I'm cutting and pasting this directly from the www.sport-fish-info.com site because I think it's important.
THE PROBLEM

The Fish & Game Commission, the regulatory agency that determines the fate of sportfishing in this state is under assault by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

Fish & Game Commisioners are appointed by the Governor. But, these appointments are subject to confirmation by the State Senate Rules Committee. If the Rules Committee fails to confirm within 1 year, the appointee can no long serve - the seat is vacated. On their website, the NRDC is waging a campaign to block the confirmation of Marilyn Hendrickson. As usual, they are willing to bend the truth to get their way.

Governor Schwarzenegger appointed Ms. Hendrickson last year. Here is what her bio on the F&GC website has to say:

"Marilyn Hendrickson was appointed to the Fish and Game Commission on March 17, 2004. She is an outdoor enthusiast, actively involved in the fishing tackle industry as well as being an avid angler and hunter. She has been an outdoor writer, book author, and wildlife photographer for many years and stays informed with issues that have impact on outdoor recreation, hunting and fishing. She is very concerned about the protection and proper use of our resources as well as the personal, fiscal and financial impacts of decision making.

Ms. Hendrickson is a founding member and current vice-president of the California Inland Fisheries Foundation, Inc., (Project Kokanee), a non-profit organization, working with the California Department of Fish and Game in the joint objective of enhancing the angling opportunities in the state. She also served on the Board of Directors and as Secretary/Treasurer for the Outdoor Writers Association of California.

Ms. Hendrickson, and her husband Sep, own and operate Sep's Pro Fishing, Inc., a tackle manufacturing company located in Vacaville, Ca. They also produce the award-winning "California Sportsmen" radio show, Saturday mornings, on KHTK 1140AM, Sacramento."

The last thing the NRDC wants is for us to have a friend of sportfishing on the Commission. The fact that all funds raised by Ms. Hendrickson's organization go directly into resource improvement and awareness in cooperation with the DFG doesn't impress the NRDC in the least.

This is an emergency! If Ms. Hendrickson is not confirmed by next month, her vacant seat might well be filled by a new Commissioner that would be more favorable to the NRDC's agenda to create a vast network of permanent no-take marine reserves all along our coast.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Right now -- don't wait -- everyone who cares about the immediate future of our sport needs to write, call or FAX the Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee in support of Ms. Hendickson's confirmation

Keep it short. Don't waste words attacking the NRDC. Make sure you sign your message with your full name and address. Anonymous messages carry no weight. First of all, FAX it, even if you do nothing else. Best is if you back it up with a snail mail version. A postal card will do just fine.

Here is an example:
--------------------------------
The Honorable Don Perata, Chair
Senate Committee on Rules
State Capitol, Room 205
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-6577
Fax (916) 327-1997

RE: SUPPORT FOR CONFIRMATION OF MARILYN HENDRICKSON
FOR CALIFORNIA FISH & GAME COMMISSION

Dear Senator Perata,

During her tenure, Ms. Hendrickson has proven herself to be a responsible steward of our state's natural resources. I strongly urge her confirmation.

Sincerely,

(YOUR NAME)
(YOUR ADDRESS)
(YOUR PHONE NUMBER)
--------------------------------

This is just an example. Ideally you will write this in your own words. If you're too lazy to mail a postal card, follow up with a phone call.

DEMOCRACY IS NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT

Joel
DARK SIDE MEMBER
SAVE SPORTFISHING Join RFA



Tight lines,
Wade