Conservation. Their Future in Your Hands |
Try to imagine for a moment however, the world without trees, flowers or birds. How would you describe that kind of world to someone who had never seen it? Now try to envisage a large lake without aquatic life or a stream without fish. Difficult isn't it? Well that could be the future for your children and great grandchildren if WE don't cleanup our act right now.
Simply put, when you are outdoors pick up your trash and take it home or use the garbage containers provided. Sad to say that on the island this problem is getting steadily worse. As an example I would like to bring your attention to Twin Lakes in Wantagh and McDonalds Pond in Rockville Centre. These are pristine fishing locations for bass, carp, pickerel, bluegill crappie and more. Yet the individuals who use these areas leave miles of fishing line, and literally tons of garbage, including empty bait containers, cigarette packets and butts, beer or soda bottles and cans. In addition, broken lures and floats lay strewn over the pathways. Where did we go wrong that we allow this kind of practice to go unchecked?
Each time I fish at Twin Ponds, I take a garbage bag and fill it to the top with discarded items. The conservation police park authorities and the DEC representatives must begin to check these areas on a regular basis, find the individuals concerned and fine them, confiscate their tackle and equipment and have their fishing licenses revoked. For those that have no license, the penalty, (including fines) should also involve community service to clean up the areas they fished illegally.
If you feel as strongly about this as I do, contact your local DEC office or your local government representative and tell them you want some action to protect the fishing and hunting rights for the good people of Long Island. You are paying their salaries, you are paying for licenses, and in return you're getting a lower standard of fishing and hunting locations.
Additionally, you are exposing your child or grandchild to injury because of someone else's inability to appreciate their God given surroundings. Teach your children now, or there will be nothing for them to show their children, except pictures!
Next issue will be all about crankbaits and the various ways they can be used to catch bass, walleye and all members of the pike family here on Long Island.