Joint Organizational Release-April 26, 2005-For Immediate Release to the Conservation and Sportfishing Communities:

Over the past week, a battle was waged over the future of fish and wildlife in the State of Washington. Thanks to the concerted effort of several individuals in Olympia (and thousands of contributing sportsmen like you) our natural resources won a decisive victory.

An organized attempt by the industrial fishing interests to remove Washington Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Clyde McBrayer was met by an equally organized coalition of sportfishing and conservation groups, with very significant assistance from key elected officials. As a result, the attempt to remove Commissioner McBrayer failed.

Representatives from the Recreational Fishing Alliance, the Wild Steelhead Coalition, the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association, the Puget Sound Anglers, the Washington Sportfishing PAC, the Northwest Marine Trade Association, and the Willapa Bay Fishing Gang, and others, received strong support and advice from several legislators.

Our heroes and supporters in the political arena, among others, especially include:

Washington Governor Christine Gregoire (Olympia)
Washington Lieutenant Governor Brad Owens (Shelton)
Washington Senator Bob Oke (26th District, Port Orchard)
Washington Senator Lisa Brown (3rd District, Spokane)
United States Representative Norm Dicks (6th US District, Washington)

Thanks to the generous and steadfast support of these individuals, the conservation and sportfishing communities were able to keep Commissioner McBrayer on the Fish & Wildlife Commission, where his valuable experience and perspective will serve to protect the resources of our state, and the social, cultural, and economic heritage here in Washington that depends upon healthy resources and ecosystems.

The conservation and sportfishing representatives who worked tirelessly in Olympia owe both a gracious “thank you” and a heartfelt “congratulations” to the many citizens around our state who took the time to contact their legislators, and who lent moral support over the past week. It was a fine example of how focused and organized participation in the political process can produce successful results!

On behalf of the resources and the representatives working in Olympia, “thank you” to those who showed your support for a balanced Fish & Wildlife Commission!

Please remember to thank and support the above elected officials for their strong leadership role in this victory for our shared resources.

Sincerely,


Todd A. Ripley, Wild Steelhead Coalition
Mike Gilchrist, Recreational Fishing Alliance
Carl Burke, Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association
Clint Muns, Puget Sound Anglers
Corey Freeman, Washington Sportfishing PAC
Tony Floor, Northwest Marine Trade Association
Diana Bone, Willapa Bay Fishing Gang