Well, it's been quite some time since I posted to this blog, and have not thus far responded to Channelcat's postings on this account. For those of you just now perusing this site, I suggest that you read all previous posts and responses prior to reading this post. What's gone to the environmentalists via government dollars can never be regained. It's a shame, and Channelcat, You're correct, there's nothing anybody can do and we must step aside.

Meantime, I do feel strongly that the past situation when Sycamore Island was privately owned be clarified so the "waters aren't muddied" by non-factual statements. Regarding the Florida Bass planting into the private ponds, that was not 20 years ago, but 10 to 15 years ago. And it was hundreds of these Florida Bass. The statement was also made that the Florida Bass weren't planted in the river - that is correct, as it is illegal to plant foreign fish into the river. Although, when the flood came and broke the levees, it's pretty safe to assume that some of these Florida Bass were introduced into the river.

The reference of "taking of fish" while under private ownership and management may lead one to believe that there were no control issues in place during this time - in defense of the previous management, each and every person who entered the property was encouraged to catch and release. During the breeding season, a sign was posted in total visibility of every person signing into the property forbidding them to take any female bass in spawn. Further, the management was aggressive in taking photos of fish and giving those photos to the fishermen at no charge, with total encouragement to return the fish to the water and utilize the photo as their trophy. Further still, the management was in contact with a taxidermist who cast lifelike mounts from photos and weight information provided - allowing the mounts to be produced while the actual fish was reintroduced to his/her natural habitat to continue to spawn and grow. A sample of the mount was displayed prominently and management referred any and all fishermen who wished to mount his catch to the taxidermist.

Management spent a minimum of 2 full days a week, every week, cleaning debris from the entire property, inspecting all the area for fallen trees, hazards, trespassers, squatters, etc. The land was kept clean, safe, and pristine as possible for a natural setting.

Consistent monitoring of roadways and recreation areas was in place.

Things have changed under the new regime. The culvert was dug up and replaced with a smaller culvert, creating a deemed hazard for crossing the roadway over the channel, prohibiting any vehicular traffic to the island area. Hence any handicapped persons are confined to only fishing the areas where there is no shade. Further, stopping the flow to the north channel which was once teeming with channel cats, blue gill and young bass.

The new regime has not put any efforts into effect to regulate the taking of fish. Just last week, it was understood from a very reliable source that the new regime had made statement that their actual wish was for the bass to be fully fished out of the ponds - plans were to replant with trout and salmon!!! Again, this is heresay to my ears, as it came second hand, but I must take stock in the statement, as again it came from a reliable source. It is understood, though, that the new regime was advised that there are no trout or salmon in this area as they will not survive in this warm water. Hopefully, they will change their tactics before it's too late!

Yup, Channelcat, you want to lock the gates and throw away the key! Looks as if you may eventually get your wish! The new regime this year eliminated one half day of fishing access and shortened the weekend hours by yet another hour in the early evening. Ahhh, it's just the tip of the iceberg.