There are other logical extensions of a "sampling" or "surveying" approach
which can have positive impacts on how NANFA members and others are
perceived, and how folks can share information. I recommend that a group of
you veteran sampler/collectors put your heads together and develop a field
data sheet (and a pamphlet of other tools and techniques) that members
across the continent can use to collect and record information when they go
out-- water temp, clarity, depth, velocity, vegetation, substrate, fish
species (abundances and actual species), and more. People can learn there's
more to a stream than fish, and more to sampling than what's in your net :-)
And then they can share their data, and what they've learned, and their
personal experiences, with other people.
Seriously, this could be a great educational tool for children and adults.
So, for you folks who keep talking about getting people in the field to
learn and gain a respect for nature-- I challenge you to come up with some
field tools and tips and tricks and materials for them. Anybody up to
putting your time and talents where your mouth is? :-)
-- Jay DeLong Olympia, WA "If the biota, in the course of aeons, has built something we like but do not understand, then who but a fool would discard seemingly useless parts? To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering." ~ Aldo Leopold (1953)
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