I think its obvious at this point that the only possible solution for some of the problems at WDFW involves new leadership. So far, the commission has been reluctant to provide it. A mild public tongue lashing does not qualify as leadership, nor will it provoke meaningful change.

While the director has many redeeming qualities, understanding salmon management does not seem to be one of them. If they value him so much, they need to insist on a better deputy/leadership team with knowledge of salmon management and skills at negotiation.

I think an ultimatum to the director is in order. Fix the salmon side of the house or leave.

If the commission is willing to stand for this nonsense of salmon managers making policy without consulting to the commission, then I think the commission no longer has a purpose.

While I appreciate the logic of the commission structure, its clearly not yielding positive results for the resource or users. How does WDFW get out of its current tailspin? Can the commission help, or is it just cover for more status quo? Right now it sure feels like it reinforcing the status quo. In a decade we won't be able to fish perch let alone salmon or steelhead if the current trajectory continues.