Minibear, your kind of right in a way!

I have made "a commitment" to the Cowlitz many years ago and I will not renege on it!

After all, it was for you and I and every other sport fishermen. You have asked me some good questions so I need to give you a few good answers. The married one has already been answered, so let's get on to #2; talking about "her good fishery", when was the last time that you can recall that the Cowlitz had a "good fishery" on the early winter run steelhead?

There are already plenty of fishermen out there that are already being pulled into the "hook" from the good old days, so why would anyone else want to put any more pressure on a river that is already undergoing a recovery (Settlement Agreement and words from Salmo G)?

No one can say that "they" would want to to be the "ones" who called in the "pack" if the Cowlitz was luckly enought to get a good run of fish (hell, Tacoma Power and the Seattle news papers, and Barrier Dam have already done that…right?) Has anyone else on this board ever called in the "pack" on their most favorite fishing spot…I don't think so! The "downward spiral is a "fact" that is part of the new 35 year Tacoma Power operating license on the Cowllitz. Plain and simple, early winter run steelhead WILL be (and is being) phased out! Salmo G has already told this board the same thing!

No, Minibear, you have not offended me with your questions. It's not about the "lack of funds" now, because Tacoma, WDFW and NMFS have already made a Final Settlement Agreement concerning that issue. Neither "Tacoma" nor the State can "charge" any new "fees" now for what is already agreed to in the 2000 Settlement Agreement.

Finally, you asked me; "If you care so much why don't you look into something like a parking fee at blue creek". Believe me Mininbear, I spent the last 6 years of my life looking into every possible thing that would be done to maintain our current fishery! If someone else thinks that I have not…let's hear from them now!

Again, thanks for asking me your questions in a civil way, it really makes a difference in how one replies.

Cowlitzfisherman