1. What if the fishery managers within Alberta outside Banff and Jasper and the managers overseeing these two federal parks located in Alberta could work together collaboratively on a mutually beneficial project? What huge possibilities, solutions and revenue streams could these two areas realize together. 
2. What if the outdoor conservation organizations and fisheries managers that manage these two federal parks could be convinced that having trout in their lakes would not endanger the rough fish forage base they aim to protect. Or the native species at risk they dearly wish to protect. 
3. What if the lakes in the parks that are now void of trout which once had wonderful trout fishing in the most beautiful scenery in the world could be rejuvenated? There are so many very accessible lakes that are just waiting to provide an environmentally green, sustainable, renewable tourism opportunity that is being lost out of a stubborn attitude not out of genuine concern.
4. What if these fisheries in the two parks were vibrant once more and the rich and famous returned like so many did in the past like Bing Crosby, Bob Hope etc. could the current stars be attracted back to come and enjoy such wonderful angling experiences?
5. Both Banff and Jasper are known world wide for their panoramic wild natural beauty what if once again we could stock wild wonderful trout fishing on top of that on wild natural beautiful pristine lakes. Open your minds up to the larger opportunity and also stand by your wild natural environmental outlooks and ideals.
6. The parks would all of the sudden create a whole new significant revenue stream to increase operations and maintenance budget coffers in a very significant manner.
7. It would help both areas realize so many positive results, create much more diverse fishing experiences for anglers in both areas and disperse the intense angling pressures on the few fisheries that are left.
8. What if the Crawling Valley Reservoir project in Alberta our group has presented was embraced and a huge hatchery for trout and the spawning channel and spawning building to milk adult diploid fish for eggs and milt was implemented. All of the sudden millions of basically wild Brown and Rainbow Trout fry would be become available to the province. It would provide a very healthy pretty much wild parent trout and young fry to stock in both Alberta in general and to the federal parks of course at an agreeable cost for both parties.
9. Is there present infrastructure to support a fish enhancement proposal of this magnitude presently available in the province. We know Banff and Jasper have no interest in constructing or maintaining any fish hatchery now or in the future.
10. Let’s face it there is a real need for this hatchery in order to provide the numbers of stocking stage Rainbow and Brown Trout required to support larger and much more sustainable programs on larger waterbodies. Walleye have been planted in the billions on almost every large lake province wide in such an obsessive manner they have the provinces attention. The fishery management program that really needs help and expansion is the the small venue less than resilient sustainable programs for trout both native species and naturalized or even stocked trout fishery programs.

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11. Our group is not criticizing the Walleye program in general only the magnitude of it, the province needs to consider there are other fish species and anglers desire diversity in fish species available. There is room for 10-20 large deep lakes for Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout and Tiger Trout.
12. Anglers can fish for Walleye anywhere in the province in so many easily accessible large lakes it is mind boggling. Why has the province taken the leap into stocking Walleye into lakes that are in geographical locations that are better suited to trout. This does not serve the needs of the angler or diversify the provincial angling experience or fish species available to pursue. It also does not do an efficient job of dispersing heavy angling pressure from the smaller more susceptible trout fisheries.
13. Let’s put the Walleye where they belong and the Trout where and how they will do the most- good and use plain good old common sense. On the other side of the coin let’s look at the Trout as more than a disposable instant put and take program where trout are taken home immediately after stocking. Will the province pick a few large, deep, cold lakes that do not require aeration which are situated in the right geographical location in a larger venue where they will serve the greater purpose? Small venue fisheries like Beaver and West Lake are proving grounds of how popular these programs (quality trout fisheries on still waters) are to avid anglers. There are issues though like parking space and how much angling pressure can these small venue fisheries sustain. 
14. There is definitely the need and opportunity for more of the aerated quality Stillwater trout programs in the province.  However, there is also both potential and desire for these larger Stillwater programs that we talk of here. We can provide a list of much larger, deeper, colder and clearer lakes that would flourish in this program if you wish.
15. Alberta would have the ability to provide young fish in huge numbers to support stocking 10-20 large deep lakes in Alberta and easily simultaneously proved huge numbers to both Banff and Jasper.
16. It must be quite clear to everybody this will in no way inhibit the recreational experience Albertan’s and tourists travel to the national parks for actually it will enhance it. Programs like these leave a far more friendly and less noticeable footprint on the environment than resource-based industry. Industrial activity like forestry, hydroelectric dams, coal mining, the oilfield, agriculture and other industries that rely on extraction, enhancement, or the harnessing of our natural resources and watersheds. They ensure long term sustainability, are environmentally friendly and are renewable if managed properly. While at the same time programs like what we discuss in this document raise similar kinds of revenue streams.  
17. Yes maybe a few concessions may have to be made here and there of this there is no denying, however the alternative of relying almost solely on the other industries that extract and demand high yield on our natural resources is far worse. Maybe it is high time we got off our high horse and made some sensible concessions for the greater good.
18. What if the province approached the counties that benefit from the economic rewards from the fishing opportunity stocking large lakes in their area costs this program? What if the province approached industry to become a partner by supporting such a project? What if resident and non-resident anglers both were asked to pay a fair increase to fund such a project. Imagine the funding that could be sourced my god this might even become a profitable venture not a cost prohibitive venture.

