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URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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January 4, 2007 08:38 AM
[#1]
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Jason Parrish
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Travis county
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We -- the sporting/conservation community -- including TWA, DSC, HSC, QU, DU, NWTF, RMEF, TDA, DSS, AWWC, TCTWS, LSBH, FWSC, TBS, THC, TOWMA, etc. on the hunting side, and CCA, TBF, TU-GC, AFF, etc. on the angler side, just to name a few (other local or statewide clubs and organizations are requested/needed) -- need to put our heads together to strategize about the upcoming legislative session and the necessity to ensure that sportsmen's funds are properly appropriated for sportsmen's purposes.
Specifically, the legislature has built up a $50 million dollar "unappropriated" balance in Fund 9 (the hunting and fishing license and stamp fund), and the sporting community has expressed real frustration that these dollars are not being appropriated for their intended use -- putting conservation, hunting and angling on the ground!
Please send this note to anyone you think might care.
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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January 29, 2007 11:19 AM
[#2]
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Jason Parrish
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We had our first meeting as a group, organized by Kirby Brown from the Texas Wildlife Association. Below are his comments from the first meeting.
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I wanted to thank those of you who were able to make the Texas sportsmen's group meeting on such short notice yesterday. We got a lot accomplished in a short time and I am very much looking forward to working with all of you.
I am summarizing the meeting and will provide draft minutes, draft bullet points for your input on what I understood were mutually agreed positions understanding the organizations may have further input, and a proposed framework for a loose partnership (NOT an organization) of organizations, that have hunting and angling as part of their mission, that is ONLY represented by the positions of the individual organizations, respecting organizational identity, memberships and philosophies.
Several members of the legislature and members of the legislative Sportsmen's Caucus have expressed keen interest in the idea, and we will likely have a couple of guest speakers from the Capitol.
The attached photo was taken near the later part of the meeting (please check names, spellings, and affiliations - I admit to having a hard time reading and some folks I met for the first time): Front row, L to R, Michael Gookins - Rocky Mtn Elk Foundation, Kirby Brown - Texas Wildlife Association, Bob Corrigan - himself, Jim Cathey - Tx Chapter of The Wildlife Society, and Scott Garrett - Houston Safari Club. Second Row, Lindy Ellason - Texas Black Bass Unlimited, Bob Singletary - Texas Black Bass Unlimited, Harvey Smith - Texas Bighorn Society, Gene Richardson - Texas Farm Bureau, Charles Elliot - Texas Quail Council, John Herron - Nature Conservancy of Texas. Third row, Tim Connally - Quail Unlimited, Robert Linder - Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and National Wild Turkey Foundation, Martin Jakubosky - Texas Association of Bass Clubs and LBJ Fish Habitat, Ellen Randall - herself and Game Bird Advisory Board, Tim Cook - Bass Anglers Sportsmen's Society. Fourth row, Dale Rollins - Texas Brigades, Ed Parten - Tx Black Bass Unlimited, Wallace Klussmann - TWA and Tx Farm Bureau, Clinton McPhaul - Tx Org of Wildlife Management Assocs, Shane Kiefer - Plateau, Jason Parrish - TexasHuntFish.com. Back row, Jason Hardin - Texas Audubon, Scott Lerich - Natl Wild Turkey Federation, Brian Carter - Texas Deer Association, Chip Martin - Quail Unlimited, Chuck Ribelin - Quail Unlimited and Quail Forever, Charles Davidson - Texas Wildlife Association, David Braun - Plateau Land & Wildlife, Warren Bluntzer - Texas Deer Association.
Not pictured are John Jefferson - Austin Woods and Waters Club (and photographer - Thanks John!), Jack North - Saltwater Fisheries Enhancement Assoc, Jim Atkins - Saltwater Fisheries Enhancement Assoc, David Schuessler - Ducks Unlimited, Joey Park - Coastal Conservation Association, Corky Palmer - Texas Outdoor Retailers Association, David Langford - Texas Wildlife Assoc, David Brimager - Texas Wildlife Assoc.
Special thanks to Scott Boruff, Gene McCarty and Mike Berger from Texas Parks and Wildlife as resource specialists for providing insight into the specifics of Fund 9 and the sub-dedicated categories within Fund 9 such as the stamp monies. I think we were unanimous in appreciation of the Department in taking into account the various wishes of the individual organizations and advisory committees (of which many of us are members) into the Department's Legislative Appropriations Request that should fully resolve our concerns with Fund 9, putting conservation on the ground and not eliminating services to sportsmen over the next 4 years, if we can work effectively with the legislature.
