Thank you for supporting our campaign. Below is an email you can customize (look for the brackets) and use to send to your local representatives. Be sure and include the name of who your are sending it to (Governor, Representative, Commissioner, etc.) and your name and address at the end. Your efforts and their support are critical to ensure the future of our fisheries.
—
Honorable [Representative’s Name]:
History shows that hatcheries are a good thing and critical for ensuring abundant and healthy fisheries. I’d like to make you aware of a recently launched effort to provide new information regarding the importance of hatcheries and contradicting long held beliefs that hatchery fish have led to the decline of wild fish.
Hatchery and Wild is a campaign to highlight the importance of fish hatcheries. The facts show it is past time to support and invest in our hatcheries. They need to be updated and practices improved. Working together we can make that happen.
Well intentioned advocates insist hatcheries are bad for wild fish and need to go away. [I used to think the same, but] Recent science shows that hatchery fish do not have an adverse impact on wild fish abundance, and in fact, may be beneficial to their survival. [My opinion has changed, and now I realize that] Hatcheries are more important than ever.
We are all concerned about our environment and want to do everything reasonably possible to help protect our valuable natural resources. I’m asking for your help to ensure Oregonians enjoy abundant and healthy fisheries. Please support our hatcheries by helping provide adequate funding and ensuring responsible agencies do their job.
[I’d be happy to help find answers to any questions you may have.] The facts and more information are available at: www.hatchery-wild-coexist.com
Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]