President's Message

April 2008

Fellow Fisher folk,

Well it seems that we are over the winter hump and the snow is melting fast. We've got a lot of things going on in our organization so here are some tidbits of information for you.

The Wounded Warrior event continues to come together. The activity has grown to include an overnight stay, banquet, fishing, and barbeque. We will get an update from our committee on the latest developments. We need about 35 boats for this event so if you are interested please contact Gary Chamberlain at 252-0646 to sign up.

I would again like to 'Thank' all those members who participated in the Board of Fish this February. We had several new faces get involved and you all did an excellent job on behalf of your industry. I'd also like to 'Thank' KRSA for the use of their facilities and overall support.
We would also like to 'Thank' all our local businesses/ Associate members who support us through donations etc. throughout the year. I'd like to remind our fellow guides to support those who support us, as we gear up this spring. We are all in this business together and we really appreciate your support.

Congratulations to those who graduated from the February guide academy and 'Thanks' for all the donated help.

A friendly reminder to make your appointment at the River Center for parks registration. ASAP
We have speakers that have information regarding the latest guide programs, credit card programs that will be on the Agenda. So grab a new member and we look forward to seeing you at the Riverside Tuesday, April 8th at 7:00 pm.

Tight lines,
Mike Fenton

March 2008

Fellow Fisherman,

Hope all is well in your worlds! A lot has happened since our January meeting so here is the latest.
I'm sure you all heard that the 50 hp/ 4 stroke package was finally signed into law late January. The timing of this was fortunate for our industry as it derailed some momentum of our adversaries at the board of fish. We all owe Joe Conners a big "Thank You" for his relentless efforts on this issue.
The board of fish went well. It was a looong meeting filled with the usual highs and lows. I was very proud of you guys who took the time to participate. We had several new faces at the meeting and they all did a great job. We had dozens and dozens of anti-guide proposals to deal with and the board saw fit to not enact any of them. We did lose some ground on the overall management plan, but put up a good fight. We all owe KRSA a big "Thank You" for the use of their "war room", the fat-free donuts/ vitamin water and overall support. We'll do a post B.O.F. summary at the meeting.
Things are moving forward with the wounded warrior day on June 1st. This activity has grown to overnight stay, dinner, banquet, fishing, and a barbeque. Several groups are stepping up with donations/ manpower and we will get a report from our committee on the latest developments. We need about 35 boats for this event so if you're interested please contact Gary Chamberlain at 252-0646 to sign up.
I'm going to keep this message short and invite you all to the meeting Tuesday, March 11th at 7 pm at the Riverside.

See you there,
Mike

January 2008

Hello fellow fisherman,

I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays and it's hard to believe 2008 is here already. Well, lot's is going on so here's a quick overview.

We will be having a re-election of our Board of Directors at the January 8th meeting. It was confirmed by the Board that because of our increase is overall membership, that we did not have the necessary "quorum" to make the November elections legal. The original list of nominees for the 4 open seats is Ray Debardelaben, Rich Dykema, Scott Eggemeyer, Monte Roberts, Aaron Cooper, Ed O'Conner, and Jerry Strieby. Proxies are legal and must be sent/ received via mail up to the day of the meeting. Attendee's of the meeting may bring one proxy max and all proxies must be signed/ dated.

The Christmas party went extremely well. WE all owe a big Thank You to all those businesses who donated goods/ services and our committee members who did an exceptional job. The committee members are: Ed and Josselyn O'Conner, Aaron and Shawna Cooper, Everett and Kristy McCullough, Tami Murray, Steve Fickes, Jen Sipin, and Ty Dingler.

The limited entry conversations have taken an interesting turn of events. At the recent task force meeting, the Department of Law representatives voiced concerns over the original concept of limited entry. The taskforce recommended to explore how other states were dealing with this issue and in addition looked at the feasibility of creating a sport fish guide services board(similar to the big game commercial services board). This board would apparently meet the legal/ constitutional issues and be a first step towards developing a more formal limited entry program. The department recently posted a one page "updated project plan letter" that out lines the latest direction the task force is moving. I would highly recommend checking it out at:
http;//www.sf.adfa.state.ak.us/statewide/guides/gspecissues.cfn

We are gearing up for the Board of Fish and here is some of the latest info: The BOF will be allowing public testimony at 2 locations prior to the start of the meeting in Anchorage. In Soldotna at the Sports Center, starting Wednesday, January 30th at 3pm, and in Wasilla at the Lake Lucille Inn at 2pm. Three BOF members will be present at each location and I would guess the testimony to last 2 days. The main Anchorage meeting starts February 1st with staff reports and the public testimony will start on the 2nd. Our adversaries will be out in full force so it will be extremely important to make a strong showing. I know I have mentioned this several times before, but it is also imperative to get our clients/ friends involved. The BOF does have a sympathetic ear towards the private anglers concerns. We know this public testimony/ speaking thing can be intimidating, so we will be available to supply suggested testimony and help out any way we can.