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19. The Crawling Valley Reservoir project would supply the province with millions of perfect vibrantly wild and super healthy juvenile Brown Trout and Rainbow trout for stocking. The reservoir would provide the environment to grow and feed the trout from a very young age up to the brood stage where the province could milk them for eggs and milt. What a wonderful way to cut costs and source large clean basically wild adult fish for eggs and milt. Then provide the province generally and the Federal parks with young very wild beautiful trout fry at a fair cost that would benefit each department and fishery.
20. Not only could the hatchery solve many issues in fishery management it would also provide a Stillwater trout fishery beyond imaging in a large deep lake that doesn’t require aeration. What a thoughtful way to improve fishing opportunity, diversify the fishing experience of Alberta anglers and disperse intense angling pressure on smaller more susceptible fisheries province wide. What a fantastic opportunity to multi task and solve so many of the underlying problems Alberta fisheries are facing.
21. What if the province put in place a fair cost to anglers fishing the reservoir for trophy trout one cost for residents a higher cost for out of province anglers? What a way to cover costs for the overall program. Anyone who doubts Crawling Valley could provide such an opportunity need only recognize or hear the stories of the 16–20-pound trout Crawling Valley Reservoir use to produce. 
22. Any doubters of what could be obtained here need go no further than seeing the brood fish program and fishery now prospering on Henry’s Lake in Idaho. This is where we first caught knowledge of what we speak they milk diploid trout they raise in the lake and then return the milked parent fish to the lake alive to be spawned out again next year. It is a very successful program. If any of you would like to view the program operation and the type of fishery it is producing feel free to go on to “You Tube” and see their video @ “Cutthroat Return To Henry’s Lake Spawning Shed” – You Tube” or Spawning The Famous Henry’s Lake Trout” or both. It is a superb program that provides superb solutions and one absolutely great fishery.   
23. What a wonderful opportunity this agreement to work together in a symbiotic relationship it might even fund the implementation, construction and then operations and management of the provincial run facility. What a wonderful win-win scenario for both areas. The construction cost of the facility on Crawling Valley could be funded in a collaborative manner between the province, Banff, Jasper and the counties within the province that will receive the stockings and benefit economically.  
24. The park has no interest in constructing any hatcheries with this program they wouldn’t have to and they could source and promote wild trout in the lakes located in these two Federal parks. Come on everyone this is not something that is hard to grasp look at the realities, facts and opportunities that are staring us right in the face. Why in the hell are we not taking the bull by the horn and actively participating in a respectful careful manner. Focusing 100% of an area’s fishery management program towards tiny fragile creeks and native species is a very well-intentioned goal but is also a little short sited and less than realistic one in modern times. There is also a very resourceful and sought-after venue that modern anglers are attracted to like the fishery on Maligne Lake in Jasper. 

