(I copied my post from a diff. thread so as to make sure I got some input on this from the board. Sorry for the double post.)

Since the closures of the Skykomish, Stillaguamish, Sauk and Skagit catch and release seasons seems to be a done deal. I wanted to find a way to turn some of the anger, shock and dismay into something positive. The damage is already done to the rivers listed above but it is not too late to unite to save to O.P. rivers.

I may be off base on this one but Skookum asked me earlier today about experience in political activism. Well I don't have any but driving home I got to thinking about the political process. It occurs to me that we may be going about this all wrong. If I understand the petition currently being circulated correctly, we are signing up to tell WDFG that we want a statewide C & R of native fish. Unless I'm wrong, they can look at ourlist of 150,000+ signatures and say, f*** you. So what other avenue can we use?

Since Tim Eyman can get the proper number of signatures on an initiative to limit mass transportation or lower car tabs, why couldn't we get enough to put c & r of natives before the voters. Seems that taking this to the public might be the best answer. We could make C & R of natives the LAW and outside the "management" of the WDFG. I know we have tried this route before with BAN but that was a horse of a diff. color. This would potentially get the sportsmen, the environmentalists and buisness behind it. Heck, if those more informed than I think this worthy, I'm willing to donate my time helping pull it together and stumping for signatures. Besides, I suddenly have a lot of free time this spring.

Tell me what you think. So far the one vote I have heard (my wife's) mentioned the term grandiose. If we pulled it off though we would have really accomplished something.

Sinktip