I'd like to congratulate all those who passed the December 17th-20th Kenai Guide Academy. I'd also like to thank all those who donated their time to teach and help with the oral exams.
The 50 hp/ 4 stroke legislation presently sits on the Lt. Governor's desk to be signed into law. We have been unable to get a straight answer as to the delay and are frustrated to say the least.
A reminder as we talk with potential clients regarding booking for 2008. As of January 1, 2008 the Borough implemented a 1 % Borough wide tax increase.

We have lot's going on so come to the Riverside 7pm, January 8th for some hot food, cold drinks, and stimulating conversation.

Tight lines, Mike Fenton

December 2007

Hope all is well in everyone's world. Here are a few items I'd like to keep you up on.
The November KRGA class went well and I again thank all those who participated and donated their time. The remaining classes are completely full except for five seats open in the December 17th-21st class. So please contact Val Lewis at 262-0381 for sign up and get the word out to fill those remaining seats.

The limited entry task force met November 30th in Anchorage. Several State/ Federal agencies were present to go over definitions and terminology. There are still some questions regarding the legality of the limited entry concept and will keep you posted as things develop.
A reminder regarding Board of Fish this February 1st- 12th. As we contact our customers and/or relatives this holiday season, we need to remind them of the importance of participating in the BOF process. If you have any questions please contact Steve Mclure who is our BOF chair person.

The Christmas Party went very well. We all owe a big "Thanks" to the following people:
-Ed & Josselyn O'Connor
-Aaron & Shawna Cooper
-Steve & Tami Murray Fickles
-Everett & Kristy McCullough
- Jen Sipin & Ty Dingler

I'd also like to thank Jim and Mike at Willie Boats for their generous donation and all business/ people who donated goods and services for our fundraiser.

It has been brought to my attention that we may not have had enough voting members at the November Board of Directors election to have a legal quorum. We will review this as a board and if a reelection must be chosen, we'll probably revote at the January meeting.
Until then, I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and see you at the Riverside, 7pm, Tuesday, December 11th.

Happy holidays,
Mike Fenton

May 2007

Hello fellow fisherman,

Hope all is well in your worlds. I apologize for not getting the newsletter out sooner as I've been stuck in the boonies until recently doing some work and a little fishing! Here's some latest news.

There has still been no movement regarding the KRSMA 2 stroke/ 50 hp/ Boat size package. I've not been able to get a firm answer regarding the delay but remain optimistic that things will move forward soon.

The federal subsistence board will meet May 8-10 at the Coast International Inn in Anchorage. They will be making their final decisions regarding methods/ means, limits, and seasons for the proposed subsistence season.

There has been nothing new from the Palin administration regarding the limited entry concept. The Dept. (F&G) is still gathering information/ comments through its blog located at the F&G website. If you haven't checked it out or commented please do.

Things seem to be moving forward the conformation of the 3 new BOF nominees and new F&G commissioner. The final conformation will be May 14, in the joint session of the legislature. I appreciate all those who testified on numerous occasions on their behalf.

I'd like to give another reminder regarding registration with parks. Registration is by appointment only so don't wait until the last minute, contact Pam @ 260-4882 ext. 233.

I really appreciate every ones help this past year and look forward to our industries challenges with all of you on our team.

See you Tuesday, 7:00 pm at Riverside.

Tight Lines, Mike

April 2007

Hello Fellow Fisherman.

Hope all is well this busy time of year. The snow is finally melting and days are getting longer. Soon we'll all be chasing critters enjoying our wonderful world. Until then let me take a moment and fill you in on some present issues.

The DNR/F&G/DEC had a meeting on April 16, regarding the proposal "package" set forth by the KRSMA board. Hopefully we will hear something by early this week.

The names of the Board of Fish nominees were released last week. There are 3 new seats to be filled and we are encouraged by the names brought forth and look forward to working with these folks.

The limited entry issue has not moved forward. The state (F&G) is still waiting for guidance from the new administration on whether they want to pursue the matter. It seems like a simple idea, which is the case, but it is a very complicated issue once you get into the actual implementation. The Dept. (F&G) is monitoning its blog for input on this matter and I would recommend for you to take a moment and look over the published framework/outline and weigh in with comments/concerns.

The South-central Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council (RAC) had its meeting March 13-16 in Anchorage.

The RAC focused on methods & means of harvest, limits and seasons for the proposed subsistence season. To say it was frustrating was an understatement. The 177 page report recently came out and it's not good. Its way too complicated to get into here and Andy Sezeszney will be at the meeting to help explain what's been recommended thus. The Federal subsistence board will meet May 8-10 in Anchorage for final approval.

As most of you already know, Willie Illingworth passed away last week after a long battle with cancer. Willie was truly "one-of-a-kind" and will be missed by all.

Monte Roberts and myself attended a meeting in Anchorage regarding the formation of a statewide sportsmen alliance. Eddie Smithson from the Alaska Outdoor Council led the meeting along with a lobbyist from Washington D.C. It was a preliminary meeting but sounded promising as a way of uniting political battles.

