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#99221 - 11/11/00 07:37 AM IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
Anonymous
Unregistered


The latest news on next spring's Columbia chinook negotiations is that the "Unfair Pair" are trying to stick sportfishermen with a paltry 0.5% ESA impact allocation again; on an expected great return of 300,000+ springers (from a reliable source within).

That's a grim outlook, but not totally unexpected; particularly on the part of the Columbia Tribal Commission. It is unfortunate that the Fed. government, via the NMFS, sides with such a radical one sided interpretation! I hope that the state's lawsuit against the "Unfair Pair" gets us a least a 2% impact. Because it will be litigated under federal jurisdiction I think you could be right about a bleak outcome for sportsmen.

THIS IS GROSSLY UNFAIR! I also completely agree with you that we need lots of letters sent to our Congressmen! Jennie has a link from the Ifish mainpage to a page of State Senators and Representatives. Can someone post where to write to Washington Congressmen below this? Thanks.

I have written letters. I have made several public internet posts protesting this rediculous 0.5% allocation for fish that we pay for via taxes, fishing licenses, and tax on fishing related good and services. I tried to organize a protest rally last spring at Cascade Locks. If apathetic sportfishers won't make a small sacrifice to attend a rally for your deserved rights, then at least give back with a small amount of your time and write your Congressmen, telling them that the Col. Tribal Comm. and NMFS Col. fall and spring salmon allocation agendas and mandates are very unfair. That we have paid for these fish. That Indian gillnets kill all Fed. ESA protected native fish that swim into them. That sportfishers can fish selectively by releasing all native fish with adipose fins intact so that over 90% of them can successfully spawn. That even a 2% allocation to non-Indian fishers is not enough to be fair to us, but 0.5% is unacceptable and enough to cause a significant voter backlash in future elections!

Good numbers of letters mean something to our Congressmen. Great numbers of letters move them to action on our behalf! They can and will influence the Fed. factions that are in control of the NMFS. Very IMPORTANTLY, the Col. allocation issues aren't the only thing a letter campaign will affect. It can and will affect some Congressmen's input and voting on federal budgets for NW hatcheries! So please get going on this right away people. These decisions will be made in the near future, not next spring.

* I also make a call for someone with the time and leadership, perhaps from such as one of the Chapter Presidents of the Association of NW Steelheaders, to put together another attempt at a protest rally. It needs to be at the appropriate place and time, and given enough time and publicity to draw big numbers of fishermen. Liz Hamilton and Buzz Ramsey of NISA would be great to contact at Luhr Jensen in Hood River for info on the most effective way to go about this. They were enthusiastically helpful in suggestions they made to me last spring; it was just too short of notice for many and very unfortunately apathetic for many others. Let's take the opportunity and get after this one! - Steve Hanson (RT)


------------------
Know fish or no fish. - RT



[This message has been edited by Reel Truth (edited 11-11-2000).]

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#99222 - 11/11/00 12:22 PM Re: IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
kalamabama Offline
Returning Adult

Registered: 03/07/00
Posts: 324
Loc: LaCenter Wa USA
RT thanks for the news and your hard work in keeping us up to date on this stuff. I was at cascade locks last year and must agree it was a sad showing. I will push pull or drag all my fishing partners this year if a protest is put together.I the mean time I will write. I do not know the address if you could post it it would be a help. I will look it up to. Once again thanks and I am ready to do my part to get some more fishing time.

------------------
dank
Keep The Rivers Clean! smile
_________________________
dank
Keep The Rivers Clean! smile

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#99223 - 11/11/00 07:22 PM Re: IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
Anonymous
Unregistered


Thanks KB (Dan). Here is a URL that Jen put up to access Congressmen and Governors. etc., addresses and how best to write to them:
http://www.ifish.net/write.html

Two of the more important ones to write to for Washington state is Rep. Norm ****s (who will get after this) and Sen. Slade Gorton (did he win over Cantwell w/o a recount?). There are others to, and I don't see any problemm with using the same base letter, typed in your own words using the suggested things from above, and just changing the names and addresses to send to. The important thing is that a lot of letters get to them relatively soon! Thanks. - RT - Edit I see that the Representative's last name was picked out as a dirty deletive LOL. His last name starts with D and ends in icks.

