Disproving our opponants.

During a discussion on this board(fishing image,in politics)Surfingmarmot and I discused different ways to change the views of our opponents. One of the things brought up was the Adopt-a-highway program. What better way to represent our lifestyle then to have a NCKA sign on stretches of the coast hwy and elsewhere. I have been looking into it and will post more later. I believe in all of our excursions it would be very easy to have our members accomplish this task. wouldn't it be great for the commission have a NCKA sign staring at them when they were driving to the meetings. Any thoughts?

http://adopt-a-highway.dot.ca.gov/

On a similar note, the California Coastal Commission - Coastal Cleanup Day for this year is on September 16, 2006 at many beaches and coastal areas around the state http://www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/ccd/ccd.html .  I try to participate in this event every year when I am available.  It is really a good feeling to assist the community and marine environment by picking up trash on a Saturday morning.  One interesting angle is that some of the trash picked up is discarded fishing equipment that can be hazardous to marine life.  It would be cool if we could get participation among NCKA members and publicize it to show that we are good community members who care about the environment.

Etienne,

I've also participated in the Coastal Cleanup Days here in Bodega Bay for the past couple years. I think a NCKA sponsered clean up would be a great idea... getting a bunch of us out there wearing some NCKA hoodies would be great PR, but I worry that it might be a bit late to organize for this year. 

I believe you can also "Adopt-a-Beach" which is sort more along the lines of rrnelums "adopt-a-highway" suggestion.  Basically, it's a commitment to clean the beach at least few times a year.   I think it would be a great idea if NCKA members could adopt some of their favorite launching/fishing beaches, but I'm not sure whether we'd be able to get a beach sign.

Brian

Great idea fellas!!! I would totally support this. I especially like the "adopt-a-beach" thing  We might as well do a little perch fishing while were at it and then do a little BBQ after all is said and done

Brian,

Thanks for the input.  I like the adopt-a-beach idea so that we can have a more permanent presence especially at one of our favorite launch sites.  It would really be effective if it was a beach that is also frequented by divers and envirokooks.  I may have to order a NCKA hoodie to ware since I will be doing the cleanup at Monterey State Beach in Seaside/Sand City as that is the most local to my home but if there is a NCKA contingent with a different plan, I could be convinced to go elsewhere.

I suggest that members post locations where they can participate and encourage others to join them Sept 16th since we are spread all over the coast.  Then over time we might be able to choose one or more locations to adopt so that participation will be available to more members.

 Adopt-a-beach sounds great, does anyone have links for this program. the reason I was thinking about the highways was the sure numbers it would reach. The fact that we have to drive to where we fish means we have to pass the adopted section and it would be easy to spend a few minutes on our way home to help out. I would suggest after we fish for a couple reasons. 1. don't get run over in the dark "DOH" 2. The masses would see us and we could make sure to wear our hoodies, make up something like my open house signs. Bill is the logo trademarked?
Getting media coverage should also be easy. They suck that stuff up. Is anything planned for the booth at Paddlefest.

Adopt-a-Beach link
http://www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/aab/aab1.html

Those are cool ideas.  I like the Highway only because its in the face of a lot of people all of the time.

At dinner last night with Pat and Randy, I offered to spearhead a NCKA effort to adopt a beach in Monterey.  (On a side note, great chowder Randy and the Alaska stories are awesome.)  Here is a list of adoptable beaches in Monterey County.  Once I find out the details I hope others can do the same in other counties, then we can publicize our efforts to show how great we are  .

Zmudowski State Beach, Moss Landing, Kirby Park, Elkhorn Slough, Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge, Salinas River State Beach, Monterey Dunes Colony, Marina State Beach, Ft. Ord, Tioga Rd., Seaside State Beach, Naval Postgraduate School, Wharf 1 & 2 - City of Monterey, San Carlos, McAbee Beach, Lovers Point, Rocky Shores, Asilomar State Beach, Spanish Bay, Carmel Beach, Carmel River State Beach, Monastery Beach, Garrapata State Beach, Pfeiffer State Beach, Molera State Park.

Which one would be the most favorable for us to adopt?  Last night we discussed Stillwater as a favored option since it could mean free access but Stillwater is not on the list.  It would be best if it was a beach we use often so that we can do the cleanup after fishing and do not have to make separate trips.  Looking at this list and considering where I like to fish, I think Carmel River State Beach or Monastery are good options.  Wharf 1 & 2 in Monterey may cover the MBK area.  A few are clearly not used by us and I am not sure of the exact location of a few others.  Your input is welcome.

My understanding is that monastary is a popular dive spot.  Think we'd get a reaction from the anti fishing "lookey loo" divers?   

That may be an additional benefit!

I am in contact with the coordinator for this program in Monterey County and will be receiving program information shortly.  Please provide input regarding the preffered beach.

Thanks.

I think it would better if target the beaches that THEY are shutting down.....just my 2 cents 

Mooch,

The south side of Monastery is slated for MLPA closure as part of the extension of Pt. Lobos Preserve.  Asilomar beach is on the list but I believe that it is beyond the area near Pt. Pinos that is also slated for closure and is usually a very tough launch.  I did ask about Stillwater but as it is not on the list she did not know what would be involved but cvommented that it may be possilbe with input or approval from the Pebble Beach Co.  I was also hoping to minimize the pain by choosing a beach we would be likely to visit on a regular basis. 

I could smell the chowder from Chico. I am so bummed I could not make it to the meeting /BBQ. This all sounds great and wish I could have more input. But being so far away I will defer to you all.  Mooch, I too believe the best place for a bur is under the saddle. Squeeky wheel gets the grease. Not having the oppotunity to know the areas like you guys I can't really have to much input except to help and be there when I can. Randall