Recent debates over whether Washington Trout is a friend or foe to fishermen prompted me to post this quote:


Environmental Groups: Friend or Foe - Sometimes it's hard to tell.
From the Fall 2001 MAKIN' WAVES Newsletter


In recent months environmental groups that once courted recreational fishermen calling us allies in conservation have struck out on courses of action that have left most anglers a bit bewildered and feeling disenfranchised. It seems that some eco-groups want our support and the benefit of our growing political influence for their pet issues, but when it comes to exercising a reasonable approach on issues affecting recreational fishing, they aren’t interested in our input or our concerns. Three current issues come to mind, one on a state level, another on a more regional scale and the last national in scope. What all three have in common is a lack of consideration for recreational fishing members and associated organizations that were considered an important part of the coalitions these groups forged. It appears that once some eco-groups get the bit in their teeth they have no problem leaving recreational fishermen standing in the wings, or even worse, out in the cold.