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Dear Friends,
We received a welcome Christmas present recently in the form of a letter
from U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan. The Senator said he was happy to report
that the Lake Sakakawea will receive $935,000 this year to be applied
towards critical lake access improvements. This new appropriation in the
Corps of Engineer’s budget adds to the millions that have been spent
over the past six years on ramp extensions, docks, roads and parking
lots to maintain and enhance critical lake access during these low water
level years on Lake Sakakawea.
We are very pleased to see that access on Lake Sakakawea remains a high
priority with our congressional delegation, especially Senator Dorgan
who currently chairs the Energy & Water Appropriations Subcommittee
within the Senate Appropriations Committee. Because of the great
relationship the Friends has maintained with Senator Dorgan since its
inception, we were among the first to know about the new appropriation.
Dorgan’s letter to the Friends actually preceded word to the media and
even final confirmation to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Riverdale
office.
How have we built this great relationship with the Senator? We believe
it is because the Friends of Lake Sakakawea is well organized and
effectively represents the interests of the people who enjoy Lake
Sakakawea as well as the businesses and communities that depend on that
tremendous resource. The Friends is an organization that knows what
needs to be done, clearly defines its priorities and works hard to get
them implemented.
During the past year, the Friends has again been at the table, working
hand in hand with people who manage the lake, control the lake levels
and who hold the future of the lake in their hands. We have worked hard
to influence releases and reduce negative impacts to our world class
fishery -- all in a non-partisan, respectful manner. Our message is
about fairness and about the economic and recreational values that are
important to all North Dakota.
This year we have represented you at dozens of meetings involving the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Game & Fish Department, State Water
Commission, Parks and Recreation Department and a variety of other
agencies and organizations. Meetings range from the Corps’ twice annual
operating plan meetings to policy meetings about summer and winter
access. Most significant have been the many day-long meetings held the
past four years to develop the new Lake Sakakawea Master Plan. In all
cases we steadfastly pushed for actions that will not only benefit us in
the short term but will benefit future generations that will live along
and play on beautiful Lake Sakakawea.
Although we are still facing challenging times on the lake, we know
that by working together we can make a difference. Together we can
be the voice that elevates your needs to the ears of major decision
makers. Join us again this year in tackling some tough issues. It’s
easy to complain about the status of our far-too low lake. This is your
chance to take action and help us get results. The last thing any of us
want to do is take the easy way out and just throw our hands up in
defeat! That’s not going to happen!
Together, we can make a good lake great …
Sincerely, Terry Fleck, Chairman
What
we can do . . .
Friends of Lake Sakakawea, a 501(c)6 organization was formed to:
* Develop and
improve lake access and opportunities.
* Partner with federal, state and individuals to continue a strong
working relationship. We’ll work toward conservative water measures,
permanent intake racks and strong efforts to preserve the fishery.
* Enhance communication with members through newsletters and stronger
public awareness of issues. Consider distribution of a map that shows
the rural water dependence on Lake Sakakawea. Develop a DVD that will
educate the public about the Friends’ efforts and the difference a
collective voice can make.
* Consider how to join our interests with Missouri River and Lake Oahe.
Develop strong representation on the Missouri River Recovery Improvement
Committee.
Simply, it all boils down to access for our stakeholders, partnerships
for results and communication to assure a bright future. We intend to be
the public's voice to work tirelessly to make a good lake great.
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