I was down there today (at the Commission Meeting) to listen what was going on.

All I can say is

I CAN”T WAIT TO I GET THE TRANSCRIPTS OF THE MEETING!!!

Then you will see what happen!

These two Briefing where amazing!

17. NORTH OF FALCON POLICY - BRIEFING:

18. COLUMBIA RIVER WILD WINTER STEELHEAD IMPACT RATE

I was there too.

Where does one find the transcripts?
I'm interested in attending the next meeting.

Hans

slabhunter

Call or write to Susan Yeager and ask for it.

Okay, I'll admit to having a problem with the mindset of the staff. Anyway.this is what I wrote to the Commission after the workshop:

Thanks for allowing the public input at the workshop. My input was toward item 18.
I believe my point may have been missed. There is a time and place for everything. The staff is proposing to continue gill/tangle nets on the mixed stocks in the Lower Columbia River (with a higher impact on steelhead). This is insane! With the bycatch of 2/3 (ESA listed salmon and steelhead) why in the world should staff continue to cling to the notion that gill/tangle nets should be used? This experiment has failed to show it is a viable way to prosecute the commercial fishery for hatchery salmon.
I believe it's not the commercial fisherman's' fault that they have such a high rate of bycatch since they are required to use the gear specified by staff. Perhaps they should use hook and line since it has proven to be more selective.
Also, the sealion problem on the river has been increased by the number of fish handled in the gill/tangle net process. (The critters see the boats and know there will be an easy meal of stunned fish to follow.)

Sincerly.
Hans M. Mak
(Shelton,WA)

Sounds like this will be an UPHILL battle, folks. Read this news release from WDFW:

CLICK HERE

Our "stewards" are actually prepared to defend a QUINTUPLING of the the 2% impact! Like I said in the MSY thread, when the WDFW mindset only has one tool in the box, that's the one they are going to use. HARVEST HARVEST HARVEST!


These guys just don't get it. Here's a perfect example:

"The proposed realignment of impact limits does not change our intention to minimize wild steelhead mortality," Norman emphasized.

Let's see our intention is "to minimize wild steelhead mortality," but we're going into this meeting to recommend killing 5 times as many wild steelhead. Can they even hear how stupid that sounds?

Can anyone out there say CREDIBILITY GAP?

Sounds Orwellian! We're going to safeguard native Steelhead by killing more of them.
SS

God we need to fire these people. Us uneducated people could do a much better job as we have some comman sense.

Maybe we will get a re-vote for govenor. In that case alot of the problems will be fixed. Maybe not fish management but im sure all the fat will be cut. And with things the way they are simce we are not getting a good product we might as well not be spending the money.

NEWS RELEASE
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, Washington 98501-1091
Internet Address: http://wdfw.wa.gov

January 21, 2005 Contact: Guy Norman, (360) 906-6704



Public meeting to focus on Columbia River
wild steelhead impact proposal

OLYMPIA—A proposal to provide greater flexibility in setting incidental impact rates on Columbia River wild winter steelhead will be discussed during a public meeting Wednesday (Jan. 26) in Tacoma.

The meeting will run from 7 to 9 p.m., in the Tacoma Sheraton Hotel’s fourth-floor pavilion at 1320 Broadway Plaza in Tacoma. The session, hosted by the Puget Sound Anglers, will feature a presentation on the incidental impact proposal by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WFDW) staff.

In an effort to provide sustainable salmon-fishing opportunity while upholding recovery goals for wild winter steelhead, state fish managers are seeking greater flexibility in determining limits on wild steelhead inadvertently caught during salmon fisheries on the Columbia River.

The Columbia River wild steelhead impact issue also was discussed during a recent public workshop of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, and in a public meeting last week for WDFW fishing advisory groups in Longview.

I've been getting some conflicting info, but several guys who attended the Oregon meeting the other day got the discouraging impression that NOAA-F threw both ODFW and WDFW a big fat juicy bone and that this is pretty much a done deal. The public comment part is all for show.

