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ASSEMBLYMAN CROUCH ARRANGES MEETING WITH GOVERNORS STAFF  12/20/2004

New York Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, who's district includes both the West and East branches and part of the upper main stem of the Delaware River, has long been an effective and dedicated representative for his constituents – and he is a true and dedicated friend to FUDR, the fishery and the regions fishery related economy.

In early October, FUDR quietly organized and hosted a meeting on the Delaware River with a number of elected state officials representing districts in both Pennsylvania and New York - Assemblyman Crouch attended.  This meeting was not another 'hype' session; rather it was private, serious and business like.  By far, one of the most positive outcomes of that meeting was the Assemblyman's offer to arrange, for FUDR, a meeting in Albany, with key members of Governor Pataki's staff – the 'highest level' meeting ever held for advocates of the Delaware fishery.  That meeting took place yesterday and it was successful.

Using power point and providing each attendee with a sixteen page bound outline, FUDR was able to effectively review the issues and concerns surrounding the Delaware fishery, correct existing misunderstandings/misrepresentations and, most importantly, present its case for the fishery at very nearly the highest levels of NY State Government. 

Heading the Governors delegation to the meeting was Mr. Matthew Millea, the Governors Director of Environmental Programs.  And there were representatives from the States economic development office, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the NY City Department of Environmental Protection, NY State Senator Bonacic, the National Park Service, the Upper Delaware River Coalition and officials representing townships that were severely effected by the recent floods.
       
At this meeting FUDR also recognized, and shared with those attending, the support and concerns of United States Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) - another friend of the Delaware fishery.  Reflecting two of FUDR's key concerns with the DEP/DRBC's inappropriately titled "Fishery Management Plan" and the environment in which the DRBC's current studies are being conducted, the Senator, in a letter to the DRBC Executive Director wrote:
"I encourage you to add biologists, especially in the fields of fishery biology and entomology, to the hydrologists, geologists, modelers, and others on the study committees. I also encourage the DRBC to seek independent review of the findings of these studies. Identifying whether the benefits of releasing more water to aid trout and other species in the upper reaches would outweigh the risks to reservoir fullness seems to be a complicated undertaking. Inviting experts with no stake in the outcome to review the findings wil! l support the goal of finding balance and will strengthen the public’s perception of a fair process".

Throughout the meeting Assemblyman Crouch reiterated his deep concerns with the NYC DEP's influence and management over the Delaware watershed and concluded the meeting by sharing with the Governors representatives that he expected these concerns to be seriously addressed.
 

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