Cowlitz - Sorry but I lost ya on this post. I read the meeting minutes from several FTC meeting and your lengthy post regarding WDOE's problems with water quality certification. However, I'm not sure of your point.

The WDFW/NMFS/Tribes have the authority manage the fisheries resources of the state of Washington. As anglers, we don't always agree on the management priorities outlined by these agencies. In fact, wide spread disagreement is normal. You seem to disagree with the direction taken by this group. That's okay. Disagreement and discussion is appropriate in any public forum where important issues/resources are at stake. However, you seem to disagree with certain folks without saying who they are, why you disagree, or how you think things ought to be done. Some additional information on your part would be helpful.

As you know, the fishery management agencies are required to manage for the long-term good of the resources, not necessarily for the users of that resource (i.e., recreational anglers such as you and I) or anyone else. If the agencies are putting other interests ahead of the fish resources or are letting Tacoma Power roll over them, then please point out specifically where this is happening so we can join you in protesting those actions.

However, let's not lose sight of the big picture on the Cowlitz River. FERC and Tacoma Power killed the river on the alter of hydropower development back in the early 60's when they licensed and built Mossyrock and Mayfield dams. Now that the licenses have expired, we are left with trying to pick up the pieces and restore whatever is left of a once beautiful and productive river system. Dam removal would be nice but that ain't happening. So, there isn't much there to work with and I would like to think the settlement agreement provides alot more protection and mitigation than has been present since the projects were built. But clearly there is no way anyone can restore what's been lost. But thanks for staying with the issue and keeping us up to date.