On behalf of all us outdoor “grassroots activists” I’d like to wish a Happy 1st Birthday to the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance. NJOA was duly filed in accordance with New Jersey state law on August 7, 2007.
NJOA has built quite a resume for a yearling. The organization’s vision, perseverance, grittiness, leadership and bold spirit have not only been an inspiration to many sportsmen and sportswomen but have provided a unified voice, which is being heard throughout the corridors of Trenton. These characteristics are also the inspiration for conservationists to finally assert control for their future.
NJOA’s first year was a baptism by fire as volunteers entered the realm of politics. We educated the ranks and enlisted an army that marched to Clarksburg to rally for freedom from the grip of animal rights forces. Our “grassroots activism” proved to legislators that the power of the vote is far superior to the power of the dollar by the removal of two antagonist politicians from office. Since that moment the NJOA has become the tie that binds anglers, hunters, trappers and conservationists into a force of 1,000,000 voters.
We celebrate the NJOA’s first year with the help of a 14 member council, four outdoor advisors, three managers, four directors, and 25 representatives - all volunteers. We also have a full-time lobbyist working the halls of Trenton on behalf of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen throughout New Jersey.
NJOA is in the process of advancing bills that will help all anglers, hunters, trappers and conservationists - including a Constitutional Amendment to fish, hunt and trap. Other bills include providing access to reefs for recreational anglers, helping kids free themselves from the influence of drugs by means of fishing and a commonsense bow perimeter zone that allows for effective game management. We are also in the process of forming New Jersey’s first sportsmen’s coalition.
NJOA has represented the interests of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen before such entities as: assembly and senate committees, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Governor’s policy advisors. We have traveled the length of New Jersey meeting members of fishing, hunting, trapping and forestry clubs/associations in an effort to introduce the mission of the NJOA and to promote the benefits of outdoor unity. We have attended forums that range from local town meetings to state-wide functions and have defended and protected the interests of all conservationists.
I’d like to express a personal thanks to our council for their wisdom and efforts in piloting the NJOA. These organizations include:
Reef Rescue
NJ State Federation Sportsmens Clubs
Jersey Coast Anglers Association
Recreational Fishing Alliance
National Wild Turkey Federation
Trout Unlimited
NJ Beach Buggy Association
Hudson River Fishermen’s Association
United Bow Hunters New Jersey
New Jersey Council Diving Clubs
New Jersey Trappers Association
Central Jersey Rifle & Pistol Club
Traditional Archers of New Jersey
Shortly, the New Jersey Forestry Association and Quail Unlimited may be joining the council.
I’d also like to thank NJOA managers, directors, advisors, representatives and the “everyman” volunteers that have selflessly advanced our outdoor interests.
Finally, a very special gratitude is owed to: Cory Wingerter, Jerry Natale, Ed Markowski and Pete Grimbilas. The stewardship of these trustees is the reason for the NJOA’s success and their tireless efforts are the reason that the NJOA exists.
So, here’s to a Happy 1st Birthday NJOA - and may it be the first of birthdays that will be celebrated forever more.
Ant
Chair
NJOA
www.njoutdooralliance.org
