This year's proposal packet presented to the commission by the WDFW was a little different this time. The proposal packet now comes in two parts; Proposal Request with recommendations by the WDFW and all publicly submitted proposals. In previous years proposal packets the Commission only saw what was recommended by WDFW.

Approximately over forty requests were sent in requesting statewide release of all wild steelhead, year around, no exceptions. WDFW reason for not including it in their recommendations was something to the effect- it is too soon to revisit this proposal.

Anyone that was at Port Townsend knows there were further requests made for such a proposal, along with compelling argument for the proposal. Anyone is allowed to come to these meetings and provide public testimony for a proposal. And you are allowed to talk with your Commissioner.

After reviewing ALL parts the proposal packets and public testimony input it is within the Commission's due process to make a new proposal. After the Commission voted on the various proposals, the proposal for statewide release was made by the Commission, discussed and amended to the two year moratorium we have now.

So it seems to me that they did-

"Act in an open and deliberative process that encouraged public involvement and increased public confidence in department decision making."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------