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25. Our two levels of Government have worked together to resolve programs, policy and financial interactions with effective success. Involving Federal/Provincial water apportionment agreements on the North Saskatchewan, Transfer and equalization payments from the Federal Government to the provinces and territories. So, it is possible if we can put the effort and time into such ideals. They have also worked collaboratively together on fisheries issues on more than a few occasions; the barbless hook restriction is another combined federal provincial interaction and policy effort.
26. Let’s face it mankind will always leave some sort of foot print on the places we love most there is no getting around that. What matters most is that we do it with public input in the least damaging manner that is also the most beneficial method and in the interest of the public. Also, will the activity we are looking at impede the visitors recreational experience or will it enhance it. Will it provide funds to the parks to help maintain and operate the park and increase recreational opportunity and enjoyment? How heavily will these programs impact native species especially if they are at risk this must also be addressed in a balanced manner. This program will pass all these concerns with almost no negative impacts and more than a handful of positive benefits. 
27. Wild trout fisheries worldwide are currently under significantly increased environmental issues and increased intense angling pressure they are in grave trouble. At the same time there are so many wealthy well traveled business men and entertainers that will pay dearly for this type of experience. Both Alberta and the two Federal Parks have to realize there is great value for this world-wide diminishing opportunity both economically and recreationally. The communities that can grasp this opportunity and provide the experience these tourists desire, will realize huge beneficial revenue streams.
28. The times of being rigid totally focused on one specific fishery management program at the expense of all others is antiquated. Defending a stance of wild genetically pure fish species in an environment that has recklessly stocked non-native fish species both in the parks and other related areas in the province of Alberta is hard to get behind.  Managing at a personal level instead of constructively public level that supports diversity and value may be better served in a wider program.
29. There is a very special place for the native fish species in the National Parks there is no questioning that, but there is also a place for the naturalized species like Rainbow Trout in select lakes.  We are in times where governments, departments, organizations are going to have to get over limited oversight and work collaboratively together. They are also going to have to think on a larger more efficient and resilient level than ever before. 
30. Many anglers have loved our ideas and totally support them, but ask why are the organizations and departments tasked with managing, protecting and promoting sustainable fisheries not doing what you are doing. Our answer is always less than satisfying to them we say we wished we had a better answer, but it appears they don’t support our ideals. My wife has said to me many times why do you spend so much time and continue to work hard when all the organizations, A.E.P. seem to be oblivious to your message. I always say maybe some day we can hit a cord at some managerial level and we can do some good. Our groups reply is one where A.E.P. openly promotes public input, sustainable fisheries and public interest, but is there an ulterior motive at work behind the scenes that has nothing to do with carrying through on that public input.

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31. Many anglers have asked what is going on with “Trout Unlimited Canada” these days their organizational title and their mission doesn’t exactly line up. Their mission statement is admirable we all wish that their ideals could be achievable and quickly realized, but in a modern day self-interested, consumptive, and disposable modern world concept that mission at times becomes problematic. 
32. If we were back in 1880’s when the world was less populated and less dependant on high yield and an ever-increasing demand for more water, oil, coal and space, natural, native and natural recruitment on its own was much more imaginable. This may be a little harsh but pee in one hand wish in another see which hand fills up first. Saving trout fisheries and ensuring they are sustainable is a much better mission and a lot more doable than only dealing with the health of water and watersheds. Saving trout populations can be maintained but dealing with all the water issues is a huge undertaking and one that may not ever be solved to any measurably significant level. 
33. Well, many of these anglers simply state if “Trout Unlimited”, “Alberta Fish & Game”, the A.C.A. and A.E.P. don’t want to get behind these fantastic efforts you speak of. What chance does Alberta have of maintaining sustainable fisheries. The anglers are now saying if they don’t want to get on board why don’ they get the hell out of the way and let somebody who will address the issues and provide positive results have a chance to achieve results.
34. Are the public servants within A.E.P. towing the party line to insulate the upper levels of management within A.E.P., massive resource extraction and the Alberta political arena? If so, the question just begs to be asked is this really in the best interest of the public.   

