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jim bielecki

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Everything posted by jim bielecki

  1. I would attend but I plan to fulfill the guide trip I offered at the blow out on saturday. Conditions look good. If not I will be there.
  2. I'm going to chime in here and go with Eugene on this one. Perhaps invasive introductions are inevitable, however, there could have been more done to prevent the escape of asian carp by enforcing very strict governement regulations. Same with zebra muscles...the balast water that shipping ships use could have been better regulated; this may have slowed down the introduction. In any case, the problem of invasives can be controlled but not prevented when proper actions are taken. The difficult part is funding...which again is the government's realm of control. The sad part of this is there are so many problems occuring simultaneously that priorties need to be established to decide which problem money is going to be allocated to. The future of these fish is unpredictable. However, the truth of invasives is very real; without control, they can and do take over water ways. Snakeheads (imported for aquariums) are one such invasive that will outcompete almost every freshwater fish...no one predicted that the release of this fish would have been so devastating. There was also an episode of River Monsters where the fresh water pacu took over....they were so competetive that the vegetarian pacu evolved into a carnivore....accepting meat as an alternative. As a result of their introduction, the native crocodile numbers were decreasing due to habitat loss...the vegetation served as nurseries for the young. People may have the ability to erradicate terrestrial species if the pressure was high enough...(look at the passager pigeon, buffalo etc), however,aquatic invasives are SO adaptable and spread so fast that even the best efforts will simply contol them...not erradicate them. They cover too much realestate. I like to think Asian carp (or any invasive) can be controlled with the right price tag on their head. If there was a bounty for them at a dollar per fish, I know I would be out there scooping 'em up. You can easily get 100 fish per day...on some days....100 fish per hour! Then again, do they truly outcompete other fish? That hasn't been proven but with enough numbers, I believe they can destroy the food chain that many natives rely on for proliferation. As a filter feeder, there is a lot of damage it can do to a number of species...muscles, clams, and fish fry for sure. Man made evolution....scary isn't it. I think the best we can do is to get more people to join conservation groups such as the ISA and put forth our best efforts.
  3. 7-830 Naper Set5tlement Visitor Center $5.00 Dan will display is collection of historic fishing tackle that spans more than 5000 years. He will be available to appraise items. registration recommended but tickets are available at the door.
  4. I'm not certain how this will play into conservation but it seems that it makes sense and may be another step in the right direction. Awareness of how water is managed, utilized, and conserved all plays a part in the future of our water ways...feel free to comment..... HB3372 Amends the Counties Code. Provides that a county board in a metropolitan county located in the area served by the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission, or Madison, St. Clair, Monroe, Kankakee, Grundy, LaSalle, DeKalb, Kendall, or Boone county, that has adopted a stormwater management plan may adopt a schedule of fees applicable to real property within the county that benefits from the county's stormwater management facilities and activities. Sets forth the circumstances under which a fee schedule may be adopted and the uses for the fees. Caps the fees at the same limit as an authorized stormwater tax that has been approved by referendum in the county. Provides that the county shall give land owners at least 2 years' notice of the fee during which time the county shall provide education on green infrastructure practices and an opportunity to take action to reduce or eliminate the fee. Further provides that a fee waiver shall be included for property owners who have taken actions or put in place facilities that are approved by the county that reduce or eliminate the cost of managing runoff. Provides that the county may enter into intergovernmental agreements with other bodies of government for the joint administration of stormwater management and collection of the fees. Provides that if a county adopts a fee schedule and has existing debt repayments to make, the remainder of that debt may be paid with proceeds from a tax imposed for stormwater management purposes. Effective immediately.
  5. Are the carp spawning yet or is it too cold. I haven't been out yet to check....often I bowfish the rivers but if there is action on the lake I'm sure the rivers are getting ready... Any advice? What about flies....any in particular work well this time of year?
  6. Hi guys, thanks for the advice. I actually signed my dad up for a club....like ISA but for RC planes! Who woulda thought!? I like the simulator idea....that would've been perfect but he doesn't have a computer.
