The following is an e-mail concerning possible action to be taken against Washington Trout. It looks like some powerful groups will be banding together to oppose this extremist animal rights group. Hopefully all of us who think WT is taking an extreme and misguided approach to the challenges we face in protecting our salmon and steelhead will write our legislators and WDFW to show our collective support for the mounting opposition.

This issue looks like it may finally unite many of us to move ahead in a unified front.

-----Original Message-----
From: Buck, Rep. Jim [mailto:buck_ji@leg.wa.gov]
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2003 7:30 AM
To: 'Dave Croonquist'
Subject: ALERT FROM ED OWENS

Washington Trout and the Native Fish Society filed a lawsuit yesterday to
try to stop the state from releasing hatchery coho salmon and steelhead into
streams that enter Puget Sound. They have also filed a motion with the
courts that seeks an injunction against the state for the release of
hatchery-raised coho and steelhead. If the court were to implement that
motion it would require WDFW to destroy half of the coho salmon now in
production at state hatcheries and all of the steelhead.

I have been advised that the Tribes intend to intervene. It is in the
interests of sport and commercial salmon fishing groups to also participate
in this suit. Many of you expressed an interest in participating in a
united effort several months ago when we first learned of the possibility of
Washington Trout seeking to shut down Puget Sound coho production. I will
be having discussions throughout the day today related to pursuing
intervention in this lawsuit on the side of the department and will advise