Fishing Report WV Magazine FRWV Issue 6 | Page 4

FROM THE EDITOR W ith the new administration in the White House showing little concern for the envi- ronment, it’s time to take our efforts up a notch. What is the best way to do that? Partnerships, partnerships, part- nerships. We’ve done phenomenal things on our own, but it’s time to join forces and maximize our efforts in 2017. Fishing is a diverse sport, with many dif- ferent species, methods, and types of fishing. Yet, as anglers, we all have one thing in com- mon - we love to catch fish. Fish need clean water, not only to survive, but to carry on the species for future generations. Without our help, they have a bleak shot in the very best of scenarios. We are their voice, their advocate, and the only thing that stands in the way of the machine that is working to downgrade the quality of our waters. There are many different angles from which we need to look at this problem. Wa- ter quality, which is inclusive of tempera- ture and many other factors, is at the top of the priority list. Habitat protection and restoration via riparian regrowth, tree plant- ings, structure placements, and even the right gravel for spawning areas are up high on the list as well. Debris removal, which not only removes an immediate source of bodily harm, but also removes items from the water that could be leaching toxins that downgrade quality is also essential. Not to mention the aesthetic upgrade of not having trash all over your river banks. From Fishing Report WV, Trout Un- limited, and watershed groups, to U.S. Fish and Wildlife, WV DNR, WV DEP, The Army Corp of Engineers, we all have something valuable to add to the pool of resources. It’s by combining these strengths and aligning goals that we will all benefit the most. Though we also have disagreements on the proper way of doing things, we are all invested in these waters. We all enjoy the beauty of their bounty. From basking in the serenity of it’s peace and isolation, to catch- ing a limit a trout for the table, we all take something from the resource. It’s time to join forces and give back so Mother Nature knows that we aren’t afraid to put aside our differences and be her voice. JEFF KRESCH JR. EDITOR MEET THE FRWV MAGAZINE STAFF JUSTIN CASEY CONTENT & ADVERTISING MANAGER BRIANA HERRON SALES SPECIALIST JASON BUTCHER SALES SPECIALIST KELLY GRIFFIN GRAPHIC DESIGNER PUBLISHED BY ALL RIGHTS RESERVED COPYRIGHT FISHING REPORT WV, LLC ISSN 2472-3312 Fishing Report WV, LLC 94 Ward Ave | Elkins, WV BEN SMITH COPY EDITOR Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of Fishing Report WV Magazine is prohibited.