MLPA HELP! By Sept. 24, 2010. Please send in your email.

[Holy Mackerel]

What is it:

The current Schwarzenegger administration has created a very difficult environment for spearfishermen and fishermen to be fairly heard and treated in the MLPA process.

From the shifting science targets to the far-from-transparent BRTF dealings to the Sutton fiasco, the whole process has been rigged against us.

Thankfully, they are out by the Nov. 2, 2010 election. We believe we will have a fairer opportunity to be heard with a new administration, which may help us with the atrocious shore access situation in Laguna and at Malibu, among our other grievances.

This may be our best shot yet to have a fair chance to be heard.

Not only that, we really, seriously, need more time to study this DEIR (at least I do). With family, job, kids, etc., reading and commenting on 548 pages is no trivial matter yet it's so important. Since the MLPA closures are going affect us for years to come, why not give us some more time to properly study this document and provide comments. Afterall, we are the users of the ocean and the ones affected the most.

The enviro side is fighting hard to cut short the time we have to review and comment (see Chris Lupin's post below). They have paid full time staff and want to keep the process with the appointees of the current administration. We have real jobs, families, and aren't financed by mega-foundations to be working on this fulltime. We need the time extension!

What you can do:

Help us out by taking two minutes to send in your email. Today. By Sept. 24, 2010.

What should you say:

Statement: I request to extend the comment period on the South Coast Study Region Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) from 45 days to 90 days

Body: Please put in your own words.

1) You are a spearfisherman and/or fisherman and/or boater and/or diver.
1.1) How much time you spent last year in the ocean
1.2) How much money you spent last year in ocean recreation


2) The South Coast MLPA process materially impacts your recreational opportunities and your ability to enjoy the ocean. It also closes parts of the ocean for years to come. As such it deserves careful study.

3) The DEIR is a complex 548-page document that is a very important part of this process. You need time to review and formulate comments in response to this complex document.

4) You respectfully request to extend the review and comment period on the South Coast Study Region Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) from 45 days to 90 days.

Important: You must (MUST!) include Your first and last name, your home address (MUST!) and your phone number. To be taken seriously, this information needs to be included.

Please email to: fgc@fgc.ca.gov

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Sample (please edit the italicized part--let's not all sound canned).

To: fgc@fgc.ca.gov

Re: Request to extend the comment period on the South Coast Study Region Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) from 45 days to 90 days

Dear Sirs:

I am a spearfisherman, fisherman, boater and diver. I spent over 52 days on the water last year, much of it on my own boat. By my tally, I spent over $8,200 on equipments, fees, and activities related to ocean sports.

The South Coast MLPA process materially impacts my recreational opportunities and my ability to enjoy the ocean. It also closes parts of the ocean for years to come. As such it deserves careful study.

Further, the DEIR is a complex 548-page document that is a very important part of this process. I need time to review and formulate comments in response to this complex document.

Accordingly, I respectfully request to extend the review and comment period on the South Coast Study Region Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) from 45 days to 90 days.

John Smith
123 Main Street,
San Diego, CA 91111.
619-123-4567

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Please do it today. They need to hear from you a few days before the Sept. 29, 2010 meeting. Send today to fgc@fgc.ca.gov