[This message has been edited by Reel Truth (edited 11-11-2000).]

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#99224 - 11/11/00 09:29 PM Re: IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
Gusty Offline
Returning Adult

Registered: 04/27/99
Posts: 347
Loc: Everett, WA. USA
I am just curious, I read of these insane allocation numbers, and scratch my head as to why some lawyer has not filed a class action lawsuit on the behalf of the sportsfishermen. As I understand the Bolt decision, doesnt it allow for a 50/50 split, regardless of damms and their effects on run size?

Sadly, the only way the treaty, and these issues can get going in our favor, is to take it to court.

Anyone with any legal expertise that could explain the situation?

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#99225 - 11/11/00 11:53 PM Re: IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
chumkiller Offline
Parr

Registered: 08/28/00
Posts: 45
Loc: snohomish
Sadly enough, the reason that no lawyer has filed a suit on behalf of sportfishers is that not enough fishers can bring themselves to agree to disagree on the massive numbers of issues but at least agree that we need a fair shake when it comes to allocation issues. The sportfishers of this state couldn't agree to support I696 because it didn't deal with the tribes. You can't get but a handful of fishers together to have a protest. Couldn't get more than a couple hundred to call/write letters to save Reiter Ponds. I made a post a couple of weeks ago reference us being solitary creatures and not being able to affect change unless we can come together-it got a whole 2 responses. What does that tell you? Apathy has and will continue to be our downfall. Wake up and smell the coffee folks. There are approx 1,500 commercial salmon fishers and 300,000+ sport salmon fishers in this state and we get our butts kicked everytime. I believe Jim Bain was behind the WAA and it has fallen apart due to apathy. Unless we collectively get off our butts and unite we will never be listened to or respected by the state and especially the courts. WE ARE NOT A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH! Not trying to anger anyone. Just expressing my opinion. By the way, how many of you are actively involved in restoration efforts in your county of residence?

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#99226 - 11/12/00 12:02 AM Re: IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
Keta Offline
Repeat Spawner

Registered: 03/05/00
Posts: 1083
I'm not a lawyer by any means, but I do know where the uneven split of the allowed bycatch of listed stocks is coming from. It's part of Dept. of Interior secretarial order No.3206. In short it says cutbacks for conservation measures must be applied to non-treaty activities first, then only when these measures are shown to not be enough the tribes can be cut. I used to have the text of order No. 3206, if I can dig it up I will post a link to it.

Here is the link. Look at Principle3 paragraph C
http://endangered.fws.gov/esatribe.html

[This message has been edited by Keta (edited 11-11-2000).]

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#99227 - 11/12/00 12:04 AM Re: IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
Fly Flinger Offline
Alevin

Registered: 04/22/00
Posts: 12
Loc: Gig Harbor, WA
Folling is the link to the Washington State Legislature where you can locate your local representative or follow pending legislation: http://www.leg.wa.gov/house/default.htm

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#99228 - 11/12/00 01:16 AM Re: IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
Steelheadman Offline
River Nutrients

Registered: 03/15/99
Posts: 4167
Loc: Poulsbo, WA,USA
Does anybody have a form letter that I can send to Jay Inslee? The Columbia river gorge is beautiful. Just went thru the gorge last week for the first time. Never fished it but I'll be glad to support your efforts RT. I think I need to involve myself a little more.
_________________________
I'd Rather Be Fishing for Summer Steelhead!

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#99229 - 11/12/00 06:41 AM Re: IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
Anonymous
Unregistered


Thanks for the replies.

