Many of the folks in SoCal know of the Bolsa Chica wetlands in Huntington Beach. In the almost 25 years I've lived here the wetlands have survived likely extinction through development, overcome damages from the HB oil boom, and recently has been reborn with the construction and reclamation projects including opening the wetlands to tidal flow. What was done has been great for the environment, and wonderful for folks who like to fish. In creating the inlet near the HB Bluffs the harbor and wetlands have improved markedly. Wonderful fishing opportunities have sprung up for shore anglers and for guys working the new jetty at the entrance into Bolsa Chica.

On Friday October 26 at 10AM the the Coastal America Award Ceremony for 2007 will be preesented to some important muckimucks. It would be GREAT to have folks that like to fish be at the ceremony. In truth, we need to be seen and recognized as a caring component of this process, a special interest group, a group that benefitted from the restoration project and cares about other such efforts (MLPA included). Being there wearing fishing related shirts would be a good thing.

2007 Partnership Award Recipients:
Mike Chrisman - CA Resources Agency
Melanie Denninger - Calif Coastal Conservancy
James Trout - CA State Lands Commission
Robert Hight - CA State Lands Commission
Rick Ludlow CA State Lands Commission
Terri Steward - CA Dept. of Fish and Game
Tom Yocom - U.S. EPA
Larry Smith = U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
Robert Hoffman - National Marine Fisheries Service
Jack Fancher - U.S. Fish an Wildlife Service

The Ceremony will be held near the small pedestrian bridge/parking area off PCH between Warner and Goldenwest. I think the folks that put up a stink to save Bolsa Chica deserve some recognition. The folks that planned and achieved the restoration, marshaling many private and public resources, deserves applause(Bolsa Chica Wetlands Restoration Team). I also think it's not a bad idea to be there, just to reinforce that we are part of the constituency, a part of the constituency that likes participating with the environment through fishing. We care about the health of the environment and OUR ability to enjoy our chosen form of recreation, too.

After the ceremony there will be a brief tour of the site. If you haven't seen Bolsa Chica for a few years, you should come down. They've done a great job with walking tails, cleaning up the after effects from 60+ years of oil drilling.... It's a gem now, and can become even better.

Great Stuff,
Mark Smith

mark, great post.


unluckly, im still dealing with lawyers and city permits.

this is more than enough for me to deal with.


great post overall, and thanks for sharing

Nice affair Friday. We in the fishing community do have a lot of friends, we met some of them during the ceremony. Certainly there are those who are opposed to fishing, opposed to anything and everything. But, there are also some realistic folks who know that as fishermen we are among the most environmentaly sensitive groups out there. I talked with one fellow from the State who recognized that, we talked about how duck hunters were more responsible for bringing back the flocks than were the preservationists. The guys in DU put their money where their mouth was, tried to enhance wetlands and habitat and benefit their sport. We as fishermen have done likewise through the efforts of U.A. and other groups (white seabass grow out pens, hatchery...). It's efforts like that that go a long way to improve our recreational opportunities. The same gentleman also mentioned a recent blog by an anti-fisherman who complained on an enviro-board about being on a 3/4 day boat, seeing fisherman toss cig.butts overboard as well as dumping line. We all know these are not positive contributions to the environment, and more often than not others on the boat would help shape a numb-nuts behavior. But, it's images like those that we have to overcome. There has been a long battle between preservationists and conservationists. It may seem like semantics, but there is a big difference. We fisherman are conservationists, we want to see fishing resources healthy and sustainable. The preservationist want something else, and seek exclusion from participating with the resource.

Thanks MS for stepping up and being heard and seen. Conservation is key to perpetuating a species, fur, fowl or other wise.

Great Stuff my man!

It's good to hear that you participated Mark! One person can not improve everything, but if we act when we can to make a positive difference, it helps. Thanks!
Little Wing (cover)

Here's a bit more about the affair, and some pics too.
--------------------
"Coastal America Awards Ceremony for the Bolsa Chica Wetlands Restoration Team:* The ceremony, conducted at the Bolsa Chica Wetlands
in Huntington Beach, CA on Oct. 26, 2007, recognized leaders from cooperating agencies for their efforts to restore the wetlands habitat. Dr. Daniel Walker, Senior Policy Analyst from the Office of Science and
Technology Policy of the Executive Office of the President gave the keynote address. Marty Golden from the NOAA Recreational Fishing Team
represented SF-8 at the event. Also in attendance were of representatives from the recreational fishing community. Representatives from United Anglers of Southern California (Bob Osborn), Catch-22 Fisheries (Captain Paul Working), and "CharkBait" (Mark Smith), a local tackle shop were among those anglers there to support this important habitat restoration project. "
Event Agenda & photos attached

--
Marty Golden
Pacific Recreational Fisheries Coordinator
Partnerships & Communications Division (SF-8)
Recreational Fishing Services Team
NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service

Note: I dragged my little wifee along. She's looking a little more pregnant every day now, delightfully so!

GS<
MS