Wild, out of control party in Eureka!

[DaveW]

Hah, I wish.

February 8 & 9 will be the first meeting of the North Coast Regional Stakeholder Group (NCRSG) in Eureka. For you NorCals this will be your first opportunity to to let the folks drawing the lines on the maps know what you want. There will be opportunity for public speaking.

If most of the NCRSGs are like me, they will have "deer in the headlights" looks and be gulping a lot....they'll be easy to spot. I'll be the guy hiding under the table.

Thanks,
Dave

Here's the agenda:

California Marine Life Protection Act Initiative
North Coast Regional Stakeholder Group
Draft Meeting Agenda
(revised January 28, 2010)

Monday, February 8, 2010 at 9:30 AM

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 8:30 AM

Red Lion Hotel Eureka 1929 Fourth Street Eureka, CA 95501

Meeting Agenda - Monday, February 8, 2010

Note: The NCRSG will break for lunch at approximately 11:45 a.m. and public comment will be taken at approximately 12:45 p.m.

I. Introduction to the MLPA North Coast Project
II. NCRSG Ground Rules
III. Stakeholder Assessment
IV. Planning Tools
V. Stakeholder Interests and Areas of Expertise

Meeting Agenda - Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Note: The NCRSG will break for lunch at approximately 12:00 p.m. and public comment will be taken at approximately 1:00 p.m.
VI. Ground Rules (cont.)
Potential Action: Adopt NCRSG ground rules
VII. Updates
VIII. Guidance for Developing MPA Proposals
IX. Geographic Areas of Importance
X. Next Steps and Preparation for Second NCRSG Meeting (March 24-25, 2010)

[edsofish]

Hello Dave, Your life is about to take a change that will demand your attention. There will be many sleepless nights and hair pulling but hang in there and try to maintain an objective outlook while looking at the whole picture. Try not to focus on small details and realize there is a potential for some beneficial outcomes.

I know there has been a great deal of energy and time devoted, thus far, in creating arrays that reflect the interests of the communities. This is very important because it reveals those who have a genuine interest in the well being of our resources and how these same resources are an integral part of our lives and livelihoods. I just hope everyone realizes this is just the beginning of an iterative process and arrays being submitted at this time are not necessarily a final solution. In fact, there will be many changes to come and certainly there will be those whose interests will be shifting from one "side" to the other as arrays are developed and fit better for each interest.

Hopefully, everyone can look beyond their personal interests and create a solution that has the resources as the priority and those who depend upon them, not only on a local level but on a statewide level. We did this in the 2/XA proposal but were held to politics in the end. Ben Sleeter, through his tireless efforts, deserves a medal for his devotion, knowledge, and contribution to the people of California while a member of the NCCSR RSG.

Please understand that your most significant influence will be at the RSG level. Here is where your voice is going to make the biggest difference. Try to see the "other sides" viewpoint. In some instances it will be obviously clear there are those with big names who have little to offer of any consequence, yet there will be those who have a genuine interest and warrant open dialogue and understanding. One such individual in the NCCSR was Irene Kogan. She was knowledgeable, open and honest and a pleasure to work with. Look for those persons and begin dialogue.

I hope the native American tribes traditional use of the resources are recognized, finally, and an equitable solution is developed and is reflected retroactively in the previous study regions. We RSG asked for an exemption in the NCCSR but were denied, however, there has been a great deal of effort put forward in the NCSR lately and I believe this issue needs to be addressed. Perhaps a new designation to the SMCA is in order with accompanying changes to the Levels of Protection from the SAT. I would submit the inclusion of what I would title the State Marine Heritage Area (SMHA) in which native Americans would be able to perform their tribal customs without disruptive restrictions that would alter or destroy the very traditions they are trying to preserve.

[EdO]

Good to read that you still have a positive attitude about the MLPA Ed, especially after all that you have been through.....I personally would find it very difficult to encourage someone to participate in this corrupt process.....In every region we fishermen have been mislead and I see no difference for the North Coast......

[Bullwinkle]

Good to read that you still have a positive attitude about the MLPA Ed, especially all that you have been through.....I personally would find it very difficult to encourage someone to participate in this corrupt process.....In every region we fishermen have been mislead and I see no difference for the North Coast......

Ditto what Ed said,it's been a nightmare of a mess all along....as far as the Native Americans,I don't believe in taking away their traditions,BUT,as we and them,are AMERICANS,maybe a little easing up on the take would not be a bad thing.Change has to take place to make this salmon thing tick!Good luck on your journey in Eureka.

