Here is a copy of my comments:

Commissioners,

I am writing as comment for the Draft NOF process policy C-3608 for the 2017-2018 year.

I am a life long recreational sportsmen of Washington State. Over my lifetime of fishing, I have spent thousands of dollars in our local economies in pursuit of my love, fishing.

This year I understand that at last, the question of why the Tribal/WDFW NOF negotiations are closed to the public has been raised.

I have long held that if there is nothing to hide, then why keep things secret? By shutting the doors to accountability, you have perpetuated the feeling of mistrust and misdeed!

This has not only breed anger at the agency, but has greatly deteriorated the feeling of cooperation we, the sportsmen feel toward the Tribes.

Further, I believe a legality issue has been raised by prohibiting the public from inclusion in these meetings.

I understand the Tribes have strongly opposed opening the doors to these negotiations, and may have threatened to “walk away” from the meetings if you push to follow the law. Of course, the fear is this will again have a major impact on our ability to get our needed permits for a season.

By using threats to influence your ability to negotiate a fair and ecologically sound management season for the tax paying public, are the Tribes not guilty of coercion?

After last years “Coho-gate” have you not learned that the current co-management process needs a major overhaul? Are you really doing the very best for your stakeholders if you're not able (or willing) to stand up to bullying?

I highly encourage you to take a stand. Open the Tribal NOF process to the public. Let the light shine on exactly how things are negotiated “in good faith” from both sides. Represent your stakeholders, the tax paying public to the very best of your ability. WE MUST REGAIN OUR TRUST IN YOU FOR THE SAKE OF OUR FISH, BUT YOU MUST ALSO EARN THAT TRUST BACK!

If the Co-managers walk away, so be it. At least you will have taken a stand and we can let the court of public opinion judge their actions!

Respectfully,
_________________________
"Forgiveness is between them and God. My job is to arrange the meeting."

1Sgt U.S. Army (Ret)