We are still waiting for an action plan regarding the potential clean up of debris from the winter flooding. I'll fill you in on the latest at the meeting.

I'm sad to say that our local F&G biologist manager, George Pappas is leaving. George has taken a position to head up the state subsistence team in Anchorage. Fortunately George will be around for a while helping in transition. George will be sorely missed as he was an excellent manager and a pleasure to work with. It's time to get all your stuff together and head down to the River Center to register. Remember its Appt. only so call Pam at 260-4882 exc. 233 and get it done early!!

Lot's going on so look forward to seeing you guys Tuesday, April 10th at the Riverside.

Tight lines,

Mike Fenton
KRPGA President

February 2007

Hello Fellow Guides,

Hope all goes well in your worlds! Here's the latest on some fisheries topics.

The KRSMA recommendations regarding the 50 hp/ 2 stroke/ boat size is still at the commissioners office being evaluated. The Interim Commissioner, Marty Rutherford, has not yet accepted the position as of yet. We realistically won't have anything signed off until that position is permanently filled.

The Kenai Peninsula subcommittee regarding subsistence methods and means met on Friday and Saturday February 2nd & 3rd. It was an interesting meeting with a wide variety of parties involved. There was a lot of posturing and not much was actually accomplished. Andy Sczeszny was our guide representative and we appreciate you educating yourself on a very complex, controversial issue. The subcommittee agreed to meet again February 24th. Hopefully, some of the actual implementation of the subsistence fishery will get worked out.

A new scholarship program is being put together in Willie Illingsworth's name. We will probably run the scholarship through Kenai Peninsula College and are still working out a few details.

Not much has occurred regarding the potential limited entry situation. The concept is presently in the new administrations hands waiting for guidance on which way they would like to go. Trying to be proactive and give the department our concerns regarding the actual implementation of such program, I have invited the department point people regarding this to attend our general meeting. Hopefully, schedules will allow this to happen and we can get some useful communication going.

As you're all probably aware of we had some serious flooding/ice damage occur as of late. The state agencies are presently in the process of evaluating damage and formulating action plans. I have contacted the Borough and volunteered our organization to help in any way possible. So I'm putting you guys on notice that we may be called upon soon to help out and we will contact you as soon as we hear the word.

February is when our annual membership fees are due. We have come a long way over the years but we can still do better. The bottom line is that the more folks we have involved the stronger our organization is on all levels. We all know fellow guides who for whatever reason have not joined KRPGA. I challenge each of us to make a phone call or two to them and explain the urgency to come together. Our industry faces some challenging times ahead. On that note: I'm extremely concerned with the new administration regarding recent actions and appointments. It is becoming increasingly clear that this administration is having a sympathetic ear toward the commercial fishing industry and this should concern all of us. With that in mind let's get involved! So make a phone call or two and get some new blood in the mix! You can get applications off the website at www.krpga.org.

As you can see from our agenda we've got lots to talk about so look forward to seeing you guys 7:00 pm, February 13th at the Riverside House.

Take care,

Mike Fenton
KRPGA President

January 2007

Hello Fellow Guides

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday season and survived the New Years celebration. Many things going on affecting our industry and I'll try to bring you up to date on a few.

At the December KRSMA meeting there was an effort to delay and/or reverse the board's original motion to support the 50hp / 2-stroke / boat size limits. Fortunately, the motion was narrowly defeated 7 to 4. I'd like to thank Joe Conners for a job well done and all of you who showed up to speak on the issue.

The City of Kenai voted to not allow the use of 2-stroke engines from the Kenai City Dock. They later voted to delay this action and that is where it presently stands.

The Subsistence issue is moving forward. In late January (date not presently set) the newly formed south-central subcommittee will meet and give input regarding method/means on the proposals put forth to date. There are some scary proposals that are being considered from harvesting 1,000 1st run kings to having nets placed in our local waters. Andy Szczesny has volunteered to be the guide representative at this meeting. We will be giving Andy our input/recommendations and support. There potentially huge impact on our industry. With the ground rules already set by federal precedent it's a frustrating situation. We plan on being as involved as will prevail.

In mid December the Department of Fish & Game moved forward with information to implement a limited entry program. The ADF&G hopes to have language written by late January, to forward to the legislature, which would give them this authority. There are a lot of unanswered questions as to the implementation of such a program. The latest information I have gotten is that in mid-January the ADF&G will have a website, along with a blog to gather public input. We plan on being actively involved in this issue as things develop.

The Christmas Party was a success again this year. I wanted to thank Jim McCormick, Monte Roberts, all those who helped setup/breakdown, and our local businesses who generously donated some wonderful prizes.

Just a reminder regarding the Kenai River Guide Academy. Remember guys that class is required and is to be completed by specific dates depending on your years of experience. If you haven’t taken the class by the specific dates you cannot obtain your guide license. Please take some time and contact Gary Turner @ 262-0315 or 262-0330. For more info on the KRGA visit the website at www.krga.org.

Lots of stuff going on, so I look forward to your smiling faces this January 9th at the Riverside!

Mike Fenton
KRPGA President