[SBD]

Speaking of wild and out of control party, here is an rsg meeting survival tip I discovered while sitting thru hours of bs at the San Rafael RSG/BRFT meeting...a gin an tonic looks EXACTLY like a glass of water. Good luck.

[Bullwinkle]

Speaking of wild and out of control party, here is an rsg meeting survival tip I discovered while sitting thru hours of bs at the San Rafael RSG/BRFT meeting...a gin an tonic looks EXACTLY like a glass of water. Good luck.

Sounds like a man with experience,you're hired Sean!!!!!!

[DaveW]

Thanks Ed for those insights. They will be truly helpful. Thanks Sean for your insight, that may be even more helpful!

I hope folks don't mind that I approach this with a bit of humor. Otherwise, I'll go crazy and streak an RSG meeting or something. Brrr...

[arch]

HUMOR IS GOOD.......You can ask anyone who attended any or all of the NCCSR, I always opened my presentations with some sort of a one liner. It relaxed me a little and if I made some one laugh...they would probally listen to my complete presentation waiting for the next one liner...which often was my closure. Good Luck Dave a]nd keep smiling and laughing about the complete process...You might be the one who makes a differance for all of us.

[JWR]

I usually opened with 'I'm an environmentalist, and a consumptive user.' Or interjected comments like; 'yes we kill some fish but we're not buffalo hunters, we're the best stewards of the resource because we want to sustain it'. The reason being is that the most believable (influential) statement you can make is the one that immediately follows a 'weakness'. For Example Avis; 'We're number 2, but we try harder'; Loreal's (Ben's brand of hair color); "We're expensive, but we're worth it."

That is just tactical advice. The fact that you're engaged in the process has already improved the outcome. It would be worse if you weren't involved.

Feel free to lean on the team for sanity and venting purposes.

[polepole]

So shouldn't you then say, "I'm a consumptive user, and I'm an environmentalist"?

-Allen

[JWR]

Depends on who you're talking to... Actually the I'm an enviro was usually my intro. The juxtaposition was saved for when I was trying to make my point.

[DaveW]

Allen's taking me on an all expense paid Alaska yak fishing trip after this, just like on his avatar. That's what you said, right Allen........right?

[polepole]

Allen's taking me on an all expense paid Alaska yak fishing trip after this, just like on his avatar. That's what you said, right Allen........right?

Dave, I got enough frequent flyer miles to send you up there on a whim. Just say the word ...

-Allen

[SBD]

That might make it worth it.

[DaveW]

Dave, I got enough frequent flyer miles to send you up there on a whim. Just say the word ...

-Allen

I was just pulling your leg, my friend. I'd like to catch one of those salmon sharks though....sometime.

Dave

[edsofish]

Hello Dave, I am sure you are aware of the controversy in your study region about not having antiquate representation for the Fort Bragg area including Elk. I realize you have joined the RSG in order to represent diving interests primarily but I would like to express the importance of your position with regards to other interests, such as commercial fishing, tribal heritage, recreational fishing, special closures, etc.

While members of the RSG for the NCCSR, we often found ourselves representing constituencies outside of our particular interests, out of necessity. In fact, it was paramount to understand all interests in order to develop the most substantial, effective and viable array in order to carry forward our position and make it very clear to the BRTF, why we developed our array as we did.

Without a complete understanding of all elements involved in the consumptive and non consumptive uses of the resources in California, one will find themselves " looking on" instead of being involved in meaningful participation. In other words you need to know what you are doing and be able to prove your statements. A person able to do such a task has taken the time to research all elements and arguments and find the facts and be able to present them without doubt or hesitation.

Those of us who developed 2/XA were always in discussion with each other and had many meetings and phone calls discussing new information while doing our utmost best to make an array that worked for everyone. As I mentioned earlier, there is a steep learning curve. I hope there are others among the current RSG with whom you are able to develop the core group and develop an array that will represent, not only your interests effectively, but the interests of all consumptive users and have the least amount of social, tribal, and economic impact.

In essence, what I am saying is, the interests of everyone in the communities you are involved with will be best served if you take on the responsibility of representing those who feel left out. Please make yourself available to those who might approach you, and learn as much as possible from them about their interests, and take that knowledge, and share and apply it to your core group while developing your array. This will be no easy task.

Also, do not take public comment lightly. Public comment is one of the most important elements of this process. Here is where you will hear first hand the interests of the local communities and find out a lot of information that will be useful in your array development. During your discussions within the RSG and presentations to the BRTF it is advisable to acknowledge what you have learned from public comment and how you applied this knowledge to your array.

