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08/23/07 - All concerned: Grand Isle Dead Zone Conference "A Call to Fishermen and All Concerned Citizens"Sept 7, 2007 1 - 4:30 pm - Grand Isle Community Center - Hwy 1, Grand Isle, LAEvidence continues to mount regarding the detrimental effects of the Dead Zone in our Gulf of Mexico! Are you concerned? Well, this is a call to action! This is positively NOT a government hearing! This is NOT part of any existing project! It is NOT a call for additional studies! THIS IS A SPECIFIC CALL TO ALL PRIVATE CITIZENS! Your ideas, input, and support are needed to work on reducing the size of the Dead Zone. We are requesting all citizens: commercial and recreational fishermen; charter captains; concerned individuals; business people; anyone involved in the tourism industry; and all of our coastal neighbors to attend this important event. Join your coastal neighbors by participating in a strategy session on the problem. It will be held on Grand Isle, Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island, on Friday, September 7, 2007, from 1:00PM until 4:30PM at the Grand Isle Community Center located 3811 HWY 1 (about 4.5 miles from the foot of the Caminada Bridge). The session will include a presentation on the latest research by Dr. Nancy Rabalais, executive director of the Louisiana University Marine Consortium (LUMCON) and one of the foremost authorities on Gulf hypoxia. Dr. Gregory Stone, director of the LSU Coastal Studies Institute, Kerry St.Pe, director of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP), Doug Daigle, Coordinator of the Lower Mississippi River Sub-Basin Committee, and Dr. Quenton Fontenot assistant professor, Nicholls State University will also be speaking. The facilitated session will then brainstorm and strategize creative and effective ways to enforce and implement existing measures and develop new ones to counteract the causes and effects of gulf hypoxia. For those who would like to spend the night, some special activities on will be available on Saturday (September 8th) including sailboat rides, nature and history tours and other activities. Please let us know if you will be participating in any Saturday activities. Bring the family. If you need help finding lodging, let us know. Join the Grand Isle Port Commission, Lower Mississippi River Sub-basin Committee, LSU Ag Center, LA. SeaGrant, America's Wetlands, BTNEP, The Nature Conservancy, Gulf Restoration Network, RodNReel.com and others as we build strategies to reduce gulf hypoxia to natural levels. Following the strategy session, a free dinner will be provided. Please RSVP for dinner by September 5, 2007. For more information and dinner RSVP, please contact Wayne Keller, director of the Grand Isle Port Commission by email (preferably) at waynek@grandisleport.com or by calling 985-787-2229. 02/25/07 Attention Captains: Click on the following link to download and print all information, including the mail-able application for "The Louisiana Business Recovery Grant & Loan Program" Adobe Acrobat (PDF) "The Louisiana Business Recovery Grant & Loan Program" Microsoft Word (DOC) 02/10/07
RE: Meeting of Charter Boat Captains
I need the list of required documentation and all forms which they
should fill out prior to the meeting. This is extremely short notice so I
have to contact as many as possible over the weekend as many will be working
Monday morning.
SO:
1. List of required documentation (keep in mind that anyone who had such
documentation at their camps or homes in the surge path probably have
nothing but shards of glass and pieces of wood).
2. A printable copy of forms which should be filled out prior to the
meeting.
3. The publisher of rodnreel.com, the major internet service for
recreational fishermen and guides, is letting us use his home
since I could not get to the public library over the weekend and did not get
confirmation of the meeting until late Friday.
4. A map to the meeting site at: http://rodnreel.com/lane/
5. I will continue to publicize the meeting and contact people over the
weekend but must have what they must have!
Charlie
Smith
Executive Director Louisiana Charter Boat Association Founding Member --Gumbo Alliance Current Mailing address: 2000 1/2 Olive St. Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Also, sometimes, the old address: 100 Fairfax Place New Orleans LA 70131 504-481-1492 01/27/07 - Hello All, 01/27/07 - Hello All, 01/17/07 - Please go to the "Resource Center" page or click on the links below to review these two important documents. Fisheries Industry Allocation Recommendation Fisheries Industry Funding Commitment The L.C.B.A. will be happy to discuss any of the above information with any member. 01/05/07 -
LRA
Board Member Outlines Fisheries Aid Package; Urges Fisheries Representatives
to Come to Consensus on Spending Plan
BATON
ROUGE, La. (Jan. 5, 2007)
- A Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) board member reiterated the board's
commitment to the recovery of the fishing industry and urged industry
representatives to provide specific guidance on how recovery dollars for
fisheries should be spent.
Speaking today to representatives of the fishing industry, Rene Cross, an LRA infrastructure task force member from Plaquemines Parish, outlined two major steps the LRA has taken recently to help address the needs of fisherman and the fisheries industry: the announcement of a $138 million program to provide grants and loans directly to individual small businesses, including fishermen; and a commitment by the LRA to allocate $20 million to repair and replace damaged fisheries infrastructure, such as stranded boat recovery, engines, nets and docks for fuel and ice.
Cross
said he was eager to get input from the group. He commended the Louisiana
Fishing Community Recovery Coalition for hosting the meeting, encouraged
fishermen to apply for the small business grant and loan program, and urged
industry representatives to come to a consensus about the most effective way
to spend the limited dollars available to fix critical fishing
infrastructure.
"We
recognize that what fishermen need now is to get back onto the water. That's
why it's so critical that we invest this money as wisely as possible -- to
ensure the long-term viability of the industry and of a way of life so
important to South Louisiana culture," Cross said.
Individual
fishermen and owners of small fisheries businesses will soon be able to
apply for grants and loans under the expanded $138 million Small Firm Loan
and Grant Program, announced in December.
After
hearing from small business representatives, including fishermen, Gov.
Kathleen Babineaux Blanco and the LRA moved money from other economic
development programs to increase the small firm loan and grant program from
$38 million to $138 million. They also changed the program requirements to
make sure that single employer firms, like fishermen, will be eligible for
aid.
The small firm loan and grant program now has $100 million dedicated to grants of up to $20,000 each to small business owners and $38 million to provide 0% interest loans up to $250,000. In addition, the program includes $9.5 million for the lenders to provide technical assistance to small business owners. The program has been submitted to the State Legislature for approval. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will have final review, subsequent to approval by the Legislature.
The
program is designed to serve businesses with 50 employees or less, including
single-employee businesses.
"So
for example, if you are a crabber who was in operation at least six months
before the storms and are in need of a new motor or traps to get back on the
water the grant program may be just what you need," Cross told
fishermen. "Or if you are a shrimper with a crew of three who lost his
nets, had rigging destroyed in the storms and needs a new engine, a
combination of the loan and grant programs may be what you need."
The
program will launch the week of January 15 and will be administered by
Louisiana Economic Development. Those interested can register on LED's
website (www.louisianaforward.com)
to receive updated program information and to be notified when the
application process begins.
In
addition to the existing economic development programs mentioned above, the
LRA is exploring funding a $68 million guaranteed loan program to provide
larger loans, up to $1.5 million, but this program is still being developed.
Also in December, the LRA Board passed a resolution committing $20 million
to repair critical fishing infrastructure.
"With
limited CDBG funds remaining, we felt it important to address the critical
issues faced by the fishing industry," said LRA Infrastructure Task
Force Chair John T. Landry. "We know $20 million is not enough, but
there simply isn't enough to do all the things we need to do." He said
the LRA is seeking other federal funding for fisheries, but in the meantime,
$20 million is all that's available.
Cross
said the limited resources makes it all the more important that the LRA
invest the funds wisely.
"We
need you to present a consensus opinion before we can proceed," he
said.
According
to Cross, two possible uses for the $20 million include:
1.
Stranded boat recovery - A complex issue that involves getting stranded
fishing boats back into service for their owners in a fair, economical way.
2. Infrastructure - Ideas for investments in public infrastructure that benefit fishermen and help to ensure their long-term viability. These could be strictly public or public-private investments, and could be anything from safe harbors to docks to ice/fuel, etc.
He
also said that the LRA will monitor the Small Firm Loan and Grant program to
make sure that the fisheries community is assisted in a significant way
within this program. If not, the board might want to invest some or all of
the $20 million as an add-on to the grant and loan program.
"There
may be other investment opportunities we haven't even considered yet. That's
why it's important to make sure we hear from everyone," he said.
The
$138 million Small Firm Loan and Grant Program and the $20 million the LRA
committed to fisheries infrastructure is part of the federal Community
Development Block Grant funding allocated to Louisiana for hurricane
recovery. After the LRA develops detailed plans for spending the dollars,
the plans must be approved by the LRA Board of Directors, the Legislature
and HUD. The programs are then implemented by the Office of Community
Development and other state agencies.
It
is estimated that Louisiana's fishing industry suffered more than $400
million in infrastructure damages following the 2005 storms.
Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita devastated South Louisiana, claiming 1,464 lives,
destroying more than 200,000 homes and 18,000 businesses and inflicting
about $25 billion in insured losses. The Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA)
is the planning and coordinating body that was created in the aftermath of
these storms by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco to lead one of the most
extensive rebuilding efforts in the world. The LRA is a 33-member body which
is coordinating across jurisdictions, supporting community recovery and
resurgence, ensuring integrity and effectiveness, and planning for the
recovery and rebuilding of Louisiana.
###
Charlie Smith, American poet and advocate for the arts
09/02/06 - The
Louisiana Artificial Reef Council has approved for further consideration the
establishment of seven special artificial reef sites (SARS) offshore. The
action was taken during the Council’s A
public hearing to discuss the proposals further and gain public input will be
held at the A
total of 25 proposals were received and evaluated by the Council as potential
Special Artificial Reef Sites. All
these sites contained platforms that were either destroyed or damaged by
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
The
seven proposals were approved for further consideration by the Council are one
by Anglo Swiss in the West Delta 117 block, one by Maritech in Ship Shoal
block 269, one by Apache in the West Delta 103/104 blocks, one by ERT in the
East Cameron 222 block, one by Stone Energy in the Vermilion 255 block, and
two by Chevron, one each in the Eugene Island 276 blocks and the Vermilion 245
block. The sites approved by the
Council contained multiple platforms, to minimize the number of SARS sites
while taking advantage of the greatest number of platforms. Special
reefs sites are those created to take advantage of material available for
construction outside the nine planning regions designated by the Louisiana
Artificial Reef Program. The council provides direction for the program,
established by the Louisiana Fishing Enhancement Act in 1986 to enhance and
maintain fish habitat in the state’s offshore waters by utilizing oil and
gas platforms that are no longer used.
EDITORS:
For more information, contact Rick Kasprzak, LDWF artificial reef
coordinator, at 225/765-2375 (kasprzak_ra@wlf.louisiana.gov).
03/29/06 - Attn: Membership & New Members: All membership dues, copies of captain's license and proof of insurance are to be mailed to: Capt. Mary Poe - 150 Junius Granger Road Go to membership application page for details and to fill out our membership application form. 02/19/06 -
Attn. L.C.B.A.
Membership
There will be a Louisiana Charter Boat Association Meeting Wednesday,
March 8th, 11 a.m. at Ralph & Kacoo's Restaurant 6110 Bluebonnet in
Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The site is South of Interstate 10. Take
the Bluebonnet Exit and go South. It is just before the entrance to the Mall
on the right side going South. (See Map
Below)
We will discuss what the LCBA has been doing since the storm, the new
website, work with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the
current status of the LNG fight,
election of officers and whatever else the members wish to talk about.
THE MEETING IS OPEN TO ALL REGISTERED CAPTAINS BUT YOU
MUST BE A MEMBER TO VOTE ON ANY ISSUE REQUIRING A VOTE!
Memberships will be taken at the meeting.
To be a member of the LCBA, you must:
1. Be a registered Captain.
2. Have proof of insurance.
3. Pay dues.
You MUST R.S.V.P. for this meeting!!! (Ralph
& Kacoo's needs this information in order to prepare our room)
Email, Charlie Smith (Executive Director) at
artzlobbyist@aol.com
before March 6th, 2006.