Others argue that it is far from a "done deal". Don't know who to believe, but if there's even half a chance that sports can do anything about this travesty, we had better make one hell of a good showing in Olympia on Feb 5. My offer to start a carpool for the Grays Harbor coalition still stands. Send me a PM and let me know if you can drive or need a ride.

I like the WDFW play on words. "Flexibility"? That means they don't have to follow the rules so strictly and can bend them to suit their purpose which is to allow a commercial net fishery on the Columbia in March when large numbers of wild steelhead are present. And "inadvertently" should mean accidentally but since they know they will catch too many of these listed fish it is hardly inadvertent....predictable would be a better word.......Here is how an honest person would write that statement:

"Fish managers are seeking the legal authority to ignore protection for wild , listed, steelhead that we know will be caught by the commercial netters in unacceptable numbers."

Lets hear SMALMAS opinion or position on this issue based on the best available science of course.

Since im sure he has some insight on this.

I attended the January Commission meeting where Region 5 provided a "Green Sheet" on this issue. It states "A joint state public meeting will be scheduled for late January in Vancouver." I phoned Region 5 today and was informed that this meeting will not take place. They have a meeting in Tacoma on Wednesday (2 days after the written comment period closes) and they are trying to set up a meeting in - guess where - Ilwaco!
So the thousands of sport fishers in the Portland/Vancouver area will not get our promised public meeting.
Testimony at the February meeting is crucial, in my opinion. At least 4 commissioners have serious concerns, and the Director's own advisory board voted unanimously in opposition.

Which director would that be... Koenings?

NEWS RELEASE
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, Washington 98501-1091
Internet Address: http://wdfw.wa.gov
January 25, 2005 Contact: Guy Norman, (360) 906-6704


Ilwaco meeting to discuss
Columbia River steelhead impacts


OLYMPIA—A proposal to provide greater flexibility in setting incidental impact rates on Columbia River wild winter steelhead will be discussed during a public meeting Feb. 2 in Ilwaco.

The meeting will run from 6 to 8 p.m., in the cafeteria of Ilwaco High School at 404 School Road. The school is located off State Route 101, just north of Ilwaco.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife staff will present information on the steelhead incidental impact proposal.

State fish managers are seeking greater flexibility in determining limits on wild steelhead inadvertently caught during salmon fisheries on the Columbia River, as part of its effort to provide sustainable salmon-fishing opportunity while upholding recovery goals for wild winter steelhead.

Other meetings on the steelhead impact issue included a recent Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission public workshop, a public meeting of WDFW fishing advisory groups earlier this month in Longview, and a public meeting of the Puget Sound Anglers scheduled for tomorrow (Jan. 26) in Tacoma.

Rich -
I had posted some comments on this thread in December. If after reviewing those comments you have specific questions I'll do my best to address them.

Tight lines
S malma

Would someone "in-the-know" please post a tentative agenda for the Olympia meeting next week.

When do we as sports stand a chance of making the biggest impact on the outcome of the meeting?

Come on folks, we need to pack the meeting hall! Who's in?

Last I saw, it is not listed on the posted agenda yet...however, the Columbia River tangle net fishery impact discussion will take place on...

... SATURDAY THE 5TH, IN THE MORNING. BE THERE BY 8 A.M.!!!

In Olympia, Natural Resources Building, on 11th and Washington right next door to the Attorney General's Office...can't miss it, it's right across Capital Way from the Capital itself...directly across the street.

Fish on...

Todd

Ask and ye shall receive.....


February 4-5, 2005, Commission Meeting
Natural Resources Building, Room 172
1111 Washington St SE, Olympia


Preliminary* AGENDA

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4 9:00 AM 1. CALL TO ORDER
Approval of Minutes
Commissioners' Discussion
Director's Report
Budget Update

2. OPEN PUBLIC INPUT
The Commission is a direct link between citizens of Washington and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The public is encouraged to share views of Department programs and topics of concern during this portion of the meeting.