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Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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January 29, 2007 11:49 AM
[#3]
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Jason Parrish
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To read the complete Texas Parks & Wildlife Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) for fiscal years 2008 and 2009, PLEASE CLICK HERE
Why should you? Because if you support Texas Parks OR Texas Wildlife - the issues being discussed effect both significantly.
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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January 29, 2007 02:01 PM
[#4]
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Jason Parrish
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To read the current "Position Statement" that a coalition of Texas sportsmen's groups have put together, PLEASE CLICK HERE
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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January 30, 2007 10:39 AM
[#5]
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Jason Parrish
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The Senate Finance Committee will meet 1/30/07 on formative activities and committee rulemaking, and will take agency budgets up next Monday Feb 5.
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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January 30, 2007 10:47 AM
[#6]
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Jason Parrish
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The Texas Chapter of NWTF (National Wild Turkey Federation) is on board with this.
http://www.nwtfchapter.org/texasstatechapter/index.html
SPL
Scott P. Lerich
Southwest Regional Biologist
National Wild Turkey Federation
P. O. Box 4126
Amarillo, TX 79116
lerichnwtf@sbcglobal.net
NWTF-Dedicated to conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage.
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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January 30, 2007 10:49 AM
[#7]
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Jason Parrish
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Kirby, Jason et al:
The Lone Star Bowhunters Association (LSBA) publicly announce our support of the Fund 9 letter be presented to the Senate Finance Committee. We would like to take this opportunity to again say thank you for taking the initiative to get the ball rolling on these important issues and to let you know you can count on the continued support of the LSBA.
Sincerely,
Brian W. Steward
LSBA Secretary and Legislative Chairman
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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January 30, 2007 10:51 AM
[#8]
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Jason Parrish
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Texas Deer Association signs on and offers support however and whenever you may need us.
Sincerely,
Karl Kinsel
Karl Kinsel
Executive Director
Texas Deer Association
403 East Ramsey, Ste. 204
San Antonio, TX 78216
210.767.8300 Office
Karl@TexasDeerAssociation.com
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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January 30, 2007 11:30 AM
[#9]
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Luke
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I'm glad to see the Texas sporting community coming together for a common goal.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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January 31, 2007 08:37 PM
[#10]
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Jason Parrish
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The Texas Bighorn Society would like to indicate our support for your effort to get the Fund 9 money put to work for conservation, and also to see that the TPWD budget is not further reduced in this legislative session. We appreciate your attention to these matters and that you sought our participation in lobbying to rectify them. If there is anything else you need from us please do not hesitate to contact me. Again thanks for all your efforts, and we look forward to working within the partnership you are laying the groundwork for with this activity.
Best Regards,
David Wetzel, President
Texas Bighorn Society
Phone 972-259-3699
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 5, 2007 08:55 AM
[#11]
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Jason Parrish
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I will be printing this out Monday morning to take to Senate Finance the afternoon of the 5th. I would invite any of you to join me, be recognized and offer any corroborating testimony you wish. It could be late in the evening, or possibly roll into next week. I would have preferred to have a team present the testimony but was advised with the committee schedule that it would be highly unlikely they would allow that.
Thanks for your help.
--Kirby
Kirby Brown, Executive Vice President
Texas Wildlife Association
2800 NE Loop 410, Suite 105 ***NOTE moved 2/06 San Antonio, TX 78218
210/826-2904 or 1-800-TEX-WILD
fax: /826-4933
cel: 210/213-2805
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 6, 2007 09:12 AM
[#12]
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Jason Parrish
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Hi Kirby, thanks for the opportunity to participate in this. I have spoken to Steve Ray, the outgoing President, and to Terry Rheinlander, the incoming President, and we are good to go.
Kent Brenneman
AWWC Vice President
Austin Woods & Waters Club
www.awwc.org
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 6, 2007 09:19 AM
[#13]
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Jason Parrish
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Kirby,
Job well done sir... Houston Safari Club stands beside you on this.
Best Regards,
Scott Garrett
Garrett Trucking
gartruck@sbcglobal.net
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 6, 2007 09:21 AM
[#14]
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Jason Parrish
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Kirby Brown:
I have read your letter and the Texas Association of Bass Clubs and the LBJ Fish and Habitat strongly supports these concepts.
