In the Dec. 5th edition of the Northwest Treaty Tribes Magazine, Lorrain Loomis wrote in her editorial the following statement:

"Salmon co-management has become increasingly difficult as Indian and non-Indian fishermen must share a steadily shrinking resource. But increased involvement by the governor’s office has helped resolve differences, especially in the annual North of Falcon salmon season setting process."

This revelation has some potentially troubling indications. For one, although we agree the Governor SHOULD insure the North of Falcon process is open, fair and equitable, we don't think his role should involve resolving differences in the Salmon Setting Process! That role is the responsibility of the DFW Commission!

Second, by involvement of the Governor in mediating the North of Falcon, is he undermining the authority of the Commission? And in doing so, is he showing his motives to reduce the authority of the Commission and perhaps relegate them to an advisory role only, as some want?

Clearly, this information should, at a minimum send alarm bells through out the sport fishing community. We have only the Commission as our representative in the fishery management. Take that away, and the last vestige of Co-management is gone..as is our sport!