Salmontackler- Responding to your suggestion in my "C&R Debate Needs This Biologist's Report" post thread, I sent the following letter to the posted e-mail address of commision@dwf.wa.gov & to commission@dwf.wa.gov and had it returned "host unknown" undelivered. I will post the letter here. If anyone can forward it to the appropriate fisheries management e-mail address it would be very appreciated. I also urge that we all send in our comments, when someone posts the correct e-mail address- then watch what happens in response to numbers! ----- Dear WDFW/Commision: I believe that angler's/voters in Washington state are on the threshhold of an uprising of organized fishermen with the resolve to see thru to conclusion the enactment of improved state fisheries management, regulations, and lawful enforcement of such. And where necessary, vote in cleanhouse leadership in this time of dwindling stocks of this state's anadromous fish runs.- para- At the heart of this issue are Reg.'s that still permit the sportfishing harvest of native Steelhead in some of this state's watersheds. Given the documentation of the general decline of these precious and irreplacable fish, there is simply NO justification to allow continued harvest of any of these fish, even in limited managed numbers! What in the world is going on within the circle of Washington state fish managers that set these Reg.'s? They must by now have learned something over recent years about these declines all over the N.W. And that allowing continued harvest of native Steelhead will not only hurt their chances for future survival, but also continue to send out a very poor image of the state of affairs within the afforementioned circle of decision makers in Washington!- para- Please remember that the states of Oregon and Idaho, as well as British Columbia, have "done the right thing" in recent years by no longer allowing any harvest of native Steelhead. This is not only proper management, but has been very well accepted by the majority of fishermen. The state of Oregon has been a particularly good example of both proper fishing Reg. management and broad specturm resourse user group cooperation to improve natural spawning habitat for anadromous fish runs. This was instituted by Governor John Kitzhaber as the Oregon Salmon Plan. It has brought unprecedented unity within the state, and along with C&R Reg.'s for native Steelhead and the fin-clipping of all harchery raised Steelhead for managed harvest, has warded off the onset of the Federal Endangered Species Act which has the potential to halt much of the state's fishing opportunity. Similar Reg.'s and policies are now planned for Oregon's Spring Chinook salmon. Included is public education on proper fish release techniques.- para- What is going to be the response by the lag behind, foresight lacking, fisheries management in Washington? Please internent access www.piscatorialpursuits.com to learn of a credible slice of this state's angler attitude and resolve for proper change (click on Salmon & Steelhead Forums and form there click on the Salmon & Steelhead Bulletin Board). Take particular note of two subject headings to click on and read thru; "Washington Angler's Alliance" and "C&R Debate Needs This Biologist's Report". Like with any public forum, you will have to skim thru a few shallow name calling type posts, but there are many very good feedback posts on the subject of your management positions. It will be more than good public relations to respond back, addressing the concerns of the thousands of readers here (and elsewhere)- it may also help save your jobs in the not too distant future!- para- Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Steve Hanson (ReelTruth1@aol.com)




[This message has been edited by Reel Truth (edited 04-06-2000).]