Good discussion, I would like to offer the following perspective in addition to Duggan's without sounding too superfluous.

Keep in mine the WSC has been only in existence for 14 months. We will continue to expand and work to accommodate WSC members out of the area as we grow. As a start we have installed a few Regional Reps to provide support for the WSC in other areas.

In just over a year the WSC has developed, from scratch, a diverse and effective organization, which is advocating positive changes for wild steelhead. As the WSC was being developed into an organization, a statewide wild steelhead release proposal was introduced. In addition to the initial work to develop the WSC, a lion's share of work also went into understanding the issues regarding the SWR proposal, researching and gathering scientific data and preparing for the Commission's public testimony. Since the SWR proposal was the WSC's main focus out of the gate and the WSC successfully did its homework presenting a compelling argument for SWR some uninformed or opponents assumed or accused the WSC of being just a steelhead C&R group and against other things such as hatcheries, etc.

The WSC is not just about the release of wild steelhead, even though it is agreed to as a management tool in the bigger picture that will help conserve them and still provide angling opportunity. The WSC is really about education and working with others to advocate positive changes for wild steelhead to flourish.

WSC members believe the mission and objectives are clear, and hope others will take the time to understand before making assumptions or choosing to become a member. Even if you choose to disagree with the wild steelhead release issue there are other issues regarding wild steelhead you can agree to that need your support.

Being the membership chair I've had the opportunity to talk with various individuals about becoming a member in the WSC. The majority agree with our mission but the excuses are the same; no time, can't make the meetings, dog ate my application, etc.(haven't heard potential members complain about membership dues too expensive, since there are many membership options) Understand by simply becoming a member you are supporting and doing what you can do for your given situation and if you can do more and get involved in a committee, etc. kudos to you.

The new fiscal year is upon us and if you sign up now your membership is good till March 31, 2003. If you have questions about becoming member in the WSC feel free to contact me at wscmembership@yahoo.com

Thanks to all who have become members and supported to make the WSC success!