A note from the Oconee River Chapter of Trout Unlimited:
On November 16, 2009, TU’s newly hired Fellow on Climate Change, Scott Laeser, spoke for nearly two hours to the Oconee River Chapter Trout Unlimited in Athens, Ga. Scott’s presentation was well-received by ORCTU’s diverse crowd of 35 members – no one left the room. Among our audience last month were scientists who provided some counter-arguments to the climate change discussion. In responding, Scott offered fair, knowledgeable perspectives on all aspects of the issue.
Because trout fisheries in Georgia are at risk, our chapter is interested in moving forward on climate change, starting on a local level. We will remind ORCTU members of simple things we can do as citizens to help reduce its effects. We will also consider working towards local policy that makes our service area more eco-friendly.
We’re excited that Trout Unlimited is tackling climate change. We should have started talking about it many years ago. Because most chapters don’t have experts on climate change, we ask TU National to take strong action. We want TU to engage fully with all parties to create effective local, state, national and international responses to climate change, including emissions controls. We also ask TU National to encourage all its chapters to educate themselves and get involved, yet avoid the politicization that has hampered the national debate. Scott Laeser showed the way in Athens, by treating all views with respect and focusing on the science. We thank TU National for supporting our efforts to learn more about climate change, and urge fellow TU members to support Scott and his colleagues on this vital issue.
Sincerely,
Joshua Trey Barnett, president
Oconee River Chapter Trout Unlimited