3. BUDGET DEVELOPMENT PROCESS - BRIEFING:
Department staff will brief the Commission on the requirements for and process by which the Department's operating and capital budgets are developed and brought to the Commission for consideration and submittal to the Office of Financial Management.

Staff Report:
Jim Lux, Assistant Director, Business Services

4. CATCH DATA RECORDING AND DEFINITION OF "DELIVERY"-- RULE ACTION:
The Commission will consider adoption of the following new WAC rule sections and permanent rule amendments:

New Sections
- WAC 220-16-007, Definition--Delivery;
- WAC 220-69-130, Sale under a direct retail endorsement;
Amendments
- WAC 220-69-240, Duties of commercial purchasers and receivers;
- WAC 220-69-241, Duties of commercial fishers; and
- WAC 220-69-280, Fish receiving ticket accountability.

Staff Report:
Evan Jacoby, Fisheries Administrative and Criminal Law Specialist, Enforcement Program; and
Mike Cenci, Captain, Statewide Marine Division, Enforcement Program

PUBLIC INPUT (Above Item Only)
5. LANDOWNER INCENTIVE PROGRAM UPDATE -- BRIEFING:
Department staff will brief the Commission on the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP), which is a competitive grant process to provide financial assistance to private landowners for the protection, enhancement, or restoration of habitat to benefit "species at risk" on privately owned lands.

Staff Report:
Ginna Correa, LIP Coordinator, Wildlife Program
Jeff Skriletz, LIP Biologist, Fish Program

LUNCH BREAK
1:00 PM 6. BURCH MOUNTAIN POWER LINE - BRIEFING:
Department staff will brief the Commission on the status of the Burch Mountain Power Line easement across the Department's Swakane Wildlife Area in Chelan County.

Staff Report:
Dennis Beich, Region 2 Director
Matt Monda, Region 2 Wildlife Program Manager

7. KLICKITAT HATCHERY TRANSFER - DECISION:
The Commission will consider approval of the transfer of real title for the Klickitat Hatchery and relinquishment of the Castile Falls easement to the Yakama Nation. Department staff briefed the Commission at its June 6-7, 2003, and October 1-2, 2004, workshops.

Staff Report:
Bill Tweit, Columbia River Policy Lead, IRM
Larry Peck, Deputy Director

PUBLIC INPUT (Above Item Only)
8. NORTH OF FALCON POLICY -- DECISION:
The Commission will consider adoption of the 2005-2006 North of Falcon Policy (C-3608). Department staff briefed the Commission on proposed changes from the previous policy at the January 14-15, 2005, workshop in Olympia.

Staff Report:
Phil Anderson, Special Assistant, IRM
Patrick Pattillo, Salmon Policy Coordinator, IRM

PUBLIC INPUT (Above Item Only)
9. LANDING RECREATIONALLY CAUGHT FISH TAKEN IN CANADA WATERS INTO WASHINGTON PORTS -- RULE ACTION:
At the request of the Commission, Department staff will present permanent amendments to WAC 220-56-156, Landing Canadian origin food fish and shellfish, that would allow, in some form and circumstances, landings of recreationally caught salmon from Canadian waters into Washington state. The Commission will consider approval of the permanent amendments.

Staff Report:
Phil Anderson, Special Assistant to the Director, IRM

PUBLIC INPUT (Above Item Only)
10. SALE OF WILD SHELLFISH -- RULE ACTION:
The Commission will consider adoption of permanent rule proposals that would establish a trial fishery license for harvesting wild embedded shellfish on private property and provide harvest accountability for purposes of better understanding wild shellfish populations:

- Amendments to WAC 220-52-018, Clams--Gear;
- Amendments to WAC 220-52-020, Clams--Commercial harvest;
- WAC 220-88D-010, Emerging commