The CCA Skagit Valley rep who testified at Friday Harbor was articulate and professional. State CCA reps were meeting with other fishing reps with cloud working on this issue on another front we can't get to. WDFW is deciding their stand on guidelines/rules right now too. So there's a lot going on simultaneously and I think we're right on target to get to help create a new proposal after the comment period is over October 27th.

I missed the 2007 first request for comments and wish I had known. What comments get submitted can make a difference. Sincere thanks Larry Carpenter and an email from Mike Dunnigan to CAPS members. Then through out the fishing clubs and net boards and within one week WE become a strong force that had to be recconded with. We always talked about unity and it has happened better than I've seen before.

I was concerned when I went to the Friday Harbor meeting I was in enemy territory. I had a lot of sportie company though. : )

Mark Anderson, first Orca museum curator must have felt that way at the Seattle meeting. He changed back to idiot at FH. It became apparent that the only proponents of banning boats were Mark and his few affiliates. The residents, city/co governments, businesses came out in force to let NOAA know they were enraged at this proposal. They appear to realize this proposal should be rewriten already. Turns out the chairman of the Orca museum Board of Directors testified he fired Mark Anderson a long time ago and would do it again!

The comments at these three meetings are making the difference. Soon I hope we'll all back one new proposal that makes some sense like keep funding hatcheries so there's plenty of king salmon, better education and hope it will be consistent with WDFW and Canadian reg's.

Very cool watching this turn around. Thanks to all who submit comments. Larry Carpenter, owner of Master Marine in Mt Vernon, hired retired federal fishing reg expert Frank Urabeck to lead the charge, negotiate and write the final comment document. I hope those with enough money able to assist would consider joining me in donating to the $10,000 Larry paid out. It took one dedicated fisherman willing to spend the money to get this rolling. Frank is worth every penny and it's an honor to work with him.