Green Bay Press Gazette

I was encouraged to see Jim Lee's opinion piece, "Environmentalists discover allies in hunters, anglers." As an outdoorsman who enjoys fishing the lakes and streams of our area, and deer hunting up North, I think it's high time we address the stereotypes keeping us from working together to protect the natural resources we all enjoy.

What separates us is largely artificial and can be overcome. If you're a fisherman, invite a "treehugger" to go fishing with you. I bet you'll both enjoy it and learn a little something from and about each other. As a matter of fact, these kinds of efforts are already happening in the state. In February, the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters organized a Conservation Lobby Day, which was attended by people who enjoy our state's natural resources and the varied outdoor activities it offers. More than 400 citizens from across the state represented more than 50 clubs and organizations, from Sierra Club and Nature Conservancy to the Wisconsin Trappers Association and the Conservation Congress. And they were all united around the same four issues!

This kind of effort will make Mr. Lee's vision of political clout, fiscal benefits and positive environmental impact a reality.

Paul J. Mongin