Seacidal
03-08-2009, 05:32 PM
There has been a lot of talk lately about participating in public comment opportunities of the MPA process. I encourage you to attend as many meetings as possible and to not hesitate to submit "speaker cards" and speak at the meetings.
I also strongly recommend that you write down your comments and views on the MPA process and issues, and submit it to the DFG. You can send them by email to:MLPAComments@resources.ca.gov Something you should be aware of: "public comments" are important at every stage of this process. But, not all public comments are treated equally.
Formal state processes have requirements for summarizing and addressing public comments received. However, this MPA process does not have these requirements. Yet.
Submitted public comments are always taken into consideration, but until the Fish & Game Commission considers the MPA proposals during their official process of establishing regulations, the public comments will be given more cursory review.
When the Fish & Game Commission gets to the actual regulatory process, that is when public comments will be accepted and given formal review and responses will be provided. Public comments will be even more important at that time.
That doesn't mean that your comments shouldn't be submitted now. They should be submitted, by as many individuals and groups as possible. Out of consideration for others in our stakeholder group, I ask that you please make an effort to voice your concerns in a respectful manner.
Trying to insult or intimidate the DFG, Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) members, Science Advisory Team (SAT) members, Regional Stakeholder Group (RSG) Representatives or other participants in the MPA process will only serve to reflect poorly upon all of us.
If we want be respected as participants in this process and have our views receive the consideration they deserve, we should strive to avoid trying to drag this into the mud. Our positions on the issues can be communicated with strength and conviction, and they should be! Just please try to remain civil.
There is still a long way to go and a lot of work to be done. Ongoing and tireless effort is needed from everyone who can help out.
Please, if you are interested, let people know. If anyone wishes to discuss coordinating efforts for greater effectiveness, please don't hesitate.
Thanks,
Chip
I also strongly recommend that you write down your comments and views on the MPA process and issues, and submit it to the DFG. You can send them by email to:MLPAComments@resources.ca.gov Something you should be aware of: "public comments" are important at every stage of this process. But, not all public comments are treated equally.
Formal state processes have requirements for summarizing and addressing public comments received. However, this MPA process does not have these requirements. Yet.
Submitted public comments are always taken into consideration, but until the Fish & Game Commission considers the MPA proposals during their official process of establishing regulations, the public comments will be given more cursory review.
When the Fish & Game Commission gets to the actual regulatory process, that is when public comments will be accepted and given formal review and responses will be provided. Public comments will be even more important at that time.
That doesn't mean that your comments shouldn't be submitted now. They should be submitted, by as many individuals and groups as possible. Out of consideration for others in our stakeholder group, I ask that you please make an effort to voice your concerns in a respectful manner.
Trying to insult or intimidate the DFG, Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) members, Science Advisory Team (SAT) members, Regional Stakeholder Group (RSG) Representatives or other participants in the MPA process will only serve to reflect poorly upon all of us.
If we want be respected as participants in this process and have our views receive the consideration they deserve, we should strive to avoid trying to drag this into the mud. Our positions on the issues can be communicated with strength and conviction, and they should be! Just please try to remain civil.
There is still a long way to go and a lot of work to be done. Ongoing and tireless effort is needed from everyone who can help out.
Please, if you are interested, let people know. If anyone wishes to discuss coordinating efforts for greater effectiveness, please don't hesitate.
Thanks,
Chip