Congressional Sportsman Socity <'TK><
From Rick Duty to CSF ... <'TK><
Congressional Sportsman Foundation
201 Pennsylvania Ave, SE
Suite 101
Washington, DC 20003
March 5, 2013
Fellow Sportsmen,
In November of 2012, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District Commander, LTC James De Lapp, announced a plan to barricade boating access to the tailwaters below 10 dams on the Cumberland River. These fertile fishing waters are global destinations, vital to the economy and sporting heritage of Tennessee and Kentucky. These two states support a legion of 1.7 million outdoor sportsmen, and revenues of $3.7 billion. Businesses across the outdoor, travel, and tourism industries will suffer significantly if these highly productive fisheries are closed. Beyond the potential for serious economic damage, are the denial of public access to waters traditionally enjoyed by generations, and the deep concern for military usurpation of authority.
For months, vociferous public dissent, and the written objections of 18 federal legislators and two governors have fallen on deaf ears within the Corps. Despite public input, congressional leaders meeting in Washington with Corps leadership, letters and press conferences all recommending reasonable compromise – the Corps’ has been consistent in their position that only legislative intervention will prevent the installation tailwater barricades.
On February 26, 2013, Congressman Ed Whitfield of Kentucky introduced H.R. 826: Freedom to Fish Act of 2013. The stated purpose is to prohibit the Corps of Engineers from taking any action to establish a restricted area prohibiting public access to waters downstream of a dam, and for other purposes. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
On February 28, 2013, Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, along with cosponsors Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee, and Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul of Kentucky introduced S. 421: A bill to prohibit the Corps of Engineers from taking any action to establish a restricted area prohibiting public access. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
We implore the members of the Congressional Sportsman Foundation to lend vigorous bipartisan support to the tenets of public access to public lands, the preservation of American recreational fishing, and the separation of powers. Joining their colleagues in ushering these bills toward law will foster economic recovery, and realize a timely $2.6 million expense cut, by ordering the Corps to shelve its plan and recognize civilian authority.
On behalf of sportsmen across the citizen sector, we sincerely appreciate your considerations and action.
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