Support appointment of conservationist and recreational fishing advocate to important commission
Potomac River fisheries decisions are made not by Maryland nor Virginia, but by the Potomac River Fisheries Commission. The Commission has full authority in deciding these issues in the Potomac River from Point Lookout to the Wilson Bridge and draws its resources from both states. With the resources of both states it should be a model of modern fisheries management. Sadly the recreational fishery that once existed on the Potomac River is nothing like its former self.
We now have a chance to place a recreational angler on this Commission to give not only people who fish the Potomac River a voice, but every angler in Maryland. Like Maryland and Virginia, the Commission also has a vote on Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission matters that effect interstate fisheries like menhaden, flounder, croaker, trout and rockfish.
For the past year, a seat on the Commission reserved for a recreational fisherman has been unfilled, denying recreational fishermen in Maryland a voice. Within weeks of this seat becoming vacant, CCA MD member Dennis Fleming, a resident of St. Mary's County, submitted his application and yet this seat has remained empty for the last year.
Dennis Fleming deserves to be appointed to the Commission not only because he will represent recreational fishermen, but because he is an advocate for responsible fisheries management that will benefit all of the citizens of Maryland. In St. Mary's County where he lives, a local access location for fishermen was in danger of being taken away. Dennis took the lead in organizing a group of fellow fishermen and formed the "Mason Springs Conservatory" to purchase and preserve this access for future generations of fishermen. Dennis has also taken the lead for years to plan and organize the Potomac River Clean Up, numerous youth fishing events and conservation projects to improve fisheries, educate the public and promote recreational fishing in Maryland. As a commissioner Dennis will marry his knowledge of fisheries issues with his years of exploring and fishing the Potomac River to benefit all Marylanders.
Your CCA asks that you contact Governor O'Malley and ask that he appoint Dennis Fleming to fill the open seat on the Potomac River Fisheries Commission before the next meeting of the Commission on June 15.
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Potomac River fisheries decisions are made not by Maryland nor Virginia, but by the Potomac River Fisheries Commission. The Commission has full authority in deciding these issues in the Potomac River from Point Lookout to the Wilson Bridge and draws its resources from both states. With the resources of both states it should be a model of modern fisheries management. Sadly the recreational fishery that once existed on the Potomac River is nothing like its former self.
We now have a chance to place a recreational angler on this Commission to give not only people who fish the Potomac River a voice, but every angler in Maryland. Like Maryland and Virginia, the Commission also has a vote on Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission matters that effect interstate fisheries like menhaden, flounder, croaker, trout and rockfish.
For the past year, a seat on the Commission reserved for a recreational fisherman has been unfilled, denying recreational fishermen in Maryland a voice. Within weeks of this seat becoming vacant, CCA MD member Dennis Fleming, a resident of St. Mary's County, submitted his application and yet this seat has remained empty for the last year.
Dennis Fleming deserves to be appointed to the Commission not only because he will represent recreational fishermen, but because he is an advocate for responsible fisheries management that will benefit all of the citizens of Maryland. In St. Mary's County where he lives, a local access location for fishermen was in danger of being taken away. Dennis took the lead in organizing a group of fellow fishermen and formed the "Mason Springs Conservatory" to purchase and preserve this access for future generations of fishermen. Dennis has also taken the lead for years to plan and organize the Potomac River Clean Up, numerous youth fishing events and conservation projects to improve fisheries, educate the public and promote recreational fishing in Maryland. As a commissioner Dennis will marry his knowledge of fisheries issues with his years of exploring and fishing the Potomac River to benefit all Marylanders.
Your CCA asks that you contact Governor O'Malley and ask that he appoint Dennis Fleming to fill the open seat on the Potomac River Fisheries Commission before the next meeting of the Commission on June 15.
Click here