(Part two, turning it around)

As an adult, that had an opportunity to have someone get me involved in the outdoors at an early age. I feel

truly blessed to have witnessed all the wonderful things the outdoors has to offer.

In raising my own children, I decided, that I too, wish to get them involved in the outdoors and fishing in

particular. There are things a child can learn from the outdoors that they just can't get from a book in school,

or from hanging out with friends on some street corner.

Understanding life, for me, was the greatest learning experience I had from being involved with the outdoors.

The respect for all creatures, big and small, is the basic teaching that the outdoors will bestow upon children

at such an influential age.

Our natural resources have dwindled since I was a child. The opportunities for children to experience the

many pleasures that the outdoors has to offer is becoming, ever so increasingly, harder to find.

Development and industrial expansion, are swallowing up large tracts of land and water that may someday

take its toll on our parks and recreation areas. In many areas of our country, water resources have become so

contaminated, that it is no longer safe to drink, or eat the fish.

Here in our state of Tennessee, we have many restrictions that either state, limited, or no consumption of fish

from designated bodies of water.

These warnings on fish, have had a detrimental effect on the number of people who continue to fish and

enjoy our water resources. Part of the reason many people fish in the first place, is to take some home and

enjoy a fish dinner.

In addition to the pollution, development and industry, our rights and privileges to enjoy the outdoors is

under attack from special interest groups. Many of these people who belong to such a group, I have to

believe, were deprived of growing up with an outdoor experience. They look upon what we do, not as a part

of the circle of life, but as criminals, intent on inflicting pain and suffering to fish and wildlife.

I disagree 100% with that logic. At no time, in my involvement of the outdoors, have I ever thrilled over the

death of a fish, or animal as an enjoyment. I wouldn't participate if I did.

Now, what can we do to stop, or turn around the cycle of events that have jeopardized our countries natural

resources and outdoor recreation activities? Plenty!

First, we need to slow down and take the time to educate our children of the many pleasures the outdoors has

to offer. Instead of looking forward to hitting the lake with our best buddies and leaving the kids at home,

take them along. Be sure to point out all the little things, even if it may seem to you as insignificant.

Remember, you may have seen thousands of turtles, ducks and snakes, but to a small child, its' a first time

thrill.

The most important thing that you can share with a child at the lake is to respect the natural environment.

Litter and trash should always be picked up when you leave.

Second, never assume that its' not my fight. We have become a country who's population depends on

someone else to do the fighting for us. We believe that our presence is not needed and someone is always

going to be there to represent us. When a planned development, or housing project threatens your favorite

fishing, or hunting spot. Show up in protest to this expansion and share your desire to maintain the natural

environment. While you might be thinking they'll be there to represent you, they may be thinking the same

thing about you. Get involved!

Third, support others with the same desires to preserve the outdoors that you may have, but with just a

different point of view. Case and point, the Norris lake controversy. Here you have two organizations with

the same goal, improving their fishing. But are at odds on how to do that.

The thousands of dollars that the controversy has already cost, could have, (in my opinion), been better spent

in a more resourceful manor.

To divide and separate the different sportsman groups, only plays into the hands of those who would take it

all away.

Finally, recognize all walks of life, as lovers of the outdoors. As portrayed in part one. The fishing industry has

made an effort to sale their equipment to the adult male. This kind of sales tactics has done nothing to make the

youth and women of our society, want to take up the outdoors. We should see more advertisements that depict

women and children enjoying the outdoors. To me, it makes good business sense. You help to assure that there

will be someone to buy your products in the next generation.

As we head into the next century, in the very near future. We as sportsman, must maintain our quality of life

for generations to come.

The last thing I would ever want to hear is, "I can't remember when".

Get them out of the house! Get them outdoors!