jim bielecki

This is legislation that is apparently in progress. It was initiated last year but hasn't been voted on yet. Maybe if people were informed about how their food is produced this would help decrease the practice of CAFO's storing and spreading raw sewage. I continue to write to our congressmen to stop further development of CAFO's.

Here's my source for information; (we should all begin citing sources to demonstrate best practice of information sharing.) http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h185/actions_votes

H.R.185 - Sewage Sludge in Food Production Consumer Notification Act

To amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the egg, meat, and poultry inspection laws to ensure that consumers receive notification regarding food products produced from crops, livestock, or poultry raised on land on which sewage sludge was applied.

I think many people continue to mistrust the IDNR. The last administration did a lot to give them a bad reputation which the DNR had no control over. The DNR did what they were told to do. The management and transparency the DNR has now are great ways to show what IS being done now and what progress IS happening. This is the new direction most people are not aware of. Thanks for posting that Mike.

Great event and you did a great job on the video Mike! I'm happy I was able to get out and experience this event. Lots of great activities for the kids and education. I think Steve had more fun than the kids!

Last call...anyone want to meet to help clean up the Fox R. in Montgomery. There will be many other people pitching in...it would be great to see some ISA volunteers out there.

I'm going to be out there in the morning if any other ISA members would like to join me. I don't plan to fish...wish I could but it's my nephews birthday. I will clean up for the first two hours and head out. Breakfast anyone? I will also be bringing out some posts and signs if we need to set some up.

This isn't an ISA event but there was a great turn out from the Kiwanis at the last event and there were a lot of volunteers...it really makes you realize there are a lot of people working to make things better.

I just wish we can do more to ensure the safety of fish consumption. I love to eat fish but I don't trust to eat any fish from Illinois...even if there's no advisory. That's just my opinion.

I love em' both. Marabou has more life to it...when it is sitting the hair undulates begging a smallie to eat it. Hair jigs don't really have the same movement when stopped. They both do a great job imitating a minnow when fished quickly. I think they are great for a confidence bait. When you are really struggling to catch a fish, sometimes these will do the trick. I like white and brown.

I think that hair jigs are great for targeting a particular area. I wouldn't suggest them as a search lure. Also, when the fish are aggressive...use something else that can be fished faster.

One thing I like about these is that you can tic the bottom in rocky areas and many times you won't get hung up. And if you do, they are pretty easy to free up.

The other thing I like about using them is I use them in smaller bodies of water...they seem to match the hatch better of the surrounding baitfish.

Sounds good.

I'll forward what I find out. I'll put together what I can...I'll give myself a deadline of 3-4 weeks to get it to you.

Jim

Here's a product that breaks down in 180 days...

http://www.alibaba.com/product/keymorenterprise-10933062-10683221/productdetail.html

Here's another product: http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/238628789/corn_starch_container_240ml_.html

Here's another:

http://www.trellisearth.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1

And another:

http://lepton.marz.com/ncga/comm_dev_center/product_detail.asp?product=Packaging+materials

The containers are out there...the technology is out there...

We just need to get bait distributers to use them. How do we do that?

Mike, those pics are great! Thanks for posting them!

I can id a few but I'm not an expert at identifying aquatic bugs. I wonder if we can get some pics and some id's with some of these bugs and post them. It would be a great education to many of us. I think it would also be beneficial to take pics or post any sightings of some of our endagered species. Or even post pics of endagered species to look for...it would give all of us a greater appreciation on the water. I've got a field book on aquatic bugs...I hope to use it a lot this year. They are great environmental indicators too.

I just got home from work and saw my 1 year old daughter...picked her up, hugged her, and gave her a kiss...she's why these issues are so important to me. I feel sad that the water we live around is too polluted for her to swim in. I'm sure many of you feel the same. Bait containers may be a small issue in the grand scheme of things, but they are big to me. Knowing that change takes time I hope green containers are the future. The lead research made sense, however, it still accumulates in the water over time here in Illinois. We really don't know what kind of lead levels the organisms in our water ways can tolerate. We'll keep at it. Moving forward is the only way to go.

I don't mean to blame Mike for anything here. I understand the work that everyone does. My comments were intended to be directed toward those who had the final say in making the legislation. I think it stinks that you work so hard to earn a dollar but are only given a penny. It seems I may have been misunderstood. Jim, I agree with everything you addressed.

Mike, you're right. Keeping the ISA brand professional is important as is raising awareness. I looked back on the lead legislation and from what I gather it raised awareness. Personally, I was disappointed with the end result.

Everyone already knows lead is bad. I mean that. Everyone knows....it's no longer in paint, kids toys, and there is a ban on lead shot for hunting. In addition, many of our water ways are used for drinking water. There should have been no reason for this legislation Not to pass. Unfortunately, lead will continue to be used because it's cheap. We will eventually get the ban, the ban will be put in place once lead levels exceed what is environmentally safe for people. By then it's too late.

