My finger pointing is not mis-guided on this issue. You are 100% right that neither NMFS nor WDFW destroyed the Cowlitz or the steelhead fishery. I have never said that they had "destroyed" it either. What I have said, and can prove is that both NMFS and WDFW are in the process of "destroying" the early steelhead winter run on the Cowlitz. That is an undisputed fact! Apparently your lack of research has limited your ability to fully understand what WDFW and NMFS have done that almost certainly has limited the amount of future production of winter steelhead on the Cowlitz.

Basically, when Tacoma first made the dams, the NMFS was not even around. The mitigation of the fish fell upon WDF, USFWS, WDW and a lesser degree, the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries. Basically it was the USFWS that called all the shots of fish passage on Tacoma Cowlitz Project.

You say that Tacoma built the dams, and "They (plus FERC) are the reason for the problems you’ve raised. NMFS and WDFW are trying to resurrect some semblance of the native fish stocks on the Cowlitz River."

Well that is only partially true. Let's not forget who allowed Tacoma to remove the fish passage for Mayfield and Mossyrock Dams. The FERC Removal Requests were all signed by the USFWS and WDF, WDW. When it came to the "down stream" fish collection facilities at Mossyrock being abandoned guess who allowed that one to happen? That's right, WDF, WDW, and USFWS! But then again, it was Tacoma's fault for asking for it . . . right?

You say;" But accusing these folks of destroying the Cowlitz River just because of a disagreement over stocking policy is ridiculous. Worse, it undermines the support for their efforts to protect the Cowlitz."

Cohoangler, what the devil are you talking about? Protect the Cowlitz from what? Please explain to our board, in detail, what we are being protected from!

You go on to say; "I really hate it when folks throw rocks at people trying to protect the fishery (NMFS/WDFW) rather than the folks who caused the problem (in this case, Tacoma)."

Why don't you ask these people who you are trying to defend on this issue just how many times that "I" the Cowlitzfisherman have stood my ground to protect them! I really want see if any of them have the gonads to say otherwise! BRING THEM ON!!!

I'll bet you that you won't get very many "on comers". .. . but let's see!

You said; "Your survey is interesting but the sample size (33) is too small (I can count more anglers at Blue Creek on any given weekend). When the sample size reaches 100 or so, it might be possible to draw reliable conclusions."

That may have a little merit, but on this board, a "sample" of that size is like an "iceberg" in the frog pond! People have been given the chance to see both sides of this story, and they have clearly spoken their opinions. It may be a hard bullet to bite, but when enough evidence has been put forth, people are very capable to see what is factual and what BS!

You say; ". . . Cowlitz River is not, has not, and never will be the exclusive property of recreational anglers. It is a public resource that belongs to everyone. Even those folks who never pick up a fishing rod. If you were to survey the general population in the State of Washington, the results might be very different."

Cohoangler
You're wrong again! During the Pollution Control Hearing Board (PCHB) hearings that were held last year on the Cowlitz, testimony revealed that in fact, sport fishing was, and is the number one (1) recreational activity on the Cowlitz. Again, please do the research to back up your statements!

Finally, I know what the WDFW and NMFS "mandates" are. I have worked hand and hand with both of these agencies for many years now and have developed some pretty good friendships with some of them. But that does not, nor will it change my goal and commitment to see that the sport fishermen will never again be left in dark on the Cowlitz.

In the most part, most of these people care and do work for the resources of our great state. But when they (the policy makers) get side tracked, they need to become accountable for their actions. As I get older, I find that hindsight is no ones faults but your own!

Thanks for your comments, and I apologize if I have offended you. I just tell it as I see it, and let the facts and the information that has lead to the facts fall where they fall. When people can show me otherwise, with documentation, I will be the first to eat my words!

It will not happen often because I DO MY HOMER WORK FIRST.

Cowlitzfisherman