Just got an E-mail that evreyone interested
in saving Reiter's hatchery should read!
My friend Gary Bee just got back from a
important meeting about Reiter's and had
great news! Here it is.
Rod,
Just got out of a meeting at DFW, Mill Creek concerning Reiter's status. In
attendance was from DFW: Director Dr. Koenings, Chuck Phillips, Bob Everett,
Doug Hatfield, Mark Schaefer, Curt Kraemer and the Hatchery Operations
Manager whose name I forgot (she didn't the sign-up sheet either but
otherwise seemed competent). Wildlife Commissioner Pete Van Gytenbeek (sp?);
Senator Val Stevens, Reps Koster, Dunshee, O'Brien & McAuiliffe; and your
locale sports nuts like Bob Heirman, Frank Urabeck, John Kuljis, John Kelly,
Rick Michael & Jim Hearn and myself.

Basically what it boiled down to was that Director Koenings needs a "co-op"
to keep Reiter going. Dr. Koenings has agreed to keep Reiter open till
January 1, 2000. In the meantime the recreational (or general public) has
agreed to show support by securing funds of approximately $25,000 to 30,000.
I have agreed to start a fund for the "Reiter Ponds Project." I will be
working closely with all the Sports Groups including Bob Heirman from the
Snohomish Sportsman Club. Our immediate contact within DFW will be Bob
Everitt at the Mill Creek office. We don't have to raise all the money in a
week or a month but need to get started this summer. Other Information and
possible options will be available as we go. Dr Koenings made it clear that
this is not intended to be a "one-time Band-Aid" remedy but rather an ongoing
commitment. This means we need to either continue to raise money for Reiter
or make sure that the Legislature in the future designates funds specifically
for Reiter. So lets go to work!
Gary Bee
Sky Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Anyone interested in helping in this cause
with donations or peoplepower get a hold
of me Rod Bush rvrotter@gte.net
425-334-6318