HALLOWELL – The Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine is returning to its roots for its 11th annual congress, revisiting a concept that brings together the state’s outdoor leaders to discuss key issues and projects.
The congress will be held at the conference facility of Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell, starting at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6.
“We expect sporting groups to leave the congress united on the issues and projects that need our attention and support in 2006,” said George Smith, SAM’s executive director.
In an effort to identify issues that concern all outdoor organizations, SAM is offering major outdoor groups and agencies an opportunity to report at the congress on their individual key concerns. Audience members also will be invited to present brief reports.
No surprises
Smith said the outreach is intended to ensure all stakeholders are aware of issues facing the state and no one is surprised by a particular initiative.
Last year, SAM, the state Audubon Society and some legislators were caught off guard by public resentment about a proposal to put a use tax on people-powered canoes and kayaks as well as sailboats. The outcry of opposition scuttled the effort, which had been seen as a means of financing some organizations’ pet projects.
Smith said the congress this year will feature three focused panel discussions.
One will target landowner initiatives, concerns and issues and feature Patrick Strauch, executive director of the Maine Forest Products Council and Tom Doak of the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine.
State agencies will be represented on the second panel with Paul Jacques, deputy commissioner of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. That panel will alert congress attendees to state conservation initiatives.
Plum Creek
Smith will moderate the third panel that will include statewide organizations representing a full spectrum of sportsmen’s interests.
Smith said land and water access, landowner relations, protection of deer wintering areas, expansion of deer hunting opportunities, simplifying trout fishing rules and other related topics will be discussed.
Plum Creek Timber also is expected to present details of its Moosehead Lake development proposal.
Topics specific to SAM’s 14,000 members will be reviewed, as well.
Smith said that the congress will be by invitation only with a limited participation. Invitations went to groups representing sportsmen, conservationists, landowners, legislators, state agencies and the outdoor media.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Comments are no longer available on this story