Pasting errror here is the the second half.


The North Olympic Peninsula Chapter will be requesting PSA State Board support for the following resolution:

Whereas the Wildlife Commission has placed a two year moratorium on the retention of wild steelhead from rivers of the state where the scientific data as prepared by WDFW staff indicates that a harvestable surplus in excess of escapement needs exists and:

Whereas there are concerns over the process used by the Wildlife Commission in presenting and passing the Wildlife Administrative Code regulation without full public discussion and:

Whereas there will be an economic impact on the communities and businesses in the vicinity of the rivers and streams that are closed:

Therefore, let be it resolved that the member chapters of the Puget Sound Anglers organization are presenting their opposition to the Wildlife Commission moratorium on the retention of wild steelhead from those rivers that have a harvestable surplus in excess of needed escapement goals and respectfully request re-consideration of the action pending scientific proof that such harvest would be a detriment to the wild steelhead population in the affected rivers.

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Clint Muns read a letter that he had prepared for the City of Forks to help them in their presentation to the WDFW and Commission concerning the moratorium. The PSA Board approved Clint’s actions on behalf of the PSA Board and chapters. A copy of the letter follows:
PUGET SOUND ANGLERS STATE BOARD
To whom it may concern,

The organization of Puget Sound Anglers, currently representing 14 chapters throughout Western Washington, has held a position opposing ‘statewide non-retention of wild Steelhead’ for several years.
This type of regulation ties the hands of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, in effect not allowing the Department to manage the resource based on science and maximum benefit for the people of the state of Washington.

Many rivers, having been under this type of regulation for a number of years, have shown little or no sign of recovery, calling into question the claim that this blanket regulation would help the recovery of wild Steelhead.

Tribal harvesters may take advantage of ‘Forgone Opportunity,’ effectively neutralizing any possible saving of wild Steelhead.

To deny citizens the opportunity to harvest a wild Steelhead, when harvestable numbers exist, is to cater to a minority, elitist view, not representative of the average sportfisher in Washington. What are our efforts to recover this wonderful icon of Northwest culture for, if not to allow us our traditional heritage of harvest. Are we to treat our natural environment as a museum (look but don’t touch), or should we be able to interact and enjoy what nature provides?

It is our belief that science based management should prevail, not emotional idealism.


Clint Muns
State Board President
Puget Sound Anglers