Wildlife Watch Inc.
Helping People, Environment, and Wildlife
PO BOX 562
NEW PALTZ, NY 12561
Voice:(845) 256-1400
Fax:(845-622-7999)
e-mail: wildwatch@earthlink.net
Contact: Joe Miele, Vice President 201-368-8271
Senator Caesar Trunzo
Senate Environmental Conservation Committee
812 LOB
Albany, NY 12247
June 23, 2003
Dear Senator Trunzo:
Wildlife Watch, Inc. is an animal protection organization that seeks to educate the public about the mismanagement of wildlife by state and federal wildlife agencies, and the destruction of wildlife and ecosystems in the name of sport hunting and game management.
It has come to our attention that Bill A.2260 – the “right to fish” act has passed the Assembly and now resides in the Senate Environmental Conservation committee under its Assembly number. On behalf of our members and supporters throughout New York, we urge you to vote against A.2260 if it comes for a vote before the Committee.
If passed, the bill will allow “public fishing from a vessel on all waterways of the state that are navigable in fact or navigable in law.” This bill is the result of a court case where the landowner tried to close the river running through his property to public fishing. In accordance with laws that protect the rights of property owners, the property owner won the court case. As a result of this case, Assemblyman Pete Grannis introduced A.2260.
Private property rights are among those Americans hold most sacred. If we do not have the right to prohibit others from using our property in a way that we do not wish for it to be used, many of our other rights will fall by the wayside. Upon examination, A.2260 may be found to be unconstitutional for this very reason. If this bill becomes law, no one will have the right to prohibit fishing on navigable waters running through their property.
Please oppose A.2260 on the grounds that it is dangerous legislation that may have a catastrophic on our property rights. We will appreciate your response to this important concern.
Sincerely,
Joe Miele
Cc: Members of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee