MDF Takes a Bold Stand on California’s Wildlife and Sportsmen Issues
California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA)
July/August 2009
Seen left to right: COHA Director and Delta Waterfowl President–Rob Olsen,
COHA President–Bill Gaines, COHA President & MDF President–Miles Moretti,
MDF State Chair–Rich Fletcher and COHA Director–Jim Waters.
Recognizing that California often sets the trend for our nation, on April 24th, the Mule Deer Foundation was pleased to take a huge step towards protecting the hunting heritage of Californians by contributing $15,000 to the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA). When combined with an earlier contribution of $10,000, MDF earned and accepted a seat on the COHA Board of Directors. With MDF President, Miles Moretti, on hand as it’s newest director, COHA held a meeting of its members at the Quail Point Gun Club.
During the past few years, these organizations have collaborated on conservation programs while developing a strong working relationship. COHA and MDF have now sealed the deal––strengthening each organization. Funding from MDF will help pay for the cost of COHA’s legislative activities, while Moretti’s experience with wildlife and hunting issues will strengthen COHA’s decision-making body.
MDF, and its members in California, are very concerned about political issues affecting California’s wildlife programs and hunting heritage. COHA is currently proactively addressing these concerns by sponsoring three pieces of legislation in California’s State Legislature this year which are intended to protect and promote hunting opportunity and state wildlife conservation dollars. Two COHA bills that are especially important for hunters and wildlife are SB589 and AB979.
COHA came narrowly close to passing similar bills last year and hopes to be successful this year. As of late May, SB589 had passed through the Senate and has moved on to the Assembly. This bill will protect license and tag money by creating additional oversight of state expenditures by the hunting community. Meanwhile, AB979––legislation which would inhibit local governments from diminishing hunting and fishing opportunities on lands within their jurisdiction by clarifying that oversight of all state hunting and fishing regulations belongs with the Fish and Game Commission and Department of Fish and Game––is on the Assembly Floor.
As California faces budget issues of historical proportions, it is critical that outdoorsmen and women have a strong voice protecting their financial interests in the political arena. Among many other things, COHA has been working to protect hunter’s assets in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund and has lobbied in favor of saving the Williamson Act, an important land conservation program which is currently at risk along with many other budget cuts.
“California sets the political pace for the rest of the nation. Our state also represents the front lines in the battle to protect the future of hunting,” stated Bill Gaines, COHA President. “We are pleased that MDF recognizes the nationwide importance of California, proud to have MDF as a member, and honored to have MDF President and CEO, Miles Moretti, on our Board.”
COHA supported the confirmation of Don Koch as DFG Director, created and supported the SHARE program which promotes hunter access to private land hunting opportunities and supports public hunting opportunities at California’s State and Federal Wildlife Refuges.
At the Fish and Game Commission, COHA has recently promoted special youth turkey seasons and supported the State’s network of County Fish and Game Commissions by holding a statewide meeting. COHA also serves the Fish and Game Commission as a key member of the Al Taucher Advisory Committee along with MDF, National Wild Turkey Federation, California Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, California Waterfowl, California Deer Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation along with many other diverse and dedicated conservation groups and others.
Seen left to right: Miles Moretti, Mark Hennelly, Bill Gaines, Jason Rhine,
Rich Fletcher and Rick Bulloch.
On the federal front, recent COHA activities include advocating for various appointments in the current administration and on Federal legislation such as the Farm Bill and how it relates to the Wetland Reserve Program and other wildlife conservation programs, funding for increased hunter access and opportunity via “Open Fields”.
MDF and COHA are working together for the benefit of conservationists in California. The success of both organizations is driven by the passion of outdoorsmen and fueled by sportsman’s dollars. With continued financial and in-kind support for these organizations, hunters we will continue to enjoy diverse and plentiful hunting opportunities in the Golden State.