WT sued WDFW to force compliance with ESA rules concerning hatcheries. By Ramon's own admission they sued for the only provision they could sue for, the "take" portion. On May 9th , 2003 the Settlement Agreement was signed by Kurt Beardslee of Washington Trout and Ernest L. Rushing, senior assistant Attorney General for the state of Washington. On May 12th,2003 Bill Bakke, Director of the Native Fish Society, co-plaintiff. also signed along with all of the other defendants.

This lawsuit only deals with hatcheries. The settlement is 14 pages long and should be read in its entirity by interested parties. Perhaps other future defendants can larn something from this strategy.