MyFishFinder.com Just like iceshanty but warmer
Thanks guys and especially Rotney for contacting Jerry. I appreciate seeing your message to him and his reply. Your message to him was good and I'll bet it will get a response. I drove there today and took a couple pictures of these new signs. Here's the old sign that is on the south side of the road near the judges house....the arrow is pointing toward the end of the road(which is a deadend) and the lake is just on the other side. (Image removed from quote.)You used to be able to park to the right of this, up to the sign in this picture....that is pointing to the right. About 5 trucks could park in between those signs. (Image removed from quote.)The new sign that's causing the problem is the one that says...."no parking to the end of the road" I talked to a homeowner on Long Lake today and she said they are not in Valparaiso city limits. She also said she is not aware of problems between the ice fisherman and homeowners. I've been pming with a few guys about this and other issues. Here's a proposal that I've written up, that might help impact this issue and several others we face. What do you guys think? Anybody want to join us? Valparaiso Chain of Lakes Fisherman's AssociationOur Mission: To expand fisherman access to the various lakes that make up the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes in Porter County, Indiana. Our Vision: To see fisherman enjoying each of the lakes and working with homeowners to increase the quality of the outdoors experience on the lakes in the Valparaiso Chain of LakesOur Values: The Sport and Recreation of Fishing Respect for the Lake front homeowners Water Quality Access to the Lakes Fishery management and stockingPossible Strategies for accomplishing our Mission, Vision and Values: 1. Evaluation of each of the lakes in regard to access and quality of fishing experience. 2. Investigation of parking and access laws around each of the lakes. 3. Newspaper coverage of the access problem. 4. Meetings with homeowners associations to hear their concerns and share fisherman concerns 5. Meeting with City Government and County officials to talk about enhancing the natural resources of the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes. 6. Clean up projects to keep accesses clean of debris 7. Construction of improved boat ramps and parking areas on appropriate lakes 8. Promotion of youth fishing 9. Petitions that gather names of supportive parties 10. Working with the DNR to stock and improve the lakes 11. Formation of a Leadership Team that works together to accomplish our mission, vision and values. 12. Periodic meetings to discuss and report on our findings and progress 13. Others to be determinedNext Steps: Should we meet? When? Where?
I've wondered about starting some type of Valpo Chain of Lakes Fisherman's Association that might work on these issues. Is there anything like that already? We have a great resource that we are losing. Any interest in something like this? If we work together on it maybe we could improve access.