The "Chemical Warfare" era in Texas lakes may finally be coming to an end. Following a high-profile telephone fundraising campaign led by Ed Parten, Randy Kindler, and Ray Scott, Texas anglers have successfully demonstrated a safer, more effective way to manage our waters: the Mechanical Harvester.

The Governor’s Intervention

In a move that caught the attention of the entire state, Governor George W. Bush intervened to postpone the application of toxic herbicides—including 2,4-D, Sonar, and Fluridane—to Lake Bastrop. Instead, Bush arranged for the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to borrow a state-of-the-art harvester from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

The demonstration, held on June 10-11, was a resounding success. The 14,000-pound machine effectively mowed through an acre of Hydrilla per hour, shredding it and returning it to the ecosystem without harming a single fish.

A Grassroots Miracle

The fundraising results speak for themselves. A recent telephone campaign generated over $10,000 from 315 donors nationwide.

• $8,000 has already been paid to the TVA to cover the rental and transport of the demonstration machine.
• The remaining funds have been earmarked for the purchase of a dedicated harvester for Texas.

In a powerful political statement, a photocopy of every donor's check, along with their location, is being sent to Governor Bush to prove the depth of public support for this issue.

"I’ve never seen so many different fishing organizations come together over a single issue in my 25 years in this industry," says Editor Pat McCarty.

The Strategy: SMART and the Wallop-Breaux Foundation

This unity led to the formation of SMART (Sensible Management of Aquatic Resources Together). The organization has identified a path to bring a harvester to Texas permanently through the Wallop-Breaux Foundation.

The Wallop-Breaux Foundation—funded by the federal taxes we all pay on fishing supplies—assists in conservation projects by matching local funds at a 3-to-1 rate.

The Financial Goal:

• Local Funds Needed: $62,500
• Federal Match (3:1): $187,500
• Total Purchase Power: $250,000

With these funds, SMART plans to purchase a harvester built to Texas Parks & Wildlife specifications, a custom trailer, and a truck to transport the unit across the state. Ed Parten expects to have this equipment in operation by the Spring of 1999.

Upcoming Event: "An Evening with Ray Scott"

To reach that $62,500 goal, the next major push is a fundraising dinner:

• When: August 14th
• Where: Hotel Sofitel, North Houston
• Keynote Speaker: Ray Scott
• The Grand Prize: A 1999 Dodge Quad-Cab Dually Pickup will be raffled off at the dinner!

Texas fishermen are officially united. We’ll see you there!