Two pieces of legislation, SCR-134 and ACR-85, that would amend the States Constitution are bad for all of New Jersey but could spell the death knell for sportsmen.

The legislation is being put forth by legislators supported by animal rights and preservation-oriented organizations under the guise of protecting and preserving the rights of all of New Jersey’s citizens to have clean air and clean water which we all support when in fact these changes would actually undermine science and sound resource management practices and make it much easier for these organizations to deny the people of New Jersey rights they currently possess.

If enacted it would also lead to a constant stream of lawsuits being filed against sportsmen similar to the spate of lawsuits taking place over the Comprehensive Black Bear Management Plan.  The amendment is just another attempt to bypass science and manage the States resources with the politics of special interest groups.

If passed “preservation” would be the new buzz word.  The harvesting of renewable resources such as wildlife and forest products would be met with lawsuits challenging our rights to manage forests and wildlife with proven conservation practices.

To date, as indicated in The Press of Atlantic City, the following groups have voiced opposition to the amendment; the New Jersey Builders Association, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, the New Jersey State League of Municipalities and the Chemistry Industry Council.

It is time for the sportsmen of New Jersey through the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance and the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs to voice their opposition to this amendment.

The amendment cleared the Senate Environment and Energy Committee in October.  It’s time to contact our legislators and let them know our position on this amendment before its to late.  Write the letters and make the calls now or suffer the consequences later.

Edward Markowski, President
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance