Angler & Hunter Caucus Meets in Trenton

New Jersey Angler and Hunter Conservation Caucus Meets in Trenton
Press Release, Belmar, NJ

Co-chairs Senator Norcross (D), Senator Oroho (R), Assemblyman Burzichelli (D), Assemblyman Chiusano (R) hosted the NJAHCC meeting in committee room 1 of the State House on October 18, 2010. Fifteen legislators were represented at the meeting, including Senate President, Stephen Sweeney and Senate Minority Leader, Tom Kean.

The goal of the NJAHCC is to establish a link between anglers, hunters, conservationists and legislators to facilitate an exchange of ideas that will advance environmental stewardship. Each of the co-chairs spoke about the many important environmental and economic contributions provided by outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen.

Guest speaker Bethany O’Donovan, Director, National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucus also offered her assistance to the success of NJAHCC. The bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus is located in Washington, DC, and is one of the largest and most effective caucuses in the US Congress with nearly 300 members representing almost all 50 states. Ms. O’Donovan committed to work with New Jersey in supporting the rights and freedoms of hunters, trappers and anglers.

Anthony Mauro, Chairman, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation praised the co-chairs for providing a means to promote, “Environmental stewardship through use of conservation methodology with an emphasis on fishing and hunting.” He continued, “The importance of ensuring healthy forests and clean waters is that it is the recipe for healthy habitat and flourishing flora and fauna. The benefits inure to everyone, whether we enjoy hiking, biking, wildlife watching, angling, and hunting or simply want to experience wholesome living.”

The co-chairs announced that the caucus will meet quarterly and that the next agenda item is to examine how members can offer urban, suburban and rural students in grades K-12 a unique, nationally accepted drug prevention program called "Hooked On Fishing—Not On Drugs." The program is presented by certified instructors with lessons correlated with NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards.

Also present were several conservation organizations, which included NJ Audubon, Jersey Coast Angler Association, NJ State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Reef Rescue and more. The meeting was coordinated and emceed by Thomas Connors, NJOACF, Legislative Liaison.



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Anthony P. Mauro, Sr
Chair
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Environmental Projects


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