Martin Jakubowsky
Dir. at Large, TABC
Chairman, LBJ Fish and Habitat
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 6, 2007 09:25 AM
[#15]
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Jason Parrish
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Kirby,
You may submit your letter as written, with the FULL support of Quail Unlimited, by Tim Connolly, Texas State Chairman.
Tim
Timothy G. Connolly
Senior Vice President
American National Bank Trust
2732 Midwestern Parkway
Wichita Falls, TX 76308
timothyc@amnat.com
940-397-2430
800-450-1602
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 6, 2007 09:35 AM
[#16]
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Jason Parrish
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Kirby,
I'll sign for Quail Forever. I've had dialogue with Will Hartnett my Congressman District 114.
Thanks for all your efforts
Chuck Ribelin cribelin@sbcglobal.net
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 6, 2007 09:43 AM
[#17]
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Jason Parrish
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Kirby,
TOWMA is in full support and will sign onto the letter.
Please include as Texas Organization of Wildlife Management Associations, committed support by Clinton McPhaul, President TOWMA.
Thanks,
Clinton
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 6, 2007 09:47 AM
[#18]
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Jason Parrish
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Kirby,
Please include Audubon Texas on this. Thanks!
Andy
Andrew C. Kasner, Ph.D.
Director of Bird Conservation
Audubon Texas
10750 Pleasanton Road
San Antonio, TX 78221
Tel: (210) 628-1639
Fax: (210) 628-1642
Mbl: (830) 480-2770
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 6, 2007 09:52 AM
[#19]
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Jason Parrish
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Kirby,
We have our Ducks Unlimited Winter Council meeting coming up this
weekend and, of course, this past weekend was the final weekend of duck
season so time has been at a premium.
At any rate, count us in. I have attached a letter of support for your
review and consideration.
Thanks,
Bill
William Ansell
David Schuessler Director of Fundraising & Volunteer Relations Ducks Unlimited 11405 Ohmfield Court Austin, Texas 78739 512-288-6075 (w) 512-809-8740 (m) dschuessler@ducks.org
BE A LEADER!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
BECOME A DU VOLUNTEER!
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 6, 2007 09:54 AM
[#20]
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Jason Parrish
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Kirby,
Saltwater-fisheries Enhancement Assoc. would like to officially endorse your presentation before the committee. You may include SEA in favor of these points.
Jack North
Saltwater-fisheries Enhancement Association
Vice President
Finance & Budget
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 6, 2007 09:58 AM
[#21]
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Jason Parrish
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Kirby,
I've queried the Texas Brigades Board and have found no objection to including the organization in the list of supporters. In fact nothing but enthusiastic support!
Thanks for giving us the opportunity.
Ken
President, Texas Brigades
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 6, 2007 10:03 AM
[#22]
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Jason Parrish
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Kirby,
RMEF Texas is pleased to be able to support the letter that you prepared to Chairman Ogden supporting the Legislative Appropriation Request submitted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Please include RMEF in the group of wildlife and conservation organizations which support that letter.
Michael Gookins
Regional Director - Texas
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
email: mgookins@rmef.org
Phone: 830-935-4754
Toll Free: 866-287-9335
Mobile: 210-827-4715
FAX: 830-935-4789
25711 N Cranes Mill Rd
Canyon Lake, TX 78133
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 6, 2007 10:14 AM
[#23]
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Jason Parrish
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Kirby,
Thanks. It’s gratifying to see all of the support rolling in.
Joe Hamilton
Certified Wildlife Biologist &
Director of Education & Outreach - Southern Region
Quality Deer Management Association
843-844-8610 (office & FAX)
843-709-1700 (cell)
jhamilton@qdma.com
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 6, 2007 10:17 AM
[#24]
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Jason Parrish
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Kirby,
I am going to fax you the letter to Ogden with my signature and put a hard copy in the mail on our letterhead.
Robby Byers
CCA Texas Executive Director
robby@ccatexas.org
713-626-4222 (office)
713-961-3801 (fax)
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 6, 2007 10:22 AM
[#25]
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Jason Parrish
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Kirby,
The Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society ( http://www.tctws.org ) is very much in favor of joining in the coalition of sportsmen's groups. And, we appreciate your efforts to serve as a catalyst to bring the attention to the use of fund 9 monies.
