UPDATE 2022 GREENWOOD LAKE LAUNCH

[muskynut]

Hi Everyone,

Hope all of you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and, most importantly, that you are HEALTHY as this pandemic continues. It has been awhile since our last update so here we are to fill you in in the NEW YEAR.

- Bill S-4135 / A-6032 Requires DEP to provide public access for boats on certain state owned lakes. It would appropriate $1million from the General Fund to DEP to provide for public boat access required by the bill. A copy of the bill can be read in its entirety below. At present, the bill has been referred to the Environment and Energy Committee. It is sponsored by Senators Joseph Pennacchio and Steven Oroho along with co sponsors: Jay Webber, Aura Dunn, Harold Wirths, and Parker Space. Currently, the bill is partisan (Republican 4-Democrat 0). WE NEED MORE DEMOCRATiC SUPPORT for this endeavor to make this bipartisan....so, if some of you know your democratic representatives in your districts please make them aware of the issue so they can sign on.

- We are asking all of you....if you haven't yet signed our pinned petition at the top of this feed to do so. If you have friends, family members, etc. that you may know....get them to sign also. We are around 1922 signatures at present. This petition is NOT intended to be forgotten/placed on the rear burner. PLEASE GET THE WORD OUT AND CONTINUE TO SIGN because as the bill progresses through committee, debate, vote, and governor's desk... we may need to provide an updated copy of the petition......WE ARE THEREFORE STILL TAKING SIGNATURES.....LET'S BLOW RIGHT PAST 2000 AND HEAD FOR 2500. Anyone you know in the tri-state area that is within driving distance of Greenwood Lake: SIGN, SIGN, SIGN!!!!!

- You can also go to https://legiscan.com put in either A-6032 or S-4135 and get updated information of where the bill is at in the process. All you have to do is enter the bill number and hit "SEARCH". Please feel free at the bottom of this site's page to leave CIVIL comments on the site. The more comments, the more this issue can stay in the forefront such that it becomes a reality. Pass the word around, go to the site, and leave a comment. We need as much support as possible for this bill in order for it to survive and become a LAW.

- Several weeks back, we attended an online ZOOM meeting with Bass University after being invited by Craig Durand, Environmental Director. The special guest of the evening was Gene Gilliland a bass fisheries biologist and conservation/enviornmental director for B.A.S.S. Pro angler and founder of BASS U, Michael Iaconelli was also on the call. The topic for the evening was LAKE ACCESS. Lou Martinez of UFANJ walked the participants through the steps we have taken in order to make a Public Launch Ramp on Greenwood Lake a reality. We were made aware that the entire country is facing similar problems with public access....which included problems with access to Alloway Lake in South Jersey. Mr. Gilliland commented that the states receive $4 million a year from Wallop Breaux / Dingle Johnson funds and 15% of that MUST be used for access. The funds are often matched....more importantly we were told to question how this money is being spent. Many similar examples were given as occurring in other states as well. This is why it is IMPERATIVE that we all work together in a UNITED FRONT to push against the issue of no/limited access on public waters because, if we do not, we risk losing these waterbodies for recreation for good.

- Again make your voices known. This month's NJ Fish and Game Council meeting has been canceled. If you can, plan on attending the February meeting to see what is going on, where we are, and to provide comments. I also provided two letters that can be sent to the Governor's office on this site. You will probably have to go back a few pages to find it. We have two different versions....all you have to do is print a version out....sign it, provide your relevant information, and send it to the Governor's office so he is aware of the situation/issue we face. WE DID THE WORK FOR YOU....we know some of you signed and sent and would like to thank those that did. BUT WE NEED MORE OF YOU TO DO SO. It is a New Year and we have alot of work ahead before this launch can become a reality. PLEASE HELP US EVEN IF YOU DO NOT FISH GREENWOOD. You all purchased licenses and are therefore all stake holders.

Will continue to post updates throughout the process so keep your eyes peeled here. Again....thanks to all of you for your solidarity, work, and support.

GREENWOOD TODAY....YOUR LAKE TOMORROW (AND IT'S BEGINNING TO HAPPEN ON YOUR LAKE(S) AS WELL). WE CANNOT LET THIS HAPPEN....IT IS TOTALLY WRONG.....YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO FISH WHEN AND WHERE AND AT A TIME OF YOUR CHOICE WITHOUT HAVING TO JUMP THROUGH HOOPS TO TRY TO DO SO.

Be well, stay healthy and safe....leave comments, send the letters........

Respectfully

UFANJ

[dales529]

Sent you a PM. let me know
Thanks
dave