Be respectful of our island

For example, assume that someone trashes a turtle nesting area with a four-wheeler. A Park Service ranger does not observe the conduct; therefore no ticket is issued. However, the next time the ranger rides the beach be sure that he or she will observe and note the violation.
Do not deceive yourself -- If you do not respectfully use the island we will all suffer. All of the Park Service's data at some point in time will be made public and the conservationists are going to use that information in their attempt to restrict or remove our fishing vehicles from the island. For those of you who use the small three- and four-wheelers, be aware that they are of particular interest because they are seen as a "real" enemy to conservation.
So be on notice and ever aware of the fact that your tire tracks, your trash, etc. are being monitored. Responsible conduct will not guarantee future use by the fishing vehicles, but our misconduct can assure no future use of our fishing vehicles.
I hope to see many of you at the tournament. I wish you all great fishing this fall. Let's work together so we continue the traditions of so many years.

Alvin Tans
President

not, your use of the island is being observed and is being documented by the Park Service's during this data-gathering phase. The habits of non-human users of the Island have been more closely observed and documented over the years than has the conduct and impact of the human visitors.
We know that the Park Service is observing things such as the numbers of vehicles, visitors on the Island, campers, fishing vehicles left in the parking lots, etc. Other matters of interest to this process are the number and nature of the citations issued for violations of Park rules. Therefore, it will be to our best interest to "play" by the rules.
Now this brings up an interesting question. If we do not get a ticket, are we getting away with breaking Park rules? The simple conclusion is, yes of course. However, I believe that more than ever the Park Service is following your trail. Therefore, while an individual may get away with breaking a Park rule, we (collectively all the Park users) will not.

September 2000

Fellow DIFF members:
Well, another fall fishing season is upon us. Many of our members will be returning to the island again for the thirtieth or the fortieth year while others will be returning for their second year. It is thus that the traditions of the island are handed from one generation to the next. Many of you have been instrumental in various ways to preserve the natural resources on the island and/or the man-made structures there.
As we enter the last fishing season of the twentieth century we are once again confronted with conservation issues on the island. There are those who think that anything but foot traffic is too hazardous to the island and its inhabitants, man excluded. Conservation groups have raised the issue of off-road vehicle use and want to see the off-road vehicle management plan. Presently, however, there is no formalized plan; therefore, the Park Service is in the process of gathering data in order to formulate the plan.
Whether you know it or

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 3

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