  7. Yep the title is right...my dad is retiring and I wanted to give him something he always wanted....he always wanted to learn how to fly remote control airplanes. Anyone willing to give him lessons? I'm offering 10 per session using your gear. With your guidance your equipment should be safe. Lombard area. Jim
  8. If I read this right...this money will be allocated toward things like stream banks and habitat preservation. Another possible step in the right direction. If this passes it would be a good idea to watch how the money is allocated. Illinois House Bill 1082 http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=HB&DocNum=1082&GAID=11&SessionID=84&LegID=56900 Synopsis As Introduced Amends the Counties Code. Provides that Boone, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, or Will county may levy an annual tax for farmland preservation easement and green redevelopment purposes. Provides that the tax may not exceed 0.05% of the equalized assessed value of taxable property in the county. Provides that the tax must be approved by referendum. Provides that the tax may be discontinued by referendum. Provides that a referendum to levy or discontinue the tax may be initiated by a petition signed by a number of electors equal to at least 0.5% of the total number of votes cast in the county during the last preceding gubernatorial election. Provides that the proceeds of the tax shall be paid into two separate funds, the county farmland preservation easement fund and the green redevelopment fund. Sets forth the ways in which the proceeds of the funds shall be used.
  9. Well, it certainly didn't take long....the state bumped up the fees to buy a deer tag. Fees will be going up and state parks will again be funded by fisherman and hunters. Maybe a jogger or biker, or picnicker, ect. should be required to buy a state park tag and all outdoorsman with a license would be exempt. Just like fishing licenses, a visitor can be checked for their "park user fee" license...if they don't have it when checked they should get a fine just like the rest of us.
  10. I plan to come out. I won't make it for breakfast but I'll be out there to help. Jim
  11. There are always two sides of a coin....you just hope that the side you pick is more beneficial than the other. In this case there is an upside....for people who do not buy fishing licenses, an entrance fee would be a means for them to pay their fair share....maybe. It still comes down to enforcement though. I was thinking about this earlier today, for all laws we have....if no one is around to enforce the laws, what makes someone follow them besides their own conscious? Unfortunately, many people these days are not ethical nor honest...if that were the case we wouldn't need any regulations nor fees. I do agree that politicians need a pay cut.
  12. Maybe not tying smallies to cancer...maybe erectile dysfunction...that would get some attention!
  13. I agree with Rich that money in this state has been spent irresponsibly. I for one would have been the first to knock down this proposal. However, I believe that the future depends on responsible spending. With new leadership it's going in the right direction but slowly. I like the dedicated fund idea as long as it is truely dedicated. I was in Minnesota and they had a yearly sticker that cost $25.00. In Atlanta Georga I paid a daily fee of $3.00. Personally I can go either way on this....but I have to have hope. Ever since I was a kid the fishing really stunk in Illinois. Now the resources are better and we have more people using them. I think there are several cuts that the state can still make if they chose to. But just like natural resources, the cost in human resources are going up as well. I think what will happen if this doesn't go through is that there will be an increase on fees for Hunting and Fishing licenses anyway. I too, agree with Rich on the cuts at Shabbona....if Shabbona increases the fees, then the park should be financed better...not cut MORE! I think he has a perfect example on why this bill would be a bad idea. I for one have been writing for years to get the outhouse removed and rebuilt at Shabbona. I'm still waiting for a response on why that hasn't happened yet. I really don't know what the answer is but I do know natural resources need financing and not from just fisherman and hunters. I too, agree that if people have to pay a fee, people will respect the park more. I also agree that there is a lack of enforcement and personnel. There needs to be a stronger presence of Conservation Police officers. Just go to Wisconsin...they don't take crap from anyone and they mean business...they will check you and enforce violations. That's what I think many of us would like to see here in Illinois. I think an increased presence of CPO's would greatly improve public opinion.
