Making other people feel wrong, or stupid, for their choices is not going to effect the change you desire. Off-handed comments (insults) regarding Calgarians not showing up for these meetings, is not going to encourage them to show up all of a sudden.
Instead, maybe you should appeal to a person's emotions regarding fly fishing and the waters they love. Maybe give some examples of concerns that have been raised at previous meetings, and the subsequent changes that have taken place because of those concerns. Maybe people will think "hey, maybe I CAN make a difference!"
If you want others to try building cane rods, instead of saying (in not so many words) "unless you build rods from scratch, you are not a rod builder, you are a rod assembler", you might say "you know, I started off building rods the way you to, and it was very enjoyable. The natural progression for me was to try building from scratch, and I've had great personal fulfillment doing that. I think you would too if you gave it a try." or something along those lines.
And you know what? If a person listens, then great! If not, it doesn't mean they're a bad person, or somehow inferior because that's their choice. Maybe you don't either, but it sure sounds that way when you talk down to people, and call their opinions "crap".
I can't speak for everyone, but personally, I'm far too busy with other things in my life that are more important to ME. When it comes down to it, I'd rather spend time with my wife and 1 year old son than drive to Edmonton for a fisheries meeting.
I'm sure you're a good man, with good intentions. And I definitely respect your years of experience and knowledge. I also know that it's easy to misunderstand a person's 'tone' by reading something that is typed. But I do have a problem with people stating their OPINIONS as FACT. The last time I checked, the gospels were Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John... not Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Don.
P.S. - sorry for the thread hijack tallieho.. i'm done now.