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President's Reportby Bruce Smith (from Jersey Coast Anglers Association June 2006 Newsletter) The High Roller Raffle winners were drawn at the general meeting April 26. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all who participated. Entries to the JCAA Fluke Tournament are running as anticipated. There is still time to register for this great event at the $100 entry fee. The entry fee increases to $125 June 1st. The tournament date is June 10th and the award ceremony is June 16th. A year ago I reported on the activities of a group, the OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL ALLIANCE. The ORA was assembled for the purpose of obtaining additional state funding for The Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Parks and Forests for FY06 (Fiscal Year 06). The success of this effort provided the motive to reconvene and expand the alliance and to elevate our goals. The membership of the alliance has more than doubled. The acknowledgement of common and overlapping interests in New Jersey’s natural resources, their importance to the quality of life of all citizens and the reality that our combined voice is our strength is empowering. Statement of Purpose: “The Outdoor Recreational Alliance (ORA) represents statewide environmental organizations, sportsmen’s groups, affordable housing advocates and environmental justice activists working to secure a long-term stable source of funding for capital projects and operation, maintenance and stewardship of New Jersey’s state and local parks and natural heritage conservation. ORA also supports increased appropriations for the Divisions of Fish and Wildlife and Parks and Forestry in the FY07 budget.” (These Divisions also deserve stable sources of fair and adequate funding in order to plan and fulfill their missions.) New, more informative handouts have been developed. There have been several press conferences and there will be more. There was a lobbying effort by a dozen alliance members at the Statehouse in Trenton that was successful in getting the information to many legislators. Please contact your legislators and encourage them to support this initiative. To view ORA handouts and for other info, including a roster of member organizations, go to web site http://www.outdoorrecreationalalliance.org. An Asbury Park Press article on May 18th by Kirk Moore contains the latest information on the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Reauthorization Bill, HR 5018 which was voted for final markup. Representative Frank Pallone Jr. inserted language to prevent any new fees (aka licenses) on recreational fishermen. Pallone and Rep. James Saxton also got the resources committee to include language that counts bait and tackle shops, party and charter boats and marinas as part of the fishing community as prescribed by law. Thank you, Congressmen Pallone and Saxton. Good Work!.
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