  14. http://www.prairiestateoutdoors.com/index.php?/pso/article/legislator_proposes_entrance_fees_for_parks/ http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=HB&DocNum=181&GAID=11&SessionID=84&LegID=54761 If you are for state park fees contact your representative and say yes to HB0181. I feel that it's over due....more people equals more use of our resources. It shouldn't just be paid by hunters and fisherman. If not, you can tell your representative that you don't support it. I think it's a good idea. Maintenance and programs cost money....that's the bottom line. In my opinion, if you want cleaner parks, less pollution, better fishing....this is a good idea.
  15. Thanks for posting this! Here is also a website on sewage sludge biproducts from factory farms....http://sludgefacts.org/
  16. I agree, most members enjoy the hardcopy. I too like the hardcopy for the fly patterns that are published, when I want to try a new pattern. I also like to look through some old issues that are seasonal....like if it's June, I'll look over past June issues for ideas. For shows, I brought up an idea to have a computer there to show people what the website looks like and what we have to offer. The problem with that was access to the wireless internet....you need to pay for it. A solution to that is to present a visual, a dvd can easily be made and played in a PC. (I am actually taking that up on my own...I hope to put together a video library for members to check out....I talked with Mike Clifford about it who said it's a great idea and was brought up in the past. I hope to video members catching fish, doing cleanups, doing events ect. We will see how it goes.) As for volunteer work, a lot of it is done by members on their own...I posted a few clean up events last year on the Fox River....I was the only one to show up....that's fine....I know Norm had similar difficulties with members helping for the yearly K3 clean ups. I like to believe that most people volunteer when they can. It's a new year so maybe people will be more active this year.
  17. I may be wrong with this but this is what I researched if you wanted to compare funding from last year to this year.... Page 175 of the 2011 buget proposal….for 2011-2012 http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr1pcs/pdf/BILLS-112hr1pcs.pdf SEC. 1235. Notwithstanding section 1101, the level 14 for ‘‘Conservation Programs, Natural Resources Con15 servation Service, Conservation Operations’’ shall be 16 $836,000,000. 17 SEC. 1236. Notwithstanding section 1101, the level 18 for ‘‘Conservation Programs, Natural Resources Con19 servation Service, Watershed and Flood Prevention Oper20 ations’’ shall be $0.21 SEC. 1237. Notwithstanding section 1101, the level 22 for ‘‘Conservation Programs, Natural Resources Con23 servation Service, Watershed Rehabilitation Program’’ 24 shall be $20,000,000.VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:02 Mar 01, 2011 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00175 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\H1.PCS H1 smartinez on 2009-2010 http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c111:7:./temp/~c111NV2tgO:e108543: Natural Resources Conservation Service [<-Struck out] [struck out->] watershed and flood prevention operations [<-Struck out] [struck out->] For an additional amount for `Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations', $350,000,000, of which $175,000,000 is for necessary expenses to purchase and restore floodplain easements as authorized by section 403 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203) (except that no more than $50,000,000 of the amount provided for the purchase of floodplain easements may be obligated for projects in any one State): Provided, That section 1106 of this Act shall not apply to this appropriation: Provided further, That priority in the use of such funds shall be given to projects that can be fully funded and completed with the funds appropriated in this Act, and to activities that can commence promptly following enactment of this Act. [<-Struck out] [struck out->] watershed rehabilitation program [<-Struck out] [struck out->] For an additional amount for `Watershed Rehabilitation Program', $50,000,000, for necessary expenses to carry out rehabilitation of structural measures: Provided, That section 1106 of this Act shall not apply to this appropriation: Provided further, That priority in the use of such funds shall be given to projects that can be fully funded and completed with the funds appropriated in this Act, and to activities that can commence promptly following enactment of this Act. [<-Struck out
  18. Research like this is great, however, I am more concerned with what happens with that information! The signs of decline in environmental indicators are everywhere.... My question is, how does that translate into strictor pollution regulation, strictor runoff policies, habitat conservation, and funding for conservation? Going back a few threads, I questioned the EPA about regulations....they simply said that conditions are monitored. There are no actions on the table that establishes a plan to improve water quality at all! Facts and research are great but if nothing is done with that information the work is done in vane. It's interesting that scientists are often the ones telling everyone else "see, I told you so". In some cases that same statement goes like this..."see, I told you so, now it's too late to do anything about it." (.....CAFO's are one example) I think that's why many people get upset about environmental damage....much of it is preventable.
