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Post by trent on Apr 17, 2009 11:40:34 GMT -5
For those of you that were at the meeting last evening, what were anyone's thoughts on the presentation(s) for Indiana Wildlife Foundation and Indiana Smallmouth Alliance.
What about thoughts for getting involved as a club with one or both groups?
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Post by rstaight on Apr 17, 2009 18:14:47 GMT -5
This is something the board will be discussing.
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Post by phishphinder on Apr 17, 2009 19:51:35 GMT -5
I'll wait for the boards recommendation. I will continue as in the past to check on these sites. It is always good to be able to gleen information from experienced organizations.
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Post by flyfishingpastor on Apr 17, 2009 20:30:40 GMT -5
I guess I'm so new I don't really know how things work yet; but, respectfully, isn't our affiliation (or not) with other organizations something the whole club should be discussing and not just the board? This question is asked not at all trying to be contentious; but just curious as to how these kinds of decisions are made with this organization? Pat BTW, I thought the presentation last night was a good one (kudos to whomever invited him to join us), around issues that I consider critical to the future of our sport AND our planet (and not in that order  . |
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Post by trent on Apr 17, 2009 20:57:59 GMT -5
I'm not trying to do the job of the board, I'm just interested in people's opinions about whether it would seem to be of value to TFF to join with one or both. In any relationship, there should be some benefit to each side, so how might TFF benefit and how might the other organizations benefit from our presence.
If you think it is ruffling feathers or whatever to discuss it from a club perspective, how about from your own individual perspective. Are either of the groups ones that you are interested in individually? Why or why not? What did you hear that you liked? Any concerns?
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Post by phishphinder on Apr 17, 2009 21:56:50 GMT -5
The board should obtain info and discuss the issues and then present the finding to the body. One purpose to have board members is to try to keep the club in certain directions and not just getting to spread out and nothing gets done. Many members such as my self are members of other clubs and organizations that work towards the common goal to help out the water and fisheries. One of the reasons I belong to other organizations is that if the club can't or is not interested in doing something that I am, I can go and help elsewhere. I think we have a fine club and good members that are interested in getting out and doing things. We are a lot farther along than just a couple years ago. Thanks to those that get on these forums and come to the meetings we will advance much quicker. I don't feel that anyone is getting upset and I personally am glad that questions are being raised and interests are being sought.The club will always belong to the membership but we have to work together one step at a time.
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Post by reelteacher on Apr 19, 2009 20:04:52 GMT -5
When I met Chuck Brinkman at Indiana on the Fly, his passion for the conservation of Indiana and smallmouth bass was contagious. Hopefully, a few of you saw that at the mtg. on Thursday night. I wish we had a few more members there, but hopefully those who were there will now be aware of these organizations and maybe get involved with them individually or as a club overall. The main goal of this mtg was to increase our club members' knowledge of the other organizations in our state and the things they are doing to promote and support our sport. If a person in our club feels that they would like to help support either group in a project or other way, then they could go that as individuals or ask for the support of our whole club. There are two primary ways of asking for club support. Just post it on this site or bring your suggestion to a board member who will pass the information to the rest of the board and then to the membership either through this site or during a regular or special meeting. Indiana Wildlife Foundation does have a club membership if TFF decides that we should join as an entire club or personal memberships for $25. More information is available at www.indianawildlife.orgIndiana Smallmouth Alliance has personal memberships for $20 per year and would be a great way for individual members of TFF to get involved with an organization that is making improvements for smallmouth habitat right here in Tippecanoe Co. If members think it would be a good idea to get together with them and work on a specific project jointly, then bring it to the board or post your idea on this site and we can discuss the issue(s). As a board member, I will be contacting Chuck periodically to see how TFF can help these clubs in the future and in what ways we could be most helpful. BUt this does not mean that he is the only source for ideas. Another aspect of him coming was really to get ideas from us about how IWF or INSA could help us. If any of you have an idea or suggestion on improvements that could be made or a project that is larger than TFF could do on its own, then we could certainly get help from them! These two organizations are a tremendous resource that our state has and all we have to do is ask for their help, advice, council, etc. We are all trying to go in the same direction, but it helps if we are on the same side of the river. The bridge to the other side is communication. So let your voices be heard! Kind Regards, Dustin |
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Post by trent on Apr 20, 2009 12:05:00 GMT -5
A couple of things stuck out to me about Chuck's presentation:
It seems like IWF may have an inside track on getting support for certain types of legislation, e.g. the size and number limits on certain streams for certain species (smallmouth). I guess my question for the board/body is whether we would want to throw our hat in the ring for dabbling in the political process. I think it would add another facet to the dimensions of the club and perhaps not a welcome facet for all members. Some folks may be perfectly happy with a fly fishing club that provides an escape from politics rather than one that is getting dirty in the trenches. I also think it is important to do your due diligence on an organization before jumping in bed with them. I think Chuck did a nice job of giving an overview of some of their positions, but I would hardly say we were all schooled in detail on their agenda.
My take on INSA was that it was less politically motivated and more about habitat/species preservation/education. I think those things are more benign and more obviously line up with the stated goals of TFF. (Feel free to correct me or comment if that is off base.) It is also a fairly small and new organization compared to IWF. I would absolutely recommend the board investigate joining up for some local projects with them. The fact that they are already working with Tippecanoe County SWCD right in our backyard would seem to make it a mutually beneficial arrangement. They would be able to bring strong bodies and conservation know how to anything we decided to pursue locally.
Just my $0.02.
T-
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Post by reelteacher on Apr 20, 2009 19:28:09 GMT -5
I totally agree Trent. It's always better to check things out for yourself before making a commitment that you may regret in the future. That is why I posted the website of IWF in my post. I hope that others check them out and share how they feel so we can be sure to make the best decisions for the club. Remember, TFF belongs to the entire membership, not just the board or certain individuals. But we will never know how other people feel unless they speak up.
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