02/07/06 -
01/26/06 - Hey Folks
– http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizations/GRN//campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=2217&t=gumbo.dwt Aaron Viles Campaign
Director 338 Baronne
St. Ste. 200
w: 504.525.1528 ext. 207 c:504.723.3855 http://healthygulf.org
aaron@healthygulf.org Flood
Washington – Help the President Keep
His Promise to Louisiana’s Coast 12/20/05 -
The LCBA is working with Al Rogers, a writer/researcher for Rodnreel.com, to
track down and compile a list of all the Charter Boat Captains we can
locate. This is a cooperative effort with LDWF which is assisting in this
matter. Specifically, if you are working, let us know. Also, what type of
fishing you're doing, where from, what accommodations you might have and
what services you offer. I am also in contact with the Lt. Governor's office
and they have agreed to place more emphasis on the recreational fishing
industry in their national advertising campaigns. Al's email is grandmasterfish@cox.net.
I had an idea about having some sort of guide/celebrioty
tournament but it would be more time and effort than I can afford at
this time. NACO says they will use the info they've gathered from Gulf Coast
Captains to urge an industry assistance package in Congress but that's all
down the road, probably sometime in February. In the meantime, we are just
trying to find out who's doing what. Also, anyone who can afford to is urged
to send in your LCBA dues or, if not a member, please join. The
organization is broke like everyone else but their is work to be done and we're
trying to do it.
Those who wish to contact me with ideas can always call 504-481-1492 but don't call if you just want to complain. I'm paddling as fact as I can.
Yo-Zuri Charlie Smith
12/15/05 To: Interested Parties Fr:
Gulf Restoration Network Re:
Flood The
Gulf Restoration Network is a New
Orleans-based network of groups and individuals dedicated to protecting and
restoring the valuable resources of the Our
request is simple, an immediate federal commitment to honest and effective
levees (up to category 5 protection) and comprehensive coastal erosion.
We are all aware that every day that passes without such a commitment
compounds the tragedy That
simple request has been met with great support. We have currently
generated over 32,500
comments to Aaron
Viles Campaign
Director Gulf
Restoration Network w: 504.525.1528 ext. 207 c:504.723.3855 http://healthygulf.org
aaron@healthygulf.org Flood
Washington – Help the President Keep
His Promise to Louisiana’s Coast and
Communities – Take Action Now! President
George W. Bush The
White House Dear
President Bush and Members of Congress:
In the three months since Hurricane Katrina, and then Hurricane Rita, ravaged You
requested that the citizens of
To revitalize
At the heart of the revitalization effort and at the heart of your
responsibility is a commitment to two things: 1.
Honest and effective storm protection, up to a Category 5 level, for 2.
Coastal restoration and conservation. These
two pieces are inextricably tied together, and are key responsibilities of the
federal government. Each day that passes without a commitment to the
survival and prosperity of CC:
J. Dennis
Hastert, Speaker of the House Bill Frist, Senate Majority Leader Robert
Byrd, Ranking Member, Appropriations Committee Judd
Gregg, Chair, Budget Committee James
Jeffords, Ranking Member, Environment and Public Works Committee The
letter is also sent automatically to the representative and senators of the
person sending the letter.
12/03/05 - Join us in flooding Washington! Louisiana groups have launched an effort to generate 300,000 e-mails demanding category 5 protection for New Orleans and Southern Louisiana. That means effective levees and flood control projects as well as comprehensive coastal wetlands restoration to give Southern Louisiana a critical storm buffer. Please take a second to help spread the word! Go to http://www.democracyinaction.org/GRN/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=1521 It is quick and simple. Late Post: NACO will be collecting economic loss information across
all areas impacted by recent hurricanes. You can participate by : NOV. 29, 2005 BELLE CHASE NOV. 30, 2005 LAROSE DEC. 1, 2005 ABBEVILLE DEC. 2, 2005 CAMERON or LAKE
10/20/05 - IMPORTANT TO ALL CAPTAINS, from Galveston, TX to the Florida Keys!: PLEASE take the time to open, print, fill out and mail or fax the attached, "Economic Loss Survey" from N.A.C.O. Click here or go the "Disaster Assistance" page and scroll down to the bottom 10/15/05 - Message from Charlie Smith, (Yozuri Charlie), L.C.B.A. Executive
Director - Several things: 10/10/05 - L.C.B.A. teams with L.D.W.F. and N.A.C.O. to assist all charter boat captains with direct links to FEMA and Small Business Administration information. See our Disaster Assistance page for details.
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