Todd....

"How can that be so?"

I am not talking about assisting in any way that would restrict the offspring's natural struggle to survive......only in assuring that the offspring have the maximum CHANCE at that survival.

I am sure that none of my children suffered major setbacks by my wife having a doctor present when they were born (an extreme comparison, I know, but you catch the drift?).

I get the distinct impression that this is a political football, and that WDFW employees are assigned the task of selling concepts that aid, but do not actually achieve rapid recovery (going through the motions, so to speak).

NOW, how do I make this next statement without being accusatory?

Since it is my belief that money (the great, green God) drives most things in life, then perhaps it is the desire for Federal funds that keeps recovery at bay. After all, if I were in charge of WDFW, I could use the unexpressed (at least publically) rationale that the struggle with producing fish could be greatly eased by buying "necessary" land, easements, water rights, etc., etc., etc.

What do you think? Am I on to something?

At any rate, I appreciate your patience, Todd. It must be exhausting.