Commission Templates: (Click HERE to Download a Copy)
Good morning, my name is _______________________, I live in ______________________ County, and I am a member of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.
As a conservationist, I appreciate your dedication to balancing ecosystems and ensuring that future generations have access to the same or better opportunities that all outdoor enthusiasts enjoy today. The health and abundance of our natural resources for current and future generations is of the utmost importance to me.
I would like to point out that while I understand that the increase to license fees is necessary to provide funding for the department to continue their critical work, hunters and anglers, while not the only group who benefits from the department’s efforts, are the only group who contributes significant funding. We do this willingly, and often self-imposed. We understand what it takes to keep wildlife and wild places here for all to enjoy, and we believe in that mission. But it is increasingly difficult to swallow that bitter pill when we see our opportunities, and our families opportunities, further restricted without support from scientific data.
Give a couple sentences explaining why the opportunity to hunt and fish is so important to you.
I understand and support the need to restrict baiting practices, though I hope to see the Department put equal effort toward education and restriction of recreational wildlife feeding as they are also contributing factors to the spread of this disease in residential areas.
Going forward, I hope to see a shift in the commission toward following processes as outlined, and making decisions derived from the expert guidance of department staff when considering regulation changes that affect the outdoor community and beyond.
Thank you to the Department staff and managers, your hard work and dedication is appreciated.