Anglers Prepared to Converge on Annapolis Next Week
CCA MD to Sponsor Hospitality Tent

Annapolis, MD– Recreational fishermen are eager to attend a public hearing next week in opposition to the Department of Natural Resources’ proposal to expand commercial netting of yellow perch to the Choptank and Nanticoke Rivers. Anticipating a large turnout, CCA MD will sponsor a hospitality tent across the street from DNR headquarters prior to the 7pm meeting on Wednesday, January 25.

In an Action Alert issued today by CCA MD, its members and the public are encouraged to get their delegates and senators in the General Assembly to weigh in on the DNR’s proposal.

Robert Glenn, Executive Director of CCA MD, said, “It’s important to attend the DNR’s public hearing, but the last thing a DNR official wants is a phone call from a member of the General Assembly who has heard from unhappy constituents.”

CCA MD volunteers will be onsite at the hospitality tent pitched in the parking lot of the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium beginning at noon to welcome fishermen as they arrive in Annapolis for meetings with their elected representatives. Free shuttles from the parking lot to the downtown offices of lawmakers will be available. Refreshments and music will give anglers something to do before walking across the street to the pubic hearing at 7pm.

“Tell the boss you’re going fishing,” said Bill Curry, President of CCA MD. “Schedule an appointment with your lawmakers for the afternoon of the 25th, then enjoy some fun and food before the DNR’s public hearing.”

“The DNR is shortchanging the state with their 19th century management philosophy,” added Ken Lewis, chairman of CCA MD’s Government Affairs Committee. “This management philosophy has lead to the overexploitation of our fishery resources and deprived 700,000 recreational fishermen the enjoyment of and the State the economic benefits of a healthy resource.”

To read CCA MD’s latest Action Alert, visit their website at www.ccamd.org. The Action Alert contains advice and links to information including materials to help prepare and take to meetings, how to find out who your lawmakers are, and about parking and public transportation in Annapolis. For more information, contact CCA MD’s state office in Annapolis at (888) 758-6580 or info@ccamd.org.