Anyone see this: https://wildfishconservancy.org/notice-o...t_download/file

Says reason they are suing is "throughout 2019 and 2020, WDFW has been capturing and killing wild summer steelhead for this new hatchery program without the required federal review and approval of a Hatchery Genetic Management Plan (HGMP); federally-approved operational plans required for all hatcheries that affect threatened or endangered species."

Anyone know about this?

Should change their name to Wild Fish Litigation Conservancy....
SF

If it actually works it’s a great idea & dumb lawsuit, hope they never have anything to sue about in the future.

I don't think anyone is surprised that WFC was just salivating waiting to submit their legal challenges. Hopefully the Tulalips have an contingency plan in place to counter, we at least know they have the attorneys and funds to fight WFC, but who knows how vested they are in the Sky broodstock program to want to see it to the end. Disheartening to say at least, a big potential blow to us last remaining Sky steelheaders whom have seen steelhead fishing just tank for the last 10-15 years. Raise a hatchery fish and help save an Orca.

BD

I know nothing about the issue except WFC is successful because they are patient. They appear to only go after the agency when they have them dead to rights on breaking a rule. With WDFW's disregard of rules it is darn near an all you can eat 99 cent smorgasbord!

You'd think, given the number of times WDFW loses for not following the rules, that they might try complying with the rules and laws. Guess they figure most folks out there don't have the money to fight it.

Near as I can tell from the 60-day notice, WDFW has turned in all the paperwork to NMFS to get ESA clearance. But NMFS hasn't completed their part of the process, which is not unusual since they have limited staff and a whole lotta similar requests for consultation under ESA. But WDFW should not have proceeded with this program without the necessary ESA clearance. So they should have seen this coming.

Look for NMFS to issue the necessary ESA clearances in the next 60 days in response to this NOI. If they do that, the lawsuit is moot.

I hope so.

That said, it once again seems that NOAA/NMFS has a problem processing such submittals in a timely manner. Remember that WDFW recently provided Staff support to assist NMFS.

Opinion: Congress or NOAA/NMFS needs to establish a maximum time for the processing of such submittals to include a provision that should NOAA/NMFS not meet that timeline the submittal will be afforded conditional approval.

The agency submitting a required proposal should not be left with that proposal flapping in the wind for an unknown period.

They should do the same thing with the Army Corp of Engineers when it comes to permits for boat launches.....
SF

sf sky fish only exist because of WDFW trapping hatchery Fish & trucking them over the falls. So whats Wild then ?

Was my thought too, going back to the late 70's anyhow?

I do find it intellectually interesting (dishonest?) that the Sky, above Sunset Falls, is considered as habitat for wild anadromous salmonids. Go ahead, blow away the native residents, but give us our "wild" salmon.

WDFW is trying to keep a fishery open for “Everybody”. And WSC is acting like a bunch of 3 year old cry baby’s to close it cuss they can’t get their way. Must feel good going to bed at night knowing you Fd things up for everyone else. Way to go. Take candy from babies much ?

Absolutely! When a tribe is able to obtain a USACE permit for a new and very similar launch in a year (1) the fact that the PNP permit application has now been with the USACE for seven (7) years is indicative of how seriously the permitting system is flawed.

Seems everyone i spoke with said WFC was on board along with all the other necessary groups in order to get this going. If its not one thing, its another! So freakin sick of this! Once we get a glimmer of hope, that horrid freaking group screws it up! Everyone should shout loud as to the impact theyve had on fishing and petty lawsuits theyve been involved with! In the beginning (Washington Trout) they seemed to care and fund stream rehabilitation and had some cool projects but they soon turned their business model into frivolous lawsuits that directly and negatively affect our opportunities to fish, not to mention vaccuming funds away from what WDFW could have used for positive purposes. Evil group of people!!!

WFC probably baited everyone into thinking it was all good but knew full well the technical permitting process would mean cash in their pockets. These people are truly corrupt.