There is no harm in being a strong advocate for what you believe is right. When there is ignorance there is nothing you can do but continue to push the issue. Push, push, and push...until someone gets tired of hearing it. Someone will eventually listen and do the right thing. I also think that it's inevitable to lose your cool on occassion...many people don't take any responsibility. (People you correspond with will just need to understand that you care...and you care a lot.) ISA and other conservation groups exist to let our government and other businesses know that it is ther obligation to take responsibility for protecting our resources. We already have the status quo. They need to know the status quo isn't enough to protect what we have. They need to know it is also their responsibility for what we are losing.

As for petitions- an utter waste of time.

Foolishness, in my opinion.

The only petitions truly worth doing, aren't really petitions at all. They are actually called ballot initiatives, those measures that actually get something (or someone, a candidate) put on a ballot. These measures have real teeth. All of the rest are data gathering, list-building measures, that are very often used to solicit funds later.

 

No respectable politician takes email or online versions seriously, and I have never needed one to engage people or facilitate change.

Building relationships over many years with our peers in conservation, brainstorming and making the case attractive to as many people (namely voters and constituents) as possible is how to get it done.

Ok...so then it's really a matter of talking to our representative, communicating the problem, showing them viable solutions or options, and then convincing them it's in the public's best interest with minimal cost to tax payers. In the school district I work at, when there is a bill the teacher's want to pass, there is an all call sent out to them to rally together and call their representatives. So the answer is "hoopla"....we need a lot of "hoopla". Maybe we can get Rich Mc. to design a fly, call it "Hoopla" and market it for awareness.

That's a good point.

It likely isn't our job to find a suitable container, but we'll need to know comparable alternatives if we're going to sell the legislation bit.

As a matter of fact, we'll damn near need scientists and economists on our side before it's all said and done.

If other states aren't getting it done, there are reasons for it.

Before I compose a whole letter of determination (draft statement, etc), we're going to need to know which specific obstacles need to be overcome.

First and foremost being-

Would anglers support it?

That's not only the people in this room, that's state-wide.

How do we do that? Petition of names...with addresses (I think we'd need addresses to ensure the names aren't fabricated)? How do we get a #'s count of support to present to the law-makers? To make it fair, how do we get a count of non-supporters? Because you're right, for this to happen, we'd need a significant number of people to support this. To me this is the difficult part. Finding comparable alternatives is the easy part...any increase in cost would be up to the consumer...on the other hand I'm certain no one wants to pay $5.00 for a bunch of worms.

I wanted to encourage ISA members to report back on what they learned about this if anyone attended.

I also wanted to highlight the Rock River Clean-up is July 31st. I wish this date was in the spring…it’s so much cooler weather to work in.

I agree that their efforts are too little too late...that's often the case.

Ok guys, you've got me motivated...anyone want to join me?

Lets produce a video to demonstrate how to un-hook 'em.

Are ya with me?

I'm sure youtube has some but we want our own!

Fishing shows are great, but the average fishman isn't a pro. They don't encounter the difficulties an average angler encounters when unhooking a fish.

First, we would have to film the proper "procedures" in the field. Once we get a collection of them, we can edit and put together a series of "case studies".

Remember the barbless hook debate...in this video we can also include how to pinch down the barb. Some people don't know what that means. Others also think that it risks losing the fish.

We can give the data if we wanted to collect that as well. #of fish caught and released versus number of fish that got away using barbless hooks. This isn't necessary but just a thought.

If you are motivated, get out there and start video taping. Kids are great for this too....they seem to hook fish in the nastiest ways. Just one thing...if you fish solo this wouldn't work...you need a film guy to be on hand.

Collect what you can and at the end of the fishing season lets see if we can put this project together!

This doesn't have to be a long video, however, there are a lot of different ways I've seen fish hooked!

Here's what Sunchips claims; We dream of a world with less waste. That's why we've introduced a bag made from plants so it's fully compostable. Every 10 ½ oz. SunChips® package is designed to fully break down in just 14 weeks when placed in a hot, active compost bin or pile. If it takes a little longer, don't worry about it. Mother nature will get to it soon enough.

I don't think it's our job to find the container...it's out there already. Our priority is to do what we can to get people to use them. Obviously the cost increase would fall on the shoulders of the consumer.

I think if you were to work on legislation, it should be stated with parameters such that the container should be 100% capable of decomposing within a certain amount of time within regular environmental conditions.

Cornstarch is probably the best...because it is soluble in water it should degrade quite fast! Or the legislation can be more specific..."only cornstarch containers may be used for this industry".

Either way... the goal is 100% biodegradeable. And of course if people don't want to pay for the increase in cost...they can bring their own container to transfer them.

May 8th, 2010 is the next clean up scheduled for the Fox River at the Montgomery Dam. This area is in really bad shape!

It would be great to see ISA volunteers out there!

Fish are fragile creatures. Many fisherman unfortunately do not know how to handle a caught fish. I have observed many smallies die at the hands of an unskilled fisherman. 2 cases were very recent which motivated me to post this. At the very least, many fisherman take too long even if it's a clean release. They don't think to place the fish in the water for a few moments to give the fish some fresh oxygen if the release procedure is taking too long; I witnessed this occurance today. The fish was caught with a rattle trap but the fisherman took a long time unhooking the fish. I spoke to him and gave him the tip on pinching down the barbs of his hooks. He felt bad about his release and seemed responsive to the tip.

