WSA has been on cruise control during the Covid shutdowns but we’ve all still been quite active. Here’s some of the activities/efforts during the last 2 years contributed by our members.
Contributed $1500 and advocated for the recently completed two accessible canoe/kayak launches on Couderay River, Ojibway, FHNB, Musky’s, Inc, DNR, and communities at launch sites all participated.
Numerous correspondence and a couple of Zoom meetings with DNR on potential SMB population decline in Door County waters. Also, correspondence to Door County/Sturgeon Bay officials advocating on water weigh tournaments and especially before July 1.
Advocating for on water weigh in or measure photo release tournaments universally.
Continued efforts/correspondence toward ending the Back 40 mine on Menomonie River.
Attempts to raise awareness to excess harvesting of SMB during fall pooling on St. Croix River.
Unsuccessful, for now, to promote 18″ limit for SMB on Namekagon R. within Wild Rivers National Park
Work with SWTU and DNR to advocate a change in farming practices to minimize negative effects created by certain farming methods in SW streams. Attended a framer led group, along with River Alliance and others in on the water session to show best practices . This all came about from discovery of two previous good SMB and trout streams that are now void of the species. Much of this effort is on DNR fishing easement properties. Jim Hess is most involved with this.
Recognize continued efforts by Gene Kroupa to make national fishing organizations/tournaments aware of the serious harm created by improper handling of fish.
Updated and modernized website with mission/vision statements and relevant information–thanks to Audra Koscik, Ken Koscik and Gerry Zingg for multiple changes and streamlining.
Gave info and ideas to help set up an Iowa SMB alliance upon request by avid fishers there. Similar to the process set up info for the very successful Mille Lacs Smallmouth Alliance.
Distributed WSA’s “Free the Fighter” signs throughout the state at landings and critical access points for SMB waters.
Your dues, donations, and support of our fundraising events help support worthwhile projects like those listed above. Also, your support assists the following organizations and events along with speaker fees when needed at our meetings.
*Wisconsin’s Greenfire
*The River Alliance
*Sauk County Youth Conservation Activities
*FLOW’s Kids Don’t Float Program
*Upper Sugar River Watershed Association
*Lower Sugar River Watershed Association
*Fishing Has No Boundaries
*Dane County Parks – Jenni and Kyle Fishing Event
*Yahara Fishing Club – summer and winter kid’s fishing programs