All,
The following is communication to and from MMA and Muskies Inc regarding our chapters dissolution. I know there are many other questions and those will be answered soon. The next meeting is the holiday party and we should be able to have everything outlined and finalized shortly after.
Jim,
The Michigan Muskie Alliance Chapter 47 of Muskies, Inc is formally notifying you as the President of Muskies, Inc of our chapters intent to leave Muskies, Inc effective January 1, 2020.
During our winter 2019 meetings it was brought to our attention that many in our membership feel that Chapter 47 does not see any benefit to being a member of Muskies, Inc and would like their membership dollars to go directly toward fisheries in our state. With these concerns our board produced a questionnaire that was made available to all members to gauge interest in weather or not to proceed with the idea of leaving MINC. After reviewing of all responses it was clear that our membership wanted a new direction.
During our Monthly Meeting on April 23, President Nick Day opened discussion concerning MMA’s affiliation with Muskies Inc. Over the next hour pros and cons were discussed. One member motioned that MMA dissolve Chapter 47 and leave Muskies Inc. Another member seconded the motion. President Nick Day called for a vote on the motion.
Vote Results: 14 for, 0 Against. The Motion carried.
The Michigan Muskie Alliance has been at the forefront of muskellunge efforts in the state of Michigan for the last 18 years. Through our strong partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources we have made tremendous progress towards improving and protecting the limited muskie fishing opportunities in the state of Michigan. With the departure from Muskies, Inc we are confident we can improve on our goals and further promote muskie fishing in our state.
Sincerely,
Nick Day
Nick:
Thank you for your email indicating Michigan Muskie Alliance, Chapter #47, will withdraw its membershp from Muskies, Inc. effective January 1, 2020. The Executive Committee/Board have been informed of your chapter's decsion and will take action at it next meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2019.
Jim Ashton,
President, Muskies, Inc.
"jasonvkop" said:
I was very surprised by their response as well. I thought it would be a little longer, ask for more explanation from us, and/or have some apologetic tone to it as I thought they would be a little sorry to see us leave.
It seems like he is just going thru the process. I am sure the board will have a response of some kind.
I could be wrong but I don't think it's a huge deal to an already dying organization. Ten years ago I said I would be surprised if muskies inc was still around… I'm surprised. Muskies inc is a good way for a small group to become part of something larger and get the benefit of being included on their insurance, tax filing, etc. That stuff is tough for a small group to afford. MMA is not a small group, MMA has done more and put more money, in the last 18 years, into the fishery than muskies inc has done nationwide. Let that settle in for a second and then tell me what they could possibly say or do to keep chapter 47, they know there's nothing they can do. In all honesty it's not a big deal to them or to MMA, yet. It will be a huge deal for MMA in the future.
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