Magalloway Proposal
This is a copy of a post by Blake Palmer which he posted on "Fly Fishing in Maine" and "Fly Fishing in New Hampshire" about changing the regs on a portion of the Magalloway River. I have posted the original post of Blake's and added links to the two threads on the other sites.
Magalloway Proposal
By Lee Goldsmith
Copied from FFinNH Website
We need some help with this issue. I thought we used to have a lot of friends here. I have not herd from any of you in quite some time, this is a real issue, and some help is needed.. In my business this is what we call a slide and sign.
We all know what a special river this is! It really is not about the kids. This is a dirty ploy to exploite this one of a kind fishery. Your calls to Mr. Philbrick could help this go away. Please don't hesitate! Tell him what it means to you.
Blake Palmer
This is the letter from Kris Thompson:
RRGA&SA Members,
My name is Kris Thompson I live in Wilsons Mills. Recently, I spoke to you with Gary Corson from New Sharon at one of the latest club meetings about a proposal by MDIF&W to allow children under the age of 16 to fish a ¼ mile stretch of the Lower Magalloway river with worms. Currently the entire Magalloway river section in Maine is Fly Fishing Only. As you remember a vote was taken on this by everyone in attendance that night and the result was a unanimous decision against this proposal.
On October 22 Mr. Corson and I attended an advisory council meeting at the RRG&SA where this was to be voted on. At the onset of the discussion it looked like this proposal would have failed to pass. Members of the Department including the Commissioner commented on the flood of opposition they received throughout the prior week. Stephen Philbrick, our representing advisory counsel member for Franklin and Oxford Counties, commented that this proposal caused the most buzz of anything that he has yet encountered while sitting on the council. He commented that 85% of the people that contacted him about this were in opposition. Yet, surprisingly when it came time for him to speak he claimed that he was in favor of the proposal. This drastically changed the mood of the discussion and the majority of other council members followed Mr. Philbrick’s lead. Based on Mr. Philbricks comments if a vote was taken this regulation would have been voted in
favor of by the council. Thankfully, the commissioner decided to table the proposal to be discussed at the next advisory council meeting on December 4th. Later, the commissioner took us aside asking us the chances of a possible compromise between both parties. At the end of the day, to make things even more confusing Mr. Philbrick approached us and said that he had changed his position.
It’s unfortunate that Mr. Philbrick was not able to attend the public hearing for the preliminary discussion of this proposal and it’s a shame he missed the informative RRG&SA meeting. It is my opinion that this proposal would have been squashed if he was not so out of touch and had taken a more informed look at the facts. The Commissioner and all other advisory council members look to him as the leading voice and representation for our region but he failed to listen to the majority (85%) of the people he represents. I don’t feel that Mr. Philbrick gave this the attention that it deserves nor does he understand the impact that this decision could have on the Magalloway River or similar proposals.
Let me briefly point out the key features in opposition to this proposal.
- The Rangeley Region has a long standing fly fishing tradition and the Magalloway is one of its finest waters.
- It is one of the states best trophy wild brook trout and salmon waters, possibly one of the best in the country for that matter. It is part of the dwindling last stronghold of the Eastern Brook Trout. It should not be compromised under any circumstances!
- There is a precedence that will be set if this proposal passes. A Rod and Gun Club from the Norway, S. Paris area along with a local campground owner from Wilsons Mills petitioned for it. Ask yourself! Do distant groups or businesses that stand to gain from such a proposal have the right to tell the state what the fishing regulations should be on a river without say from the local community where that river is located? If this proposal passes it will open the door for others like it!
- The age of children proposed to be allowed to fish this section of river is too old! A 15 year old is almost old enough to drive. You can’t tell me that a kid 10 years or older is not capable of wielding a fly rod. When I was a youngster I drowned my share of worms. But, my fondest memories are learning to fly fish, when I was 9 years old. As I look back I see it as sort of a graduation. I was old enough to comprehend that fishing was not just about catching the most fish and using the easiest means possible. I was taught that certain places like the Magalloway were special and protected under stricter rules and regulations such as FFO. Children today are capable of being taught to respect these laws as well!
- Those who brought about this proposal are envious of The Rangeley Regions fishing. Why is it so good? Because we protect it!
- There is an increasing drop in state fishing license sales and youth interest in the outdoors, the opposition knows this. In an effort to liberalize the Magalloway regulations they have ruthlessly pulled a guilty conscious trick, by saying it is for the kids!. I am all for getting kid into fishing and setting aside certain places for them exclusively but not our haloed waters. These exclusive kids waters are a good idea but are not the sole answer to getting youngster back into fishing. The real problem is a lack of guidance by adults and parents these days who no longer make the time to spend with their kids let alone take them fishing. As a fly fishing guide, I have taught countless youngsters how to fly fish. I could even show you a video of my 2 year old son casting on the lawn. I have been lucky enough to take part in youth programs such as “Live The Legend” sponsored by the RRG&SA. These kids learned about more than just catching
fish. They learned to respect Rangeley’s fly fishing tradition, They learned that it takes patience and practice to cast a fly and how rewarding it is when they finally catch that first fish. They learned about catch & release and the idea that a fish released today is a fish caught tomorrow, They learned about stream entomology, and they made lasting friendships. The list goes on and on! I wish you could see some of these kids now! They’re hooked! They see the whole picture, all because someone took the time to take them fishing.
In conclusion I urge you to contact Mr. Philbrick, (207) 864-3671 even for a second time if you have already done so and once again express to him your concerns and the importance of his opposition to this proposal. Thank You !
Sincerely,
Kris Thompson
Links to forum threads on FFinNH and FFinMaine
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