As a member of the Steelhead/Cutthroat Policy Advisory Group, I rec'd the following information from Bob Leland, Steelhead Program Manager. I thought you might be interested in making comments on the Olympic National Park proposed fishing regulations.

I know that many will be interested in the pending legal action with the Hoh Tribe and their take of 396 more wild steelhead this year.

Dave Croonquist

Hi everyone,
I wanted to update everyone on two things:
1) The Olympic National Park is accepting public comments through April 18, 2003 on their regulation package proposals, the package can be found at the following website:
http://www.nps.gov/olym/press/fishchange.htm

2) For the 2002/2003 winter steelhead management season the Hoh Tribe proposed a schedule that would take 396 more wild winter steelhead than authorized under, what we understand to be, separate 50:50 sharing of the hatchery and wild runs. The State filed a request for a hearing and an injunction to halt the tribal fishery (3 days of fishing). Affidavits and briefs were written by WDFW, Washington Attorney General's Office, tribal biological staff and the tribal attorney. On March 25, 2003 a conference call hearing was conducted with Federal Court Judge The Honorable Barbara Rothstein. The judge decided not to rule on the State's request and the tribe will fish through April 2, 2003.

The State will be preparing for a court hearing on this issue over the next several months. The court wishes to keep, whether or not to manage hatchery and wild winter steelhead separately to the Hoh River only. A court decision to manage the hatchery and wild steelhead runs as one run has far reaching ramifications and has the potential to impact our sport catch-and-release fisheries.

If you would like more information give me a call.

bl
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Bob Leland
Steelhead Program Manager
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North
Olympia, WA 98501
lelanrfl@dfw.wa.gov
360-902-2817

Well the Tribes take as many fish as they want ...so they knock the numbers down to a level to get E S A status ...that is the day we can get some one to stand up for the fish and put a stop to this crap

Interesting info ... I hadn't heard anything on it. I'll certainly keep my ears open .. be interesting to see how this plays out. Thanks for the heads-up!