Our organization has played a large role in the support of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for decades and we understand the reasoning and positive impacts the coalition could have in the future management of natural resources in Texas. Please let this written communication serve as verification of our participation. Thank you.
Jim
Jim Cathey, Ph.D, CWB
President - Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist
Texas A&M University
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences
2258 TAMU
112 Nagle Hall
College Station, Texas 77843-2258
979-845-0916; office
979-845-7103; fax
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 6, 2007 10:45 AM
[#26]
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Jason Parrish
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Kirby,
Please add Dallas Safari Club to the letter.
Well done!
Gray N. Thornton
DSC
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 6, 2007 10:49 AM
[#27]
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Jason Parrish
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Letter should be presented to Senate Finance today after a delay yesterday.
Also, expect to address a similar letter to House Appropriations and Chairman Chisum tomorrow (just changing it House Committee members), including the General Government Subcomittee chaired by Rep Carl Isett.
Thanks. --Kirby
Kirby Brown, Executive Vice President
Texas Wildlife Association
2800 NE Loop 410, Suite 105 ***NOTE moved 2/06 San Antonio, TX 78218
210/826-2904 or 1-800-TEX-WILD
fax: /826-4933
cel: 210/213-2805
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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February 11, 2007 09:18 PM
[#28]
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Jason Parrish
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The sportsmen's letter was submitted to the General Government Comm of House Appropriations this Wednesday, and it will now be planned next Thursday for Senate Finance.
Kirby Brown, Executive Vice President
Texas Wildlife Association
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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May 31, 2007 11:16 PM
[#29]
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Jason Parrish
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Kirby,
Please add the Bass Club of Ft. Wirth to the list of partners. The logo is attached. here is the contact info.
Tim Cook
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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June 2, 2007 01:09 AM
[#30]
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Jason Parrish
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I cannot support this funding proposal because I do not believe state parks should be under TPWD auspices in the first place.
TPWD should divest itself of unprofitable or non-self-sustaining state parks. Such parks suitable for hunting should be converted into WMAs. Unprofitable parks with historical significance should be placed under the auspices of the State Historical Commission. Unprofitable parks located near or within the city limits of major cities should be given to those cities.
Most state parks are a management and financial albatross around TPWD's neck. If TPWD were a for-profit business, it would have dumped the parks problem long ago. The fact is, TPWD should be run like a business--especially since they are spending *our* money.
Don Zaidle
Managing Editor
Texas Fish & Game magazine
dzaidle@fishgame.com
940-748-2048
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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June 2, 2007 01:12 AM
[#31]
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Jason Parrish
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Please include The Texas Dog Hunters Assoc. Inc. in this group.
Thanks for all your good work.
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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June 2, 2007 01:13 AM
[#32]
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Jason Parrish
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Don -- I think parks are important, and I think parks are critical for people getting in the outdoors. Some parks like Garner will always be money makers, some will always be too expensive, but are a huge part of Texas history or natural history. The battleship Texas and the state railroad are real money pits. I think many of us have entertained the idea of splitting parks from the rest of the agency, but the time for that discussion is not now. Those who know me know I have been a proponent of that for a good while. Since TPWD was lumped together in the '60's, it has gone through sunset review at the capitol with this discussion at least every 8 years.
The legislature has continued to keep it together. The monies are separated, but there is no doubt that fish and wildlife issues have air sucked away by the continued financial struggles, ties to GR and lack of funding in parks. You can't charge enough everywhere, and still have minorities and the poor have an outdoor experience. State properties are bought for specific legislated purposes, and with that the deparment and its commissions have balanced and enhanced hunting on parks where they could.
If there is some question on any park, I would like to know it and what would be recommended, because we worked with user groups when I was there to expand hunting to roughly 40 parks, while keeping their regular visitation in the their peak seasons. Hearing and working to implement more opportunities would be welcome. But let me assure you - in fact count on it - if they were split it be more difficult over the long run to hunt parks, and you would see a decline if not a total loss of hunting in parks.
Even with all that, parks need to be funded. This is the first place most Texans have their first outdoor opportunity. City parks don't do it.
County parks don't do it. The state parks are different, and we need to support them. They will be better, and with more boots on the ground they will provide better experiences. Thanks for starting the discussion.
