.. The species addressed in the EA will be the West Slope Cutthroat, Yellowstone Cutthroat, and Grayling, (and perhaps the Fine Spotted Snake River Cutthroat as well.)
.. The genetics, population dynamics, numbers and distribution of these species, within Yellowstone National Park, has been muddied by introduced invasive species, and the planting of natives and exotics throughout the park.
.. We've mentioned the problems before:
==> Lake Trout in Yellowstone Lake eating Yellowstone Cutthroats,
==> The "Cutbow Conundrum,"
==> The replacement of fluvial Grayling with adfluvial populations,
==> The upstream retreat, hybridization and disappearance of West Slope Cutthroats.
.. There are also other ancillary, (rapidly becoming central,) problems that need to be addressed as well. The belief of fly fishers that catch and release is a religion rather than a management technique is one. Others include: non-piscine invasive species, reduced river flows, river warming, excessive fishing pressure in some areas, etc.
.. The job ahead is a tough one and there is no silver bullet or single action that can address all conditions at once. It is envisioned that a series of pilot, (or extended,) projects will be undertaken. Alarmingly, the possibility exists that for some fish populations it may be too late.

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.. It's not too late to make suggestions for solutions. It's not too late to voice your personal concerns.
==> Read about it HERE.
==> Comment HERE.
.. You must use the comment form. Email comments are not acceptable. There is adequate space for comment on the electronic form, (35,000 characters = 10 page letter.) If you intend to submit a longer comment there are instructions for filing a hard copy.
.. For an example of the types of comments and a professional response check out the blog entry from PARK'S FLY SHOP.
.. Thanks go to the staff who left Mammoth in a blinding snow storm to visit sunny, (52 degree,) West Yellowstone. AND THEN, had to drive back.

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See You There

MOM COOPERATES

Bring SPF 15 - 20

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.. After a bit of a blizzard, the yellow orb of heat is back and it should be perfect for driving to West Yellowstone.
.. The National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park, is holding the "Public Scoping Open House" for the Native Fish Conservation Plan / EA -- TONIGHT !!
.. Directions to meeting above, click for larger, printable view.

Neighbors Marking Calendars

NATIVE FISH
CONSERVATION PLAN

NPS To Tackle Problems

some rivers exempted

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.. Via National Parks Traveler / NPS: Public meetings for input into scoping for the conservation plan have been announced.

--> Bozeman, Montana: April 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Comfort Inn, 1370 North 7th Avenue.
--> Cody, Wyoming: April 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 1701 Sheridan Avenue.
--> Jackson, Wyoming: April 14, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Snow King Resort, 400 E. Snow King Avenue.
--> West Yellowstone, Montana: April 15, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 315 Yellowstone Avenue.

.. The Madison River and the Firehole River will be exempt from the plan. This is understandable since these two rivers are beloved by feather merchants and fly fishers alike for their large populations of invasive species.
.. After the public meetings the park staff will work on the Draft EA during the coming summer. You can find details in the brief scoping brochure HERE.
.. The initial scoping document can be found HERE, (PDF.) Public comments will not be accepted by email or FAX.
.. To see how it was, click HERE. To see how the park got so full of invasive species there is an excellent online note by John Byorth (HERE.)

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Gold Fever *

JUST THE THOUGHT HURTS

We've Been Snookered

go anyway ?

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.. Via Moldy Chum, we learn of a sneak attack on the Chetco River.
.. Last November we ventured that way to dance with some fins in the CALGON corner of the world.
.. Catching was spectacular, access varied from easy to suicidal. The fish were strong, willing and beautiful.
.. Places like the South Fork of the Smith River and the remote sections of the Chetco River, and even the less accessible parts of the Coquille River rival the Yellowstone backcountry for wild fish and wilderness.

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AND NOW THIS

.. An old mining claim combined with a clever developer in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness of southern Oregon, has resulted in the bringing in of helicopters, gas-powered dredges and paying customers to a remote location on the Chetco River. We fear for the fry.
.. Read the blood - Guts - & - Gore --> HERE.

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*an abnormal condition of the body, characterized by undue rise in temperature, quickening of the pulse, and disturbance of various body functions.