Fishing Groups Take Part in Meeting with the President 

ALEXANDRIA, VA (Apr. 12) - American Sportfishing Association President and CEO Mike Nussman took part in a gathering with President Bush at his Crawford ranch last week along with the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, Coastal Conservation Association, and more than a dozen other sportsmen's organizations. 

   "The President discussed several different topics with us, ranging from the upcoming Ocean Commission report and national forest initiatives to striped bass and redfish recovery and wetlands conservation," said Nussman. "It was great to be alongside BASS and CCA and have a strong fishing contingent taking part in this important dialogue."

   The Crawford gathering follows up on a similar meeting ASA also took part in at the White House in December 2003 to discuss the President's conservation agenda and issues affecting anglers and hunters. "This is the first time fishing leaders have been invited to the home of a President, showing we're making headway in raising the profile of the sportfishing community and its role in recreation and conservation," said Nussman. 

   President Bush gave a tour of the ranch before a more formal dialogue with the group, altogether dedicating nearly three hours of his time. The President reportedly fit the gathering into his schedule between watching National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice's testimony before the September 11 Commission and a discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the situation in Iraq. 

   Organizations attending included the Boone and Crockett Club, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, National Rifle Association of America, National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Quail Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ruffed Grouse Society, Safari Club International, and Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.