Dan, I read about the Sportsfishing panel in early December and called Pat Patillo to inquire about Steelhead Advisory panels. Pat referred me to Bob Gibbons at DFW, and Bob encouraged me to apply for a seat on the state's "Steelhead and Cutthroat Advisory Panel" (one that I'd never heard of). So I did. And I drummed up some letters of support from friends.
Last night I received a letter from WDFW confirming my appointment to the "Steelhead and Cutthroat Advisory Panel". Their letter states:
"This group is an extremely important communication link between the department and key constituent groups on issues related to steelhead and coastal cutthroat. This appointment is for 2 years and is renewable."

My role, as far as I can tell, is to give voice to public concerns, and to keep folks informed about WDFW policies, both proposed and in place. I have no connections with the fishing industry other than feeding it most of my disposable income. Like a lot of NW fisherman I'm addicted to steelhead fishing. My interest in joining this panel lies in reforming state steelhead management to promote increased fish returns, increased sports fishing opportunities, and recovery of depleted native stocks.

I'd like to use this bulletin board (and the Wild Steelhead Coalition's board) as a means of communication.

I haven't done this before, so I'm not sure what to expect or who currently sits on the panel, but right now I'm excited for the opportunity.

Thanks for starting this thread, and I hope people on this board take your words to heart and get involved in the WDFW meetings, post their concerns about DFW policies and/or email me directly.

Nate Mantua
nathanman@netscape.net