Going over the current RSG rooster, I can see there is reason to feel, as some do, about the representation. This makes your job all the more difficult. The upcoming February RSG meeting will be overwhelming, I assure you. I would suggest you take time to learn as much as possible about each member and find members who have similar or associated interests and are candidates for your core group. You may actually join a core group rather than create one. By a core group I am not talking about break out groups such as the "gems" I am talking about a group dedicated to development of meaningful arrays without a lot of "fluff MPA's".

I know this sounds like a lot right now but be patient and we here in this group can assist you as needed.

[polepole]

Hello Dave, I am sure you are aware of the controversy in your study region about not having antiquate representation for the Fort Bragg area including Elk. I realize you have joined the RSG in order to represent diving interests primarily but I would like to express the importance of your position with regards to other interests, such as commercial fishing, tribal heritage, recreational fishing, special closures, etc.

Ed,

Just an FYI, Dave is not primarily representing diving interests. He is representing the City of Fort Bragg, NCKA (Kayak Anglers), and the Mendo Chapter of Surfrider. Dave has participated tirelessly in the local Mendocino Ocean Community Alliance putting together the community based external array. You make a great point in understanding the importance of his (our?) position with regards to other interests.

Dave put it nicely when I was discussing stuff some weeks back. In Fort Bragg, you have to have a respect for the other peoples positions. You see these people everyday at the stop light, at the grocery store, and at the beach. You have to live with them day in and day out in a small community.

-Allen

[edsofish]

Thanks for the information Allen. I was not aware of his involvement and will take this into consideration in future posts.

The reason for this particular post was to encourage others who fell representation for the Fort Bragg area is inadequate. Looking at the roster I can see why. We in the past study regions felt overwhelmed as well. So if it is not possible to add additional representation in a timely manner, perhaps having members of the current RSG fully informed and of like mind represent those who are not well represented. That is the purpose of this post.

Thanks for the heads up on Mr. Wright. Sean has also spoken highly of his character and knowledge.

[polepole]

The reason for this particular post was to encourage others who fell representation for the Fort Bragg area is inadequate. Looking at the roster I can see why. We in the past study regions felt overwhelmed as well. So if it is not possible to add additional representation in a timely manner, perhaps having members of the current RSG fully informed and of like mind represent those who are not well represented. That is the purpose of this post.

And a good point at that!!!

Anyone else going to the RSG meeting next Mon/Tues? Dave, I'm planning on being there to support you.

-Allen

[SBD]

Remember...

[polepole]

Remember...

I will remember ... oh wise one.

-Allen

[Sleeter]

This was my choice. Once you finish the bottle you have something to throw at any one of the complete assholes involved with this process.

[DaveW]

Ed, I agree with every one of your points. I am particularly concerned with the lack of representation on the RSG from folks who are actual commercial fishers, meaning folks that actually drive boats and catch stuff for a living. This is not just in the mendo area. By my count, only the rep from shelter cove is an actual fisherman. The other sea food providers (and harbor managers), while they may represent fishing interests, they are not the guys on the water. When developing plans for MPAs, I want to talk with the guy directly about the location as it impacts his fishery. I don't want to rely solely on eco-trust data, or word of mouth from the fish processor.

My personal style is I'd rather have folks underestimate me, than come off as an empty blow hard. However, Ed, I really value your's (and everyone's on this board's) opinion of me. I don't want you guys to think I'm a lightweight. So in that interest I'd like to lay out my qualifications. Here's my list of endorsers for appointment to the NCRSG: 1) The City of Fort Bragg, 2) College of the Redwoods 3) Norcal Kayak Anglers 4) Northwest Kayak Anglers, 5) California Kayak Fishing Association, Noyo Watershed Alliance, Mendocino Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, and the Golden State Conservancy. There's also an endorsement from a national recreational fishing association that I can't remember the name of right now, but Allen will know and correct me.

What I've done so far: Working with Jim Martin, Dr. Jeanine Pfieffer, Allen Sansano, the Mayor of the City, and the City Manager, we started a group called the Mendocino Community Ocean Alliance (MOCA) of which I am the official spokesperson to the MLPA. MOCA is comprised on over 100 local folks interested in completing an "external array" In the course of the last three months we've have designed and submitted (on time) nearly the most friendly design to seafood providers of all the proposals - and it meets all the science guidelines. The CFC proposal is arguably more supportative of sea food providers. We worked extensively with Joe Exline on this array. And tonight I did a radio show with Jim Martin on the MLPA on KZYX. I have done all of this without compensation, and my wife is about to leave me. I'm not able to utter the "m" word in the house.

