I don’t normally post full emails, however in this case I am going to make an exception for the South Carolina Camo Coalition. For one, I believe that this group is capable of becoming an important factor in preserving our hunting and fishing rights in the state of South Carolina. And two, their email is too full of important information to just be summarized. However, let me start from the beginning by introducing the SC Camo Coalition and their mission by quoting from their website -
The SC Camo Coalition will monitor important natural resource and fish and wildlife legislation and will “weigh-in” when warranted to protect resources and our outdoor heritage. We also will advocate for an increased appreciation for the vital role farming, forestry, tourism and outdoor pursuits play in the economy of the Palmetto State.
The SC Camo Coalition has also partnered with many important organizations (you can find a full list on their website) such as The Quality Deer Management Association and Quail Unlimited to:
- Build unity among partner organizations and increase collective effectiveness;
- Develop a vision for conservation of fish and wildlife resources and habitats
- Develop, implement, and maintain a set of recommendations for state and federal governmental agencies, and state and federal government.
- Advocate and promote youth education related to wildlife and habitat conservation and hunting, fishing and trapping, and;
- Collectively address key issues of common concern including:
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- Terrestrial, aquatic and riparian habitat expansion, protection and enhancement,
- Fish and wildlife communities and populations,
- Hunting, fishing and trapping opportunities and access
- Scientific management of wildlife, fish and habitat,
- Adequate funding of natural resource-related agencies
- North American wildlife conservation model.
- Youth education in wildlife and habitat conservation, hunting, fishing and trapping.
- Work together for the betterment of fish and wildlife populations and sportsmen’s interests according to the following guidelines.
I also had a chance to check out their booth at the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic a couple of weeks ago where they were promoting their agenda as well as signing up concerned hunters to help in their fight to protect our outdoor rights. I am happy to report that while there, they were able to sign up an additional 110o members to bring their total to 4000.
That is good, and it is a start, however that is only a drop in the bucket when compared with how many hunters, fishermen and nature lovers we have in our great state. So I thought that I would help publicize their organization and their mission as well as showcase the important information that the group will be sending in their newsletters. Membership is free, so there is really no reason not to join this important group. Please read their newsletter below, then visit their website at www.sccamo.org to sign up.
Thanks, Jeff
Conservation Lobby Day Approaches
Date: April 28, 2009
Time: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
On the Annual Conservation Lobby Day each year, conservationists from around the state travel to the State House to meet, greet and encourage elected leaders to support the Common Agenda priorities.
The day begins with a morning briefing, after which the group walks to the State House to speak to legislators about support for conservation bills. During the afternoon, participants attend committee meetings and enjoy free time to tour Columbia and the State House grounds. In the evening participants attend an informal oyster roast under the stars at the historic Seibels House. Participants share live music and local food with legislative guests.
If you only go to the State House once a year to speak to your legislator, Annual Conservation Day is the day to visit. For more information, visit the South Carolina Wildlife Federation website.
Current State Legislation Affecting the Out-of-Doors
S. 452 – Senator Paul Campbell, Oppose, but would support if amended to protect fish and sportsmens interests
A Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee chaired by Senator Paul Campbell debated S.452 last week, but due to time constraints the bill was carried over until the subcommittee’s next meeting on April 14th at 9:00AM. If a water withdrawal bill is not reported out of the full committee on April 15th, a bill will not make it to the Senate floor this year in time to be sent to the House for consideration.
We are working to build support for amendments that will improve S.452 and make it more friendly to wildlife and boater interests. Provisions that allocate the 80% of water in the state’s rivers, lakes and streams to existing and future industries and allow them to be drawn down to near drought-level conditions must be changed. Sportsmen, conservation interests and DNR support a seasonal flow, that is variable and mimics the natural flow.
S.452 is bad for sportsmen, bad for the environment, and is bad for negotiations with neighboring states. We urge committee members to oppose S.452 as written and support amendments that will protect our rivers and streams and foster responsible economic development.
Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee ( Considering the Water Bill)
This bill, which has several prominent co-sponsors, proposes to move the DNR Wildlife Officers and the entire Law Enforcement budget to the SC Department of Public Safety (Highway Patrol). This move would separate this excellent group of dedicated conservation law enforcement officers from our traditional sportsmen’s agency and our DNR Board and place it in an agency that is run by a secretary appointed by the Governor. The DNR Board, Director and the Leadership of the Wildlife Law Enforcement Division at DNR are dedicated to the conservation of wildlife in our state and have long history of competence and fairness. Furthermore, hunters and fisherman pay for the services provided by DNR law enforcement through licenses and fines. We fear that the wildlife conservation mission will be eroded and funding will be diverted to the Highway Patrol which is also constantly in need of resources. Overall, we along with other sportsmen’s organization view this potentially devastating action.
Protect SC Conservation Bank Funding – Strongly Support
The SC Conservation Bank provides grants to protect forests, farms, natural, historic and hunting lands. Since its inception, the Bank has spent $80 million to protect over 152,720 acres of land at an average cost of $534 per acre. Since funding for the Conservation Bank comes from a percentage of deed recording fees, funding levels fluctuate with the real estate economy. The Conservation Bank has partnered in funding the purchase of 58,332 acres of land that is permanently dedicated to Wildlife Management Area (WMA) program for the benefit of sportsmen and wildlife. In the current bill the Conservation Bank is funded at only $237,000 which will cover administrative costs of the Bank for the coming year. We are working hard in the Senate to maintain this minimal level of funding.
H.3121 Turtle Export Bill Rep. James Smith Passed both House and Senate, Support
The harvest of freshwater turtles in South Carolina is currently unregulated. H.3121 limits the export of freshwater turtles to ten per day, and halts the harvest of tens of thousands of our turtles and their shipment as food products to Asia. The bill does not affect the right to possess turtles for pets or food. It also provides an opportunity for aquaculture permits to be issued by DNR.
H.3271 Bill to allow deer baiting in the Piedmont Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-Laurens (Assigned to the Wildlife Subcommittee of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee) This bill proposes to allow baiting of deer in the Piedmont.
H.3483 Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish (Support as amended) By Representative White, Mike Pitts, Toole and Willis
A Joint Resolution to propose an amendment to the state constitution to protect citizen rights to hunt and fish. The SC Camo Coalition supports this resolution as amended to allow the state the authority to manage its wildlife by amending its laws on methods of take and allowable species. These amendments are necessary to allow the state to adjust its management based on future needs and conditions.
H.3541 Bear Hunting Amendments Referred to House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. This bill by Representative David Hiott of Pickens amends bear hunting laws statewide and allows DNR to establish a bear hunting season outside of Game Zone 1.
H.3881 Rep Tom Young and others – Sets a statewide Turkey Season to run from March 15 – May 1.
H. 3723 By Representative Jeff Duncan – Provides for an additional permit for “hunting deer with a dog”, provides for additional requirements and fines for violations.
This legislation, committee members and much more can be found at the state legislative website: http://www.scstatehouse.gov
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I must apologize for my absence here at lowcountryhunting.com; I have been so busy with turkey season that I have not had a chance to do much of anything the last two weeks, including blogging – Leaving the house every morning at 5am and not getting home until after dark doesn’t leave the body with much motivation except to sleep.