In relation to JB's reference above, the "Open Meeting's guy" is just one of 5,000+ advocates and stakeholders who share the conviction that good faith, trust and understanding are paramount elements of moving forward with salmon resource conservation...and we have held that belief from very early on. I belong in the ranks of those thousands.

We greet and applaud the news of the forward movement resulting from the recent Plenary Session, and, like the great majority of stakeholders, are optimistic that "detente" has taken priority over contention and adversarial conflict concerning the resource we all cherish. The adage that "a journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step" comes to mind...but each step forward from this point is even more critical than that very moving first effort.

Lorraine Loomis deserves accolades at this point in time. No one can dispute the Tribe's First Nation status, and what they collectively have endured over the generations. She has shown the wisdom of her words, and her presence to display just that during the plenary meeting was beyond lifting.

However, we must collectively face forward and immediately begin the unified campaign to save the fish. It will take a coordinated offensive on many fronts to make things right with our resource--including the participation of ALL those parties dedicated to saving the fish--and no one should be shut out, omitted or excluded from that process.

I'm now saying what many others are putting forth in unison...Tribals, Recs, Commercials, Biologists, Fisheries Managers, Conservationists, Commissioners, Boat Manufacturers and Sales Outlets, Sporting Goods Dealers, Sportsman Group leaders and members, Politicians, Environmentalists...and, most importantly, some of the younger generation(s) who face the loss of what we all have taken for granted.

I was informed just yesterday that a most prominent and respected individual amongst us has concluded that salmon fishing in State waters will come to an end within 10 years. We must take heed of his point of view--there is little time left. Let the Plenary success carry on and move forward...and allow all to participate...