Did anyone see the follow-up on NW Sportsman? Looks like the pressure from the guides and public worked. I'm glad to see that the application of pressure in a public process can still influence change. Appears that Director Susewind saw the writing on the wall and removed this proposed rule change aka permanent closure on the north coast rivers from moving forward and that the shady maneuver from Cunningham and his golden boy Losee is dead in the water. I'm sure Losse will somehow justify emergency closures again this upcoming season, as that seems to be the only way he knows how to manage. Heres the full story:

WDFW Nixes Its Forks April Steelhead Closure In 2023-24 Regs
https://nwsportsmanmag.com/wdfw-nixes-its-forks-april-steelhead-closure-in-2023-24-regs/

Sure makes me glad we have a publication like Northwest Sportsman and Dwayne Inglin's TV show keeping tabs on these guys. I've read it in multiple places over the past few years as Losee and Cunningham keep running things into the ground out here on the coast (I mean how many fish will get ESA listed under their watch?!), but it's well past time for those two to move on. Maybe the Director will start to see it's time for a change in fish program leadership? Doubt it. Until then, we can just kiss our rivers goodbye!

I think Salmo and Smala probably know more of the department history, but have leadership positions ever been asked to resign or removed from positions based on outcry from the public? I'd reckon aside from the Director, the commission stays out of those types of staff issues.