Gusty - The states of Washington and Oregon have filed suit against Federal Gov. over this unfair situation. Because it will be litigated in a Fed. court and because of common misdirected Tribal sympathy sources say it isn't likely to get us far. That's why we need a strong letter campaign to our politicians. (read next to Keta below to see one example of where it will help)

Chumkiller - Right on post about fishermen apathy. It has earned us the short end too many times! With a massive return of Col. hatchery springers coming, here is another chance to demand a fair share for a change. Don't blow another chance fishers! It takes so little time and effort. Probably less than tying up fishing gear for the next day.

Keta - IMHO, No. 3206 is NOT consistent with Federal Court interpretations of Tribal Treaties! That's why we must protest in mass so they are pressured to properly abolish it. Let's get after them.

----------------
Know Fish or No Fish. - RT

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#99230 - 11/12/00 01:48 PM Re: IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
Captain Hook Offline
Fry

Registered: 09/12/00
Posts: 28
RT - I'm 51 years old and have never been politically active in my life - until now. I am absolutely fed up with the treatment that sportsmen get. We need to get involved and turn this around. Until we do, there is no hope. Let me know where your next rally is, and if I'm able to attend I will!

I just sent the following to my new state senator. I know that he will read and respond to this. I'll keep you informed:
-----------------------------------------
Don - congratulations on your election to state senator.

I have a couple of issues that I would like to know your position on, and would like to request your support for. The first is nets in the Columbia. It's my opinion that they need to be removed - once and for all. I sent a note to the director of the WDFW protesting the nets in the Columbia, and received a response that basically said "sportsmen are allowed to fish every day of the month - so what's your problem?" My problem is that most of us work and can only fish on weekends. When nets are in the river Monday through Friday, fishing is over for the weekend. They basically sweep the river clean of fish - both in the Columbia and fish bound for the tributaries. My other problem with nets is that they do not discriminate. They catch all fish, both protected and unprotected stocks. When and how can we get them out of the river?

My second issue relates to fish allocation. Apparently, the NMFS is about to determine the allocation of next year's Spring Chinook for sportsmen. I've heard that it is some abysmally low percentage - in spite of the fact that the run is forecast to be quite strong. This just doesn't seem fair.

Please look into these issues and let me know what you can do to help out, or what we sportsmen can do to turn the situation around. There are hundreds of thousands of sportsmen in this state, and we seem to do a lousy job of getting organized. I often wonder what would happen if we just stopped hunting and fishing for a year; parked our boats and recreational vehicles and didn't license them; didn't buy hunting and fishing licenses, etc. The economic impact on the state and on businesses would be enormous - far outweighing the economic impact of commercial fishing. As a group, we haven't gotten mad enough or united enough to do this yet, but just maybe.......

Thanks for your help and best wishes for success as our new state senator.

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#99231 - 11/12/00 03:22 PM Re: IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
schitzo with a berkley Offline
Juvenille at Sea

Registered: 02/19/00
Posts: 129
Loc: edgewood, wa........
hi reel truth, i was wondering are you getting a rally going this year? i personally dont knwo where the cascade locks are but i would attend, im but one person but if we would jus be united and pull together we could be powerful, look at gays and lesbians, they are but 1% of the population and they are controlling outcomes here and there in alot of courts..well anyways i think the idea of not buying a fishig license is a good idea, i would be up to it, anyone else? i was also wondering is there any club or groups around the tacoma area that have fish rehancement proects in the area? i would like more info on that, anyone got a number? thanks **schitzo**

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#99232 - 11/12/00 05:08 PM Re: IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
Anonymous
Unregistered


Right on Captain H. Thanks. That's the kind of letters we need lots of. Letters should include the unfair allocations to Treaty Tribes out of line with the 50/50 court interpretations, gillnetting issues, and hatchery funding issues. My letters I'm working on are weighted toward the NMFS and Col. Tribal Comm.'s unfair allocation to sportsmen for the huge hatchery springer run due next spring on the Columbia. .... Scitz, I think a rally at the right place and time would be valuable. Since I put so much time, effort, and some of my own money into the rally attempt last spring that got a dismal low turnout due to angler apathy, I won't be the leader of the next one; but I will be there to offer advice and help out anyone taking up the cause. I think it will be better attended this time with close to half a million springers coming! I will be there. Hope you'll be there. The decisions will be forthcoming in a few weeks so we need letters now! - RT

[This message has been edited by Reel Truth (edited 11-12-2000).]

