DO YOUR PART - Support kayak angler representation on the MLPA Stakeholder's Group

[PAL]

Your help is needed with the first significant test in the upcoming Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) process. This state law will close anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of our state waters. Obviously, the choice of which areas to close is critical. The wrong 20 percent – an unlikely outcome, but possible – would put us out of business.
Kayak anglers will only have a significant say in the matter if we earn a spot on the South Coast Regional Stakeholder’s Group. The RSG is responsible for collaboratively creating reserve network proposals that meet the standards of the law while minimizing impacts on current uses.


I’m submitting myself as a nominee representing the kayak fishing community. For those who don’t know me, my name is Paul Lebowitz. I’m the inaugural director of the Kayak Fishing Association of California, a grassroots organization dedicated to preserve and expand kayak fishing opportunities across the entire state, but especially in Southern California, kayak fishing’s epicenter. I’m also a huge promoter of a sport that’s provided me incredible enjoyment over the past decade, becoming not only a lifestyle but a vocation. I write about the sport for Western Outdoor News and many other regional and national publications. In short, I love kayak fishing and I’m ready to devote countless hours to keeping our ocean access.


I’m asking for your help. Please send a letter, email, or phone call supporting my nomination to a couple of key decision makers: the Executive Director of the MLPA Initiative and the Director of the DFG. Please personalize your letter – it will have more impact if you do.

Government contact info, links, and sample letters are available on the KFACA website: http://www.kfaca.org/rsg_nomination.htm

Thank-you,

Paul

[cabojohn]

You got it!
Consider it already done!

EVERYONE - PLEASE DO THE SAME AND SUPPORT PAUL.
WE NEED YOU NOW! THIS IS VERY SERIOUS. OUR KAYAK FISHING FUTURE IS AT STAKE.
Thank You!

[Useful Idiot]

Done. Here's the sample letters including emails:


Donald Koch
Director, California Department of Fish and Game
(916) 653-7667
(916) 653-7387 fax
Director@dfg.ca.gov
CA Department of Fish & Game
1416 Ninth Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Mr. Koch,
Kayak anglers are a major part of Southern California’s recreational fishing scene. We are also unique, in that our ocean access is limited to a small number of safe and productive launches. Our interests can only be represented by another kayak angler. For that reason, I support the appointment of Kayak Fishing Association of California director Paul Lebowitz to the South Coast Regional Stakeholder’s Group.
Sincerely,
Your Name Here
Your Address Here
Your Contact Info Here

---

Ken Wiseman
Executive Director, MLPA Initiative
Ken.Wiseman@resources.ca.gov
916.653.5674
MLPA Initiative
c/o California Resources Agency
1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Mr. Wiseman,
Kayak anglers are a major part of Southern California’s recreational fishing scene. We are also unique, in that our ocean access is limited to a small number of safe and productive launches. Our interests can only be represented by another kayak angler. For that reason, I support the appointment of Kayak Fishing Association of California director Paul Lebowitz to the South Coast Regional Stakeholder’s Group.
Sincerely,
Your Name Here
Your Address Here
Your Contact Info Here

[Corey]

Done. Thanks for making it so simple, guys.

[PAL]

Time is growing short. If we don't get on the Stakeholder's Group, kayak anglers will be left out in the cold, with no expectation that other groups will protect our interests.

Please send a letter, email, or phone call supporting the nomination of KFACA DIRECTOR PAUL LEBOWITZ and KFACA DEPUTY DIRECTOR MJ KENNEDY to the Executive Director of the MLPA Initiative and the Director of the DFG. Letters from kayak fishing business owners are especially helpful. Please personalize your letter – it will have more impact if you do.
Government contact info, links, and sample letters are available on the KFACA website: http://www.kfaca.org/rsg_nomination.htm

[Billy V]

Please Remember
"The Nomination for South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group"
Has to be received no later that 5:00 PM Friday, July 18, 2008. So if you haven't written your letter recommending PAL, please do it asap. Address it to Melissa Miller-Henson. This info was from a document I received last night at the Old Town Meeting.

Mail:
Marine life Protection Act Initiative
c/o California Resources Agency
1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311
Sacramento. CA. 95814
Attention: Melissa Miller-Henson

or You Can E-Mail it to:
MLPAComments@resources.ca.gov

and/or
Ken Wiseman
Ken.Wiseman@resources.ca.gov
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Simply send the Nomination Letter to Both People via. CC
-Covering all bases-