Some fisherman don't think to cut their hooks with bolt cutters if the fish is hooked in multiple locations on the fish's body, such as the case with treble hooks. I need to get a new pair now that I think of it.

I think it would be great to produce a video that can be presented on how to handle fish that are hooked in various ways. Even gut hooked fish can be saved or at least have a chance. Pulling the hook forward and cutting the hook removes the hook. The fish may have a damaged esophagus but it has a better chance than with a hook impailed in its throat.

It can be a great educational tool at the ISA booths. It can also show how to handle certain un-hooking tools. Many people buy them but don't know how to use them.

Just an idea.

I think contacting our local legislatures is also a good idea.

For my district I contact Darlene Senger...if you aren't sure who is in your district here is how to find out:

http://chicago.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=chicago&cdn=citiestowns&tm=29&gps=546_281_1020_516&f=00&tt=12&bt=1&bts=1&st=24&zu=http%3A//www.elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/SelectSearchType.aspx%3FNavLink%3D1

Spread the information to everyone you know. This can be done! It takes a lot of hoopla to do it but it can be done...remember....awareness, education and support is how to make the change happen.

I have had conversations with Darlene Senger's office regarding the Fox River and other issues. I've been pleased with the correspondence.

I like Jude's motivation on this...the whole enchillada!!!!

Well....I wanted to go to the fly tying event today but my daughter had a different plan. She's 1, and decided to get up at 5 a.m.....much earlier than I planned. After helping this clean-up I was too exhausted to get to countryside. The Fox Metro Water Reclamation District, City of Aurora, and Kiwanis Club of Aurora, and Friends of the Fox River had the clean up event today from 8-12 for areas of Indian Creek. This area was in BAD shape! I looked for ISA members but it looks like I was solo on this one. It was a great day and a great event. They had breakfast, lunch and transportation. Unfortunately, the sponsors were counting on about 120 more people who didn't show up. I kept wondering why I was the only one in area 4...later they explained that 75 people were supposed to be in that area. My find for the day was a couch...we pulled it out of the water to dry...maybe we'll get it out next time. I also placed some cinder blocks that were on shore into areas that can use some stabilization. It can still use more work but I got to observe a great spawning area for smallies. I also got a chance to talk with one of the leaders of the Kiwanis Club. They are interested in any clean-ups that we sponsor, so that's good.

The mayor of Aurora was also in attendance. He pointed out a large industrial area that is planned to be a public park along the river. He also talked about an area the city cleaned up that was loaded with illegally dumped tires. He thanked everyone for attending and complimented the kids on the great job they did today.

Felt good to get out there. I hope to do more before the weather gets warm and the foilage builds up...I like working in the cooler weather with less bugs.

Don....you had a great idea in posting trash we "catch"....stay tuned......

I also feel good about the clean ups because I sometimes believe in Karma...good deeds happen to those who pay it forward. I got two smallies yesterday on the DuPe on a hair jig I tied....thanks again bassbuggers! Wish I was there today...I'll see you soon.

I don't know how costly it is but I talked to someone today about packing from "Sunchips". He said they have developed a bag that degrades in 14 weeks.

Like Scott said, it really depends on the cost of the container and how easy it is to produce.

I'm sure there are packaging facilities that can produce the container....it's getting companies to use them.

Bringing the containers in to a bait shop is a good idea to get a discount. It would be nice if they honored containers from any store or shop, which would solve the big box store problem.

Statewide, if all packaging for these things were biodegradeable, that would solve the problem in the whole state for every body of water. Next, it would be great to have biodegradeable fishing line, but I have a feeling some fish might get away

Jim J....I saw that Seinfeld episode...hilarious!

Don's idea is also a good one. There are a lot of great plans here!

Awareness is good idea, but education is the point of changing people on how they do something.

I may be biased but I like my bait canteen idea. People who forget their minnow bucket at home need minnows...what do they do? ....They buy a styrofoam minnow bucket when they are purchasing minnows at the bait shop.

ISA can develop their own logo, produce our worm canteens in various sizes and distribute them for purchase at the baitshops. Get the baitshops to agree to the no container policy and share the profits of the bait canteen! Cha-ching...they both win. The customer would then be responsible for remembering to bring in their canteen...hence...your making people become more responsible.

I think the easiest would be to print a coupon and put in the container. The containers are printed by the distributer. The catch would have to be that the coupon is only redeemable with the container....or any container...within one body of water there are only so many bait shops. If ISA were to get involved with this process, ISA would have to print the coupon, and the baitshop would have to agree to accept the coupon. If not...ISA can reimburse the baitshop for the coupons if they were sent but that complicates things more than it needs to be. I think the best idea is to not sell the worms with the container in the first place...again this would have to be the baitshops policy. The customer would come in, buy the worms and then transfer them into their own tuperware container. Remember those "worm canteens" made of partical board...those are great! People use minnow buckets, why not "worm canteens". I wonder if ISA can sell bait canteens through the baitshop? Hmmm. Get the baitshop to agree to a no container policy and try to increase his profits through the sale of bait canteens! There's the incentive!