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#99233 - 11/22/00 06:46 AM Re: IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
Anonymous
Unregistered


Back to the top of the BB to co-incide with Krome Brite's "2001 Columbia Springers!!!" post.

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#99234 - 11/22/00 12:53 PM Re: IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
Scaly Offline
Returning Adult

Registered: 03/07/99
Posts: 167
Loc: Sequim, WA, USA
Schitzo: Tacoma has a very active TU chapter. They meet on last Wednesdays of the month, 7:30 pm at the Western Inn, 9920 So. Tacoma Way. For info, call Ray Evans (253-588-1336) or Bruce Cromoga (253-952-2569 or fishnfool@aol.com). They'll be glad to talk to ya.

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#99235 - 11/22/00 03:23 PM Re: IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
schitzo with a berkley Offline
Juvenille at Sea

Registered: 02/19/00
Posts: 129
Loc: edgewood, wa........
THANKS SCALY FOR THE INFO, I'LL GIVE IT A SHOT..**SCHITZO**

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#99236 - 11/24/00 10:44 AM Re: IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
B-RUN STEELY Offline
River Nutrients

Registered: 02/08/00
Posts: 3233
Loc: IDAHO
Reel, not sure if this helps but if the issue includes removing the nets from the columbia (in addition to the allocation issues) Idaho rivers united and I.S.S.U can help with your letter campain. They are both very vocal groups and I am a member of both. If you think that the additional voices can help I will forward all your text to the correct persons. Let me know, or go to their web sites and drop them a line.
_________________________
Clearwater/Salmon Super Freak

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#99237 - 11/24/00 11:13 AM Re: IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
EricW Offline
Juvenille at Sea

Registered: 04/22/00
Posts: 99
Loc: Aberdeen,WA
Fisherman apathy is a re-occuring theme. It's one thing to take the energy to write or go to a meeting(which obviously seems to be asking to much of us lazy-asses) to protest unfair allocations but it's another to be able to protest while fishing.

RT, have you or anyone else considered a multi-state "fish-in" as a protest instead of a rally?

Think about it.

1) Some will immediately say it's illegal but is it? They have one interpretation of seasons and allocations......we have another.

2)We're talking 300,000 primarily hatchery springers. A massive fish-in over 1-3 days won't make a huge dent in the season's run; much less the wild fish.

3) It will give drooling, normally apathetic fishermen a reason to fish and protest at the same time.

4) Enforcement? Who's going to write tickets to thousands of WA-OR-IA boats at once?

5) You think the media will ignore this? Yeah..right!

How's the saying go?

"desperate times call for desperate measures"

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#99238 - 11/27/00 06:35 AM Re: IT'S TIME TO WRITE LETTERS NOW !
Anonymous
Unregistered


B-RUN, by all means, please forward my letter examples and a plea for their contibuted letter campaign help. Thanks much!

Eric, if these letter campaigns don't get us enough additional fish I think a fish-in protest organized thru several internet sites, and other mediums, would be a good thing to do. If a lot of gung-ho law enforcement officers are present and try to ticket protesters, even with big signs on their boats, remember that it is legal to fish for Columbia R. walleye with lures such as Wiggle Warts. However, don't sit back and hope for that to do as much as big numbers of letters will do. The letters have the potential to get enough politicians involved to get us more fair consideration in not just the Columbia springer allocation issue, but in many other allocation issues involving Indian Treaty abuses and other factors that reduce our fishing opportunity. So plan on doing both! The letters need to go out in big numbers soon, as the decisions will be made in the not-to-distant future. Then we can get out in our sign covered boats in front of the cameras next spring. Let's get after it this time guys, and give our goals a much better chance! - RT

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