In my professional life I am a working fish biologist managing a coho and steelhead monitoring and enhancement plan. I've worked in the past on marine fish issues as well. My team for this project is Allan Sansano and Dr John Keane. The three of us are fanatical kayak fishers and are firmly in the camp of recreational fishers and seafood providers. I've known Sean White for 3-4 years and consulted with him directly about my nomination for the NCRSG.

I'm sorry to be so boring, but as I said, your opinion is important to me.

Now, where's that Jack that Ben recommended? Are any of you marriage counselors or psychiatrists by any chance? I'm living and breathing this stuff. Jim said to me the other day "Dude, I realized I no longer have a life." Yeah, I know.

[DaveW]

And a good point at that!!!

Anyone else going to the RSG meeting next Mon/Tues? Dave, I'm planning on being there to support you.

-Allen

Thanks Allen. I can't do this without your help.

[SBD]

Dave:

My boat will be on the coast all summer. We'll go kill stuff and you'll feel better.

[DaveW]

Dave:

My boat will be on the coast all summer. We'll go kill stuff and you'll feel better.

I'm definitely looking forward to that!

[edsofish]

Dave, You are certainly the right man for the job.

I see now, you are already quite involved and I apologize if I have offended your efforts in any way. Perhaps I am just trying to cover the bases of my own shortcomings during my involvement in the NCCRSG. It seems I have learned more about what went on AFTER the process than while I was intimately involved in its proceedings.

I understand what you are saying about talking to the "guys on the water" and that is exactly what I am referring to in my comments above. If there are those who feel "left out" by all means get together with them and keep them close and represent them. I am sure that is exactly what you have been doing and I will not beat this drum any longer.

I look forward to meeting you or joining in on a discussion at some point, but until then my door is always open. Please feel free to call me. Sean or Ben have my number.

All the Best and thank you for all your efforts and time.

P.S. I know what you are going through in your home life. We all were stressed and often brought it home with us making a pure Hell for those around us. My wife was extremely understanding but as time wore on the stresses built up and tensions were very high at times. It is hard to leave the "m" at the door when you are on the phone and on the computer for hours on end right in front of your wife. You feel torn between the importance of what you believe in and your responsibility to your family. I would go to bed thinking about what needed to be done and wake up often only to be consumed with more thoughts of presentations, letters to be written, people to talk to, or for several days after an RSG meeting, reviewing all the comments and discussion that took place. In hindsight I probably could not change my attitude but I think I would maintain an objective outlook if I were to do this again.

One thing I did to ease the tensions in the home was to get my family involved in little ways so they could understand what I was going through and why I needed their support. If I needed a word or a phrase checked out or some suggestions about making my point clear, my family was there to help. By doing this, tensions were eased, momentarily.

I can see by your involvement and dedication you are taking this very seriously and I respect you for taking this on.

The road ahead is long but at the same time it is not long enough.

[DaveW]

Not offended in any way. BTW: The MOCA group will continue meeting throughout this process and I will be reporting regularly to them during their public meetings. i will also, of course, solicit opinion from these folks. All are welcome to attend. Heres what's going on this week in Fort Bragg:

MOCA Members & The Press -


We're finally having those Science Talks I've been promising (Hooray!!), and lucky us - two in one week, so if you can't make the one Tuesday night (sorry, recently appointed RSG members, or anyone attending the Fish & Game Commission meeting), we've got another one on Friday night. Of course, we encourage you to come to both!


Here are the details:


Tuesday, February 9th - Marine Ecosystems
Presentation by Dr. Karina Nielsen, Sonoma State University
7:00 - 8:30 pm at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Corner of Fir & Franklin


Friday, February 12th - Marine Reserves
Presentation by Dr. Michele Buckhorn, UC Davis
6:00 - 8:00 pm at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Corner of Fir & Franklin


Please note that the Tuesday night talk on Marine Ecosystems (flyer attached) is being presented by the California Ocean Science Trust and COMPASS (Communication Partnership for Science and the Sea; www.compassonline,org) and the Friday night talk on Marine Reserves is sponsored by MOCA.


And because the Friday night talk is sponsored by MOCA, I need volunteers to provide food (yo, seafood providers!) - please contact me ASAP to let me know what you'll be bringing. Coffee, tea, and pretzels - I've got that covered.


See you there!


Jeanine
a.k.a. Your Local Nerdy Scientist