Wait just a dam minute did I really write this, or are these are all dreams from another time when governments worked together in the public interest. In a world still young and full of vision and possessed drive that wasn’t so all consuming and full of self righteousness and personal ambitions. In another dreamscape where special places of wonderment and such breathtaking beauty were enjoyed and embraced sustainably. Where natural resources would be respected and maintained not harvested at an alarming scale by wealthy foreign investors we will never see or know. The reality of the matter is we live in a time when a government sells out the public, they serve, to an investor they don’t really know, who reaps the majority of returns financially. Settling for a pittance in monetary royalties that are both residuary and not sustainable platforms. We live in a time where we repeal sound policy and tear down and rape what we value most under a cloak of economic prosperity for all. Just stop for a moment and reach for a dream just for a second of what the possibilities could be if we lived in a world we can only wish for.     

Personally, I see a province situated on some of the most scenic wondrous country teaming with the best trout streams that I have ever immersed myself in. I love the vistas of both public and private land in both provincially and federally managed areas. I have seen both the experience and huge beautiful trout our lakes and streams can produce when they are managed properly. I have fished with, guided and heard what true beauty and value our province has from anglers visiting from other countries. 

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We have discussed how these experiences are diminishing and how many of the privileged wealthy well traveled percentile who enjoy immersing themselves in these places will pay dearly. This was all quite a few years ago but even now we still have a chance to turn this all around. What can be done through a collaborative effort lets just see. The true definition of what a collaborate effort is best explains the best path forward. With a collaborative effort, a big job can be completed in a very timely manner. When you collaborate, you cooperate, or join forces, with other people – working on a project, brainstorming ideas, managing priorities, juggling workloads and delegating responsibility towards who will do what.  Are we a whimpering, defeated, self righteous desperate province or are we a strong, resilient, forward-thinking self-starting group that is willing to re-envision a much more stable, diversified and sustainable economy? Would the province rather have oil and gas, forestry and coal mines in our special places or embrace a tourism industry that fits more naturally into our wild natural landscape in a sustainable environmentally friendly manner? 

Our group fully supports the ideals of Trout unlimited Canada and the Federal fishery managers in both Banff and Jasper National Parks when discussing the full-on 100% percent focus on clean pure water and wild natural self-sustaining native fish populations. We just don’t know how many places are left that provide that natural precious environment anymore in great enough numbers to sustain only natural recruitment without some level of help. Those few rare and very special places can only sustain so much angling pressure and they are very attractive to most anglers. In order to address limited interspatial natural areas for native fish populations and mans encroachment other not so natural programs may have to take up the slack. If our wild natural native fish populations are even going to stand a lasting chance their must be other less natural synergetic dynamic fisheries intertwined into modern day fishery management plans. This is no longer a choice it is a necessity and one of our own doing and that is something that is very disappointing but a reality.    

Striving to have the natural native fish species programs in the backcountry of both national parks that are less likely to be easily accessed is a realistic goal that is most likely achievable. The more accessible a fishery is and the closer it is situated to roads and metropolitan areas within the park the more difficult it is to maintain these rare and special fishery programs. The lakes that are very accessible and likely receive much higher traffic and angling pressure are probably better managed with a much more resilient fish species and a little more coordinated fishery management program. Providing trout fishing for naturalized trout species (Rainbow Trout) in these readily accessible lakes will also transport angling pressure off the back country natural native trout fisheries.  

It may seem like a lot of work but it is high time Alberta got off its Kester and thought big picture on a much larger scale towards trout and how valuable they really are to everyone. Maybe we are out to lunch and maybe it just isn’t possible for people to get over their own petty issues and work together for the greater good these are the underlying issues of our time. Maybe what Alberta needs is to put together a collaborative think tank of self thinkers that are knowledgeable, vigorous, self starters to direct the path forward for Alberta having sustainable fisheries. That will run not at a cost but as both a recreational and revenue friendly cost-effective economic benefit and program. Listen people the free ride is over we need to think environmentally friendly, sustainable, efficient, cost prohibitive, profitable ventures and resilient knowledgeable decision making. If we could though what a wonderful place Alberta could be again.