Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

Two-part BassFan.com series on the VHS virus, tournaments and effects including the multiple whammy in Michigan:

Part 1 - http://www.bassfan.com/news_article.asp?id=2102

Part 2 - http://www.bassfan.com/news_article.asp?id=2107

The BassFan article is a good one!  I just spent some time briefly skimming through the minutes of the APHIS Public Meeting that took place in Romulus on Jan 10th 2007.  There were quite a few folks there representing many of the different groups impacted by the ban.  Several of those commenting asked that the new regulations that APHIS is formulating right now take a watershed approach to the problem.  This means that they should ignore political boundaries and treat the boides of water as one.  One the people asking for this was Gary Whelan, the Michigan DNR's VHS guy.  Gary also asked APHIS specifically for an exemption to this rule for C&R tournaments. 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/aqua/pdf/mi_public_meeting.pdf (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/aqua/pdf/mi_public_meeting.pdf)

I've been real impressed with comments Gary Whelan has made, and in discussion with him. I'm also impressed in this new MDNR that keeps showing itself over and over as wanting to partner and work together on common issues and more.

Thanks to Vic and Curado Kev for helping me with the info and nudges - I really do need to get my small part moving. I'll be working an 18 to 24 hour shift tomorrow, then hopefully Sunday, playing some serious catch-up.