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Early contributions now at 3% of CSPA's 2009 goal of $200,000

CSPA needs funds to defend California's fisheries from unprecedented assault

December 8, 2008 -- The accelerated pace of the assault on California's water and fish has caused CSPA to spring into action on a broad front in defense of California's impacted fisheries. The directors have had to spread themselves thin to cover such issues as the collapse of the salmon runs, the striper trial, the delta law suit, numerous FERC hearings, 34 point pollution concerns including two law suits, the attempt by the governor and Senator Feinstein to build a peripheral canal, the the bureau plan to put gates on False River and Three Mile Slough, Delta Vision and Bay Delta Conservation Plan hearings, CEQA hearings, EIR hearings, toxic runoff, additional requests for delta water, pending legislation and other fisheries related issues dealing with geography from Sierra streams to the ocean.

No other fisheries advocacy organization is working for anglers on all these fronts but the coffers are practically bare and it is estimated that the now frantic pace of defending our fisheries in 2009 will involve expenses approaching $200,000. Some early 2009 contributions have provided the funds for CSPA to continue its operations without halt. Contributions of $1000 by the Diablo Valley Fly Fisherman and $500 by the Tracy Fly Fishers of the NCCFFF as well as contributions from private donors and businesses have reached close to $6,000 level, a great start but more is needed.

CSPA members are asked to carry the word to their clubs, to retail outlets, bait shops, fly shops and all other interests that use or profit from California's fisheries to help us in the fight. Member Tom Coss, a generous contributor for 2009, has suggested that a $1 conservation fee be added to bass tournament registrations with the funds forwarded to CSPA.

CSPA has added a membership premium plan as an incentive to join and as a way to spread the word of CSPA's work to protect our fisheries. Memberships begin at $30 with a listing on the donor page and our weekly newsletter as a premium. membership at higher levels include premiums of hats, shirts and fleece jackets. The premiums will begin shipping about the middle of December, 2008. Consider giving the gift of a CSPA membership to family or friends for the holidays. It will provide the longest lasting benefit of anything found under the tree.

As a guide, our membership chair suggests that clubs contribute on the following schedule, less than 100 members, $250; from 100 to 200 members, $500; from 200 members +, $1000. A number of hats, shirts and jackets will be given as premiums for club raffles, etc.

We need your help, join CSPA at the level you can afford. If you're a club member, ask your club to join. We also ask you to suggest to your fly shop, bait shop or any place you spend your fishing dollars to join CSPA. Wouldn't it be great to walk into a shop and see all of the people behind the counter wearing a CSPA hat. An army may run on its stomach but the work that CSPA does requires dollars.

Help us protect and enhance California's fisheries both for your self and your grandchildren.

To join via snail mail, www.calsport.org/membership.htm 

To join on-line, www.calsport.org/paypal.htm