  19. I plan to be there again this year. I think some of us talked about this event being for kids only and this year it is! I love it! That's the whole point of this event! Hopefully it won't be rainy...that really put a "damper" on things...ha ha ha. I also like talking to Don on what's going on for this year. See you soon.
  20. Hey guys, I love the blocks you've tied and posted. I tied one with one eye on the bottom! Instead of on the sides give it a try. I did it thinking most dying baitfish or injured fish float to the surface on their sides...when they are in that position one eye and gills can be targets for bass to hone in on.
  21. I enjoyed the whole evening. Great prizes, and a terrific presentation. I really enjoyed Joe. He was a very good speaker with a ton of useful information. Food hit the spot and just the support from all the members was great to see....the future of smallmouth fishing looks bright. The blowout is a great way to get everyone excited for the season coming! I'm going to take Joe's advice and try more blues and blacks for the early season. If I remember right....spring....small blues and black, summer....larger baits with orange and greens, Fall, large 3-4 inch baits with white and silver colors. Spring; bugs and small slow presentations Summer; fast baits knicking bottom Fall; minnow imitators I also enjoyed some of the other information he presented as well, for example the time it takes for fish to adjust their eyes to dark, the video of the bass jumping out of the water, how crayfish molt several times a year, how a bass smells, lateral line info, depth perception....he really covered a lot! Some of the information we all know but he did a nice job relating that information into strategies! It was also great to have Don Labrose there to share the progress of the DuPage River. This project is HUGE! I never thought I'd see the Dupe clean up the way it has in my lifetime....and it's all because of the support from people who care.... I grew up fishing Churchill woods...it was filled with mud and carp...that was it....now with all the work being done, smallmouth are now a possibility....I never thought I'd see it happen! This was one of my favorite blowouts yet!
  22. Looks great...I plan to attend. I think as far as tools go, a bobbin is great to have....but if you look at the old time tyers....they didn't have them. You can tie with just a vice and scissors....but get the tools if you can...the process will be much easier. Jim
  23. Hi there, most or all the signs are posted at popular access points to educate people. If there are fish at the location....that's good...the fish are supposed to be there....that's the point! We want to preserve the spawning season so that the fish reproduce and propagate. It's unfortunate that signs are vandalized, however, hopefully as time goes on...eventually signs won't be needed...everyone will know what the regulations are. Once that happens at some point the enforcement of those laws will need to be in place. The yellow isa phone numbers are helpful in contacting the conservation police if you witness any kind of violations....simply collect information, license plate, description ect. and report it. Poaching is an unfortunate occurance....with the economy down, it may occur more this year....but it's not the biggest threat to our fishery....pollution and habitat loss are additional factors that significantly effect the health of Illinois waters. It's a difficult challenge but I believe things are changing for the better...there are many people working hard to make a difference.
  24. The health risks of methylmercury alone should be highlighted. It does cause central nervous system damage....for those of you who have families....I suggest that you simply do not eat the fish in Illinois and possibly several other states. The risk does NOT out way the benefits! I have extensive work with children who have developmental delays and many of those delays are identified for reasons unknown. I have a daughter of my own....I will NOT allow her to eat any fish until the age of at least 10. The central nervous system takes a very long time to mature. I think there are enough toxins that we are all exposed to on a daily basis which should cause everyone to be careful. It's my personal opinion that it's ridiculous epa regulations are so lax when people are already experiencing health problems due to environmental pollution. Who has our best interest in mind? It really makes me wonder. Just look at all the new organic products that are now on the market....they are available for a reason...public demand due to better education of what we eat. There has been a bill on the table for almost 2 or 3 years now but it hasn't been voted on....the bill will make it a law to label any and all food that has been grown with sewage sludge. This is a bill that can and will effect all of our choices of what we eat by being educated with how it's grown. Keep an eye out for this change because it's coming!
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