Kirby Brown, Executive Vice President
Texas Wildlife Association
2800 NE Loop 410, Suite 105 ***NOTE moved 2/06 San Antonio, TX 78218
210/826-2904 or 1-800-TEX-WILD
fax: /826-4933
cel: 210/213-2805
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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June 2, 2007 01:14 AM
[#33]
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Jason Parrish
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You can add Texas Recreational Fishing Alliance and Texas Gulf Coast Stewards to the support list. I am displeased with a few of Coastal Fisheries agendas but still support the overall TPWD Mission. As you know we started the move to release funding limits with Chairman Ogden this past summer.
Jim Smarr
Texas RFA
Texas Gulf Coast Stewards
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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June 2, 2007 01:16 AM
[#34]
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Jason Parrish
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Park Supporters,
Thanks for everyone's help, but we are not there yet. The passage late yesterday by the House of the Park Restoration Act is not complete, final passage is set for today, then it is on to the final challenge of keeping full funding intact through the conference committee. As you know, the Senate version is quite different than the House, so we need all the support we can get to insure a final bill that removes the cap and appropriates to TPW the full park funding recommended by our State Parks Advisory Committee
(SPAC) in its report. The Governor reiterated his support for full funding of parks in a recent town hall meeting; the Speaker is also on record in his support. We are as close as we have ever been. But "close" won't save or parks. We all need to stay with it to the end.
Special thanks are in order to Governor Perry, who encouraged me to appoint the SPAC and charge it with giving us a plan for the best state parks system in the country, to Chairman Harvey Hildebrand for his strong leadership in authoring the original bill and his committees' commitment to our parks, and of course to George Bristol of the TCC and to Beth McDonald of Texans for State Parks and all the other members of the SPAC who worked so hard to write the plan we are following. We have also enjoyed the support of a new partnership, the Texas Outdoor Partnership, or TOP, chaired by Kirby Brown of the Texas Wildlife Assoc. I am encouraged to see this broad coalition of people; it shows how important our parks are to who we are as Texans. Keep up the good work.
Joseph B.C. Fitzsimons
Chairman, Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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June 2, 2007 01:18 AM
[#35]
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Jason Parrish
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April 30, 2007
The Honorable Warren Chisum
The Honorable Dan Gattis
The Honorable Ryan Guillen
The Honorable Lois Kolkhorst
The Honorable Sylvester Turner
The Honorable Steve Ogden
The Honorable Judith Zaffirini
The Honorable John Whitmire
The Honorable Tommy Williams
The Honorable Robert Duncan
Dear House and Senate Budget Conferees:
The listed sportsmen’s/conservation-minded organizations represent over 5 million hunters, anglers, conservationists and landowners in Texas. As you proceed with deliberations regarding the state budget for the next biennium, we strongly encourage you to consider the following:
- Sportsmen’s/conservation groups want to thank you for continuing to protect Fund 9 dedicated sportsmen’s dollars derived from hunting and fishing licenses and stamps, and provide critical appropriations that lead to spending down the Fund 9 balance over the next 3-4 years. Federal Aid funds under Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson totaling more than $26 million dollars a year are at stake. Sportsmen’s state license dollars and stamps have been dedicated to this 75% federal match from excise taxes on guns, ammunition and fishing equipment since the 1930s. The loss of federal funds will be devastating to wildlife, fisheries and law enforcement.
- Fully fund state parks by fully funding the Texas Parks and Wildlife request for salaries, operating, minor and capital repairs, equipment, land acquisition, and Prop 8 bonds. Please fund the parks at the Speaker’s requested level of at least $100 million annually for operating, local parks grants, and willing seller land acquisition and development. We believe the audit results clearly demonstrate that additional funding for salaries – boots on the ground - is critical. We support the department’s commendable commitment to get church youth groups, scouts, minorities, and others in the outdoors by being flexible on costs for groups, especially in our low income and minority communities. The first outdoor experience for most Texans is in a state park, and sportsmen support full park funding.
- Keep Rider 27 as per the House version, allowing TPWD to spend revenues in excess of estimates. Sportsmen agree it is critical to retain Rider 27 in the House language for revenues in excess to be returned for use in sportsmen’s activities and conservation. It has worked well and needs to remain just like it is today. Why should sportsmen’s and conservation groups help the department get additional private, federal or NGO grants and funds if it cannot be spent or there is a cap on these expenditures. Please remove any cap on this rider by adopting the House version.
