2002 had brought us many issues to resolve many of which will always be of contention each and every year to come. Some of them are in our control or at least we think so. Where to fish , what to use , and how to use the resource we all love so dearly. As a federation and individuals we have a responsibility to our sport and the environment it takes place in. We will always be in someone's spotlight whether it is for the better or the worse light. Roger and I have been trying to keep us in the good light by watchdogging important issues around the state and gathering facts to counter the emotional actions that tend to follow the fears of those with the NIMBY focus. The handicapped access at Carbuncle Pond in Coventry seemed to bring the best and worst out of all involved. "It's going to destroy the Karma of an unspoiled scenery of the pond" said some ,others "it has no place in such a serene setting put it on Johnson's Pond where it fits better." Still others wished for more stuctures throughout the state to give them access to areas never before open to them because of their disabilities. Well all in all the ramp and its access is now open to the public and does add to the function of giving those who are mobily impaired a chance to enjoy one of Rhode Islands most pristine fishing areas. Had we not been aware of what was going on in that part of the state, would we have made a difference in the outcome?
     A year of terrorist threats to our nation put another group in fear of losing a resource in their backyard so much they asked the Director of D.E.M. to close off the access to the pond . This was done for more than just the fear of some terrorist group trying to contaminate a part of their drinking water source. By having the access closed they kept many a fisherman at bay wondering what's next. Federal funding was put at risk to the state, possible loss of nearly 3 million dollars was at stakefor Fish and Wildlife. Although it was reopened in late fall most of the summer was fishing in Stafford was lost for some.
By gathering facts on what has occurred at the Stafford Pond site and knowing the history of the water use and past pollution problems and solutions for future repair we again have access granted back to us. It is very odd that all the access or ramps in this state are virtually owned by you and me with Fish and Wildlife as the trusteeship to aid in maintaining and caring for our properties. I say it is a good thing because we cannot be everywhere at once. With our purchases of fishing and hunting licenses we buy each year a little of Rhode Island to call our own with the matching federal Sportfish Funding Management.This 'user pays' insures our need to be involved in the management of the resource and how it is to be used.
     Here in the state we now have some bass stocking taking place. Don't think for a minute that it is being done in a random manor, years ago we took part in a scale sample survey of growth rates and, yearclasses and sizes of bass in nearly every pond in Rhode Island. With the results from those studies a way to replenish bass poulations in depleted ponds is now taking place. Jim Johnson went to some of these stockings and would be one to tell us how it went. The future in bass here is beginning to look bright.
     Can't find how to get into a pond? Books are availlable from F&W to point you in the right direction with restrictions applying to each body of water. Once you get there check out the newer signage at the ramp. There should be a map of the lake or pond showing the average depth and such in the center of the board. Here is another example of RIBF's involvement in the resource. That sign was designed by fisherman for fisherman. Roger Pray and myself tried to have new signs for the ponds so to make it easier for accessing the water and knowing the restrictions on each right near the ramp.To tell you the truth it was from pressure from the Tiverton Conservation Commission that really got that ball rolling. Thanks Pat Sullivan for your help.
     In the year 2003 we will still find a lot of things to take care of or avoid but we can only do it with finding common goals with lake associations ,conservation commissions, towns, fisherman and the Fish and Wildlife Department of our state. But most of all to take care of our sport and resource .…..we need you!!!!!!!!!!!
     Take a Kid fishing and spread the sport.

~Bill Weikert, Conservation Director