Brandon

[Fishamajig]

Why the rush to "address" the issue and the process whereby you have proposals released on Friday for a Monday meeting at a time when few can attend?

This is bad politics at its best!

FYI: The recreational license revenue at the Potomac River Fisheries Commission will soon exceed that of commercial license sales. In theory this would give the rec's more clout. Yet at every PRFC quarterly meeting there is hardly ever a recreational fisherman in the room let alone giving any testimony. Do you think that the issue of C & R will come before the PRFC and they may not do the same thing?

[B-Faithful]

The process for the striped bass recreational catch and release regulatory changes is:

Nov. 16 – Scoping Meeting
Nov. 16-23 – Regulatory ideas will be placed on the fisheries draft page - http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisherie...gulations.html - and the public may provide feedback through the electronic feedback on the website or by faxing (410-260-8310) or mailing us comments (comments must be received by COB Nov. 23)
Nov. 24 – Final proposal will be submitted to AELR (legislative committee) by COB; DNR will post up what we submitted on our proposed regulations webpage - http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisherie...egulations.asp
Dec. 11 – proposed regulations go to the Division of State Documents to be published in the Maryland Register
Jan. 4 – proposed regulations appear in Maryland Register and public comment period begins (comments can be made by email – fisheriespubliccomment@dnr.state.md.us; by fax – 410-260-8310; or by mail)
Feb. 3 – public comment period ends
Feb. 17 – DNR can adopt proposed regulations
Feb. 26 – final decision appears in Maryland Register
March 8 – proposed regulations become effective