- Appropriate the Freshwater Fisheries Stamp Funds for hatcheries. This stamp fund continues to build beyond expectations and it is critical to fully appropriate the funds directly for hatchery construction, repair and maintenance, saving the sportsmen of Texas millions of dollars in unnecessary spending toward debt service on bonds. We believe the best option is to adopt the department’s request for $18 million.
The listed sportsmen’s/conservation groups want to thank you in advance for listening to our concerns and taking the necessary actions to address them. This is important for us and for Texas. Please call Kirby Brown, Chairman of Texas Outdoor Partners at 210/826-2904 if you need additional information.
Sincerely,
Anglers Club of San Antonio
Audubon Texas
Austin Woods and Waters Club
Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program
Coastal Conservation Association Texas
Dallas Safari Club
Ducks Unlimited
Exotic Wildlife Association
Gulf Coast Chapter, Safari Club International
Houston Safari Club
LBJ Fish and Habitat Project
Lone Star Bowhunters Association
North Texas Chapter, Safari Club International
Plateau Land and Wildlife
Pheasants Forever
Quail Forever
Quail Unlimited
Quality Deer Management Association
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Safari Club International, Austin Chapter
Saltwater-fisheries Enhancement Association
SCIF Austin Sables
Texas Association of Bass Clubs
Texas BASS Federation Nation
Texas Bighorn Society
Texas Black Bass Unlimited
Texas Brigades
Texas Chapter, National Wild Turkey Federation
Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society
Texas Dog Hunters Association
Texas Deer Association
Texas Gulf Coast Stewards
TexasHuntFish.Com
Texas Mining and Reclamation Association
Texas Organization of Wildlife Management Associations
Texas Outdoor Council
Texas Recreational Fishing Alliance
Texas Sportsman’s Association
Texas State Rifle Association
Texas Teaming with Wildlife Coalition
Texas Taxidermy Association, Inc.
Texas Wildlife Association
The Nature Conservancy of Texas
cc: The Honorable Tom Craddick, Speaker
The Honorable David Dewhurst, Lt. Governor
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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June 2, 2007 01:21 AM
[#36]
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Jason Parrish
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Travis county
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All -- An "atta'boy" to all the sportsmen, -women and conservationists who made the Tx Outdoor Partners a success in its first outing at the Texas Legislature.
a.. Meetings over the TPWD budget were successful and paid off in a big way when (1) the Fund 9 dollars were fully allocated, (2) parks received a big jump as promised by the Speaker Craddick and Governor Perry ( just 10 million short of the biennial request), (3) the Lt Gov provided for fish hatcheries to the tune of $12.3 million (the money already there in Fund 9), and (4) the Rider 27 language we had asked for was included. Thanks the Speaker, Lt. Governor and Governor, but in the end, Harvey Hilderbran would be the hero on picking up this ball and holding out til it got done. Many thanks go out to Chairman Hilderbran for his fine work on this.
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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RE: URGENT: Critical Funding issues related to TPWD - Voice Your Vote on how YOUR money is spent
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June 2, 2007 01:25 AM
[#37]
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Jason Parrish
Points:
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Travis county
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June 1, 2007
Legislature Approves Additional Park Funding
AUSTIN, Texas — The 80th Texas legislature has approved HB 1 and HB 12, which provide significant new funding for state parks. HB 1, the appropriations bill, and several related provisions in HB 12 will provide approximately $182 million in additional funding for state and local parks in the 2008-2009 biennium.
“All Texans owe a debt of thanks to our state elected leaders,” said Joseph Fitzsimons, TPW Commission chairman. “Because of the unwavering support of Gov. Perry and our friends in the Texas Legislature, we are on the road to fulfilling a vision of great parks for a great state.”
HB 12 was authored by Rep. Harvey Hilderbran, who chairs the House Culture, Recreation and Tourism Committee and tirelessly championed the bill. HB12 was sponsored by Sen. Craig Estes on the Senate side.
Instrumental in supporting the legislation in the closing days of the session were House Speaker Tom Craddick, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Steve Ogden, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Warren Chisum, Senate Natural Resources Committee Chairman Kip Averitt, Rep. Carl Isett and many other legislators.
“It will be several days before we have a complete understanding of details in the appropriations bill and related legislation, but we are very, very pleased with the appropriations approved by the Texas Legislature,” said Robert L. Cook, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department executive director. “With the funding provided by our legislators we will be able to make great strides in providing adequate staffing, equipment, repairs and operating to significantly improve our state park system.”
To Read Full Story, CLICK HERE
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.
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