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Post by Vince Tobia on Oct 10, 2007 16:17:20 GMT -5
the seneca regulations say it is strictly illegal to take gravel from the creek. This should be reported.
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Post by K_Bruce aka Phisherman on Oct 10, 2007 18:48:05 GMT -5
This seems to be getting worse by the minute. The only good thing I can think of... if the creek remains tough for anglers for another season we could have several more native trout in the years to come. Hopefully we can get things back to normal someday down the road. If they are digging soil out, whether it's legal or not, why wouldn't they make "pockets or holes"? Just a thought.
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Post by byronfishpaw on Oct 10, 2007 20:30:19 GMT -5
Hmmm. So on the one hand we are looking at fish ladders / dam removal to try to develop a resource and the other hand is destroying or seriously damaging habitat. I am now pulling out what little hair I have left on my head. Would TU or Federation of Fly Fishers have any interest in all this mess? I think DEC would have to permit gravel removal if it was not on Seneca land. Maybe I’ll call DEC tomorrow. Anyone speak to anyone at DEC, TU or Fed of Fly Fishers on this, or is it a waste of time?
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Post by JeremyZobel on Oct 10, 2007 22:00:49 GMT -5
Looking at mapquest this site seems to be exactly where the reservation begins. It could be extended off by maybe 50-100 feet or so but I doubt that would matter anyways. It is my understanding that the Res can do whatever they want. I just wish I new they were gonna pull this crap before I bought my license. This afternoon I spoke with Gene Wardzinski the Chief Engineer of the 219 Bridge project. It was scary how uninformed this guy is about anything environmental. You want to build a bridge you dump fill, you have a problem with landslide, you remove fill. He literally couldnt comprehend anything more than that. He also saw the dirty creek as a mere formality and couldnt see how that would affect anything environmental, let alone fishing. He told me that I could still fish the dam and that he saw no problems there. Yeah buddy 45 miles worth of stream reduced to 1/4 mile stream located below dam. I am sure that wont be crowded. Literally.....this guy is your standard Mr. point the finger at someone else. He even attempted to claim that it wasnt the 219 project that is creating the silt. And that it was a private business located "just below" the project. At times it was comical. But obviously its not like he would full out apologize and beg forgiveness. Anyways my biggest concern is that they didnt even see the impacts of how the creek is flowing. They are only concerned with the slide and how that is going to affect their project. If you ask me, no amount of fill will prevent erosion of this creek bed. If you look at the computer graphic of the proposed bridge you can almost see it one day falling in the creek. I suggest all those concerned give him a call at 716-592-7428 or email at ewardzinski@dot.state.ny.us I have also put an email into a family friend who is the Senior Attorney in the Division of Environmental Enforcement for the DEC. Hopefully if not anything else, she will be able to get some respectable answers from the DOT and to pass on our concerns for the health of the river. I will pass on everything once things get organized. www.nysdot.gov/portal/page/portal/regional-offices/region5/projects/us-route-219-section5#descriptionwww.nysdot.gov/portal/page/portal/regional-offices/region5/projects/us-route-219-section5/const_picsThis is the DOT site with construction photos. The best photo is at the very end called "Temporary Bridge Over Cattaraugus Creek"
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Post by Nick Pionessa on Oct 11, 2007 5:38:38 GMT -5
Jeremy thanks for your diligence on this. everyone should call this guys office today and make him miserable if nothing else. if enough people actually call it jams up their phone line and makes them at least take notice of the numbers of people. e-mail can be ignored but a phone call demands some sort of attention at least. if you care, do your part. be polite, short and to the point.
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Post by Nick Pionessa on Oct 11, 2007 8:02:39 GMT -5
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alexc
Junior Member
Posts: 50
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Post by alexc on Oct 11, 2007 8:42:00 GMT -5
You trouble maker Nick, what do you think needs to be said in an email to get their attention?
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Post by Nick Pionessa on Oct 11, 2007 8:45:16 GMT -5
simply expressing your displeasure at their actions is plenty. it is the numbers of responses that will make an impact. thanks to any and all who will help. again be POLITE at all costs. we need diplomacy or we are seen as a bunch of no account yahoos.
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Post by JeremyZobel on Oct 11, 2007 8:59:51 GMT -5
When I called he didnt see the erosion to be a big deal. Just thinks its a dirty creek and denied dirtying it. The guy cant even tell you what the creek looks like 1 mile down from the slide. They only care about their project. Let him know that is has messed up the fishing, perhaps the fish themselves (although probably not), unless chemicals are seeping out. Tell him there are direct consequences from the 40 or so miles below their project. And if you are a fishing guide tell him you will be losing income if you are forced to take less clients out. Obvioulsy the main concern is about the health of the entire river, not just at their project sight and not just for our fishing. The Catt is a special place in the area. We at least can make a phone call on behalf of the fish, osprey, bald eagles, otters, and perhaps the crayfish and sculpins as well. They make steelhead grow big .
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alexc
Junior Member
Posts: 50
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Post by alexc on Oct 11, 2007 9:07:17 GMT -5
Is this guy the only person we should be contacting? I'm gonna put something together and post it all over the web, just wanna get my ducks in a row first.
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