We think this topic is significant enough to have it's own post, so we can discuss how this is viewed, and perhaps send a message to the Department and Commission. Here is a link to the Kitsap Sun article:

State plans to reopen fishing on Skokomish River

On the face value, this looks like a good thing, however, there is a caveat that we cannot overlook: in the article it states:

" Ron Warren, head of the Department of Fish and Wildlife's fish program, said the state will bring forward a fishery package for the Skokomish River during this year's North of Falcon salmon season-setting process."

There are two issues here:
1. Ron Warren
2. This will be discussed in the, still closed to the public, North of Falcon.

From many conversions we've heard, Ron does not have the most trustworthy reputation, and since we will have no idea what is discussed, we have no idea what Ron will bargain away!

As long as our most important co-managemnt fishery agreements are made in secret, we cannot trust to be given a fair and equitable deal.

Maybe, just maybe this might be Ron's way of securing enough favor to have a legitimate shot at the open Director's position.

Here is an email that we sent to Ron Warren, Mike Grossmann and the Commission:

Ron, Mike, Commissioners
It was very welcome news that after three years, the department has decided to challenge the take over of the contested Skokomish river.

After hearing two years ago that a plan was in place to re-open the river to create a nexus for challenge, it seems it is at last being put from words to action.
As you might imagine, it is welcome news that the department and the AG's office are at last willing to make a stand on this issue and say enough is enough.

I would however like to draw your attention back to the greater issue of the lack of transparency in our fisheries management.
Since both the Department leadership and our Commissioners have publicly stated their support for open meetings, and there is an overwhelming number of constituents who have told the state they want transparency, it seems the time for action for this issue has also arrived.

You asked us in our meeting of Oct 26, "What do you want us to do to fix this?" It seems the simple answer is the same one that you plan to bring about on the River. Create a nexus. Simply, inform the NWIFC that the state plans on having a live video feed in the negotiations. It is the right thing to do, and as you said Mike, there is no legal reason for exclusion. The only obstacle to opening the meetings is the tribes objection.

The transparency issue is very similar to the Skokomish claiming the entire river and the state objecting. WDFW and the Commission have both stated publicly that "transparency in government is essential, good and necessary", the tribes see confidentiality paramount. It is time to put your words of support to action. Unless of course, they were just that, an attempt to patronize.

If it is a Nexus of some physical form you need, there are a lot of stakeholders that are more than willing to attend the negotiations, just say the word.

Again, good news on drawing a line in the sand on the Skokomish, now stand up for the greater issue facing our fisheries, ending SECRET MEETINGS!

Sincerely,
Washington Citizen Sportsmen