Friday, April 8, 2011
"Fish Wars" Not Good for Us
You guys are kidding right? We're going to fight over which town in St. Lawrence County is the "Ultimate Fishing Town?" I was e-mailed a link to this site and its competition last week but I intentionally avoided nominating Massena because I figured we'd get into this kind of a tussle with someone else close by. I find it hard to believe that Waddington was "really hoping for a regional approach" to this contest. If that's the case, why didn't they ask any of their neighbors to join in their effort? Why does their entry only refer to Waddington's attributes? No doubt, they were the first to enter the contest and it looks like Ogdensburg is now trying to play catch-up and maybe even steal Waddington's thunder. But it doesn't have to be us-vs.-them. Here's an idea: how about Ogdensburg and Waddington both withdraw their nominations and we'll nominate St. Lawrence COUNTY as the "Ultimate Fishing Town." Surely we can make a convincing argument how at 110,000 people our county is smaller than many towns. We can also argue (bite your lip) that we all get along so well and don't want to compete with one another that we might as well be one single community. So, who wants to join me in nominating our whole county as the ultimate place to fish? After all, that is what FISHCAP is all about isn't it? And let's not forget the old saying (paraphrased at least) that "a rising tide lifts all (fishing) boats."
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I will. Recreational fishing is a county-wide tradition; it's not limited top the St. Lawrence riverfront communities. Good to see that somebody recognizes that.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, while an excellent idea, it is too late to do such a thing--enter as a region. And the competition is for The Ultimate Fishing TOWN--not region anyway. So, Waddington was in every sense allowed to enter as they did. In Waddington's defense, they have noted that, if they should win, they will share the money with the area fishing clubs, as well as with FISHCAP, for the specific purpose of promoting fishing tourism in the St. Lawrence River Valley. This, as you note, is indeed the purpose of FISHCAP. So, while Waddington entered as a single entity, their aim is to help everyone in the area. Check out some of the nominations that Waddington got--they sing the praises not only of Waddington, but of the St. Lawrence River, as well. This could be a good thing for our area. I hope people embrace it as such and move beyond the negative spin that some of the local media outlets have given it.
ReplyDeleteWorld Fishing Network’s “Ultimate Fishing Town USA” contest is a national competition open to any US community that takes the initiative to enter. As stated by “Anonymous,” this competition is specifically a search for a “town,” not a “region.” Waddington saw an opportunity and took the initiative; Ogdensburg followed suit. Simple. It is the MEDIA that has pitted the two communities against one another. This should be viewed as a fun competition. On a positive note, it has generated a lot of publicity for both communities’ bids. Furthermore, Waddington has stated in its original nomination that, should it win, it plans to make donations to local sportsmen’s clubs, as well as to the FISHCAP project. In my humble opinion, that demonstrates a regional “regional approach.” The St. Lawrence River Valley offers unparalleled, world-class fishing… which includes ALL of our communities.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking ONLY for myself, I would like to state the following: I recognize the importance of a unified, regional approach to promoting our fishing industry, and I look forward to participating in such initiatives. The St. Lawrence River Valley is, perhaps, the greatest fishing destination on the globe. ALL of our riverfront communities boast numerous species, crystal clear waters, and four-season fishing. But add to that its 10+ miles of accessible St. Lawrence River frontage, its 25+ miles of streams and tributaries, its five boat launches, its handicap accessibility, Coles Creek State Park, and its incredible serenity and beauty, I DO believe that Waddington IS The Ultimate Fishing Town, and I make no apologies for having vision and community spirit.
Respectfully Submitted,
Alicia Murphy