Bruce,

To do that(ban nets) yes, it takes a loud and cohesive voice and most likey many years ahead of battle. (Plus, you have the Bartlet(sp?) ACT of the Feds to deal with...)-And still, I do not think it would ever be realisitic to think that Washington's native tribes would ever give up ALL of their fishing rights(even in the case of endangerment) -unless the resources is exhusted -completely. I fallow with what Spawner says regarding the "trash" hunters in those parts. No it might not be everyone, but you can be certain it's plenty. Most of my comrades wouldn't dare hunt waterfowl on this (west)side of the mountains at these "plunking -holes" anyway..... It's like going to the Washougal during the salmon run to have 6 other people cross lines with you....For years, and years, (second generation) many of my ol' friends go east for waterfowl for space and productivity. If you want to have these man-made waterfowl "watering holes" why not buy some land yourself. --Or you can go into what's called a "Cost Share Agreement" with a land owner(farmer) in the Skagit Valley. You become the steward of whatever acreage of a wetland within the borders of the farm owners land. The only thing you owe is your time, consideration and sharing some of the costs of whatever is proposed and agreed upon by -you, -the land owner/farmer, -and the acting body of the Farm Service Agency. You can in fact, get a group of people or an organization(Ducks Unlimited, smaller local group, friends etc.) to sponsor or act as a "group" steward instead of taking it all on yourself. The FSA will even help share the vast majority of finances of your proposed wetland enhancement/protection project. In some cases you may not have little if any costs associated if the wetland is in prime shape. --Or you decide not to put to much effort into it. The idea is preservation and secondly enhacement. Though, I think most people who become involved with these programs tend to go all out and in time regenerate the potential of the site -for hunting, ecology benefits, wildlife viewing etc... I've already had support from the NRCS with my wetland out near Republic, WA.
Just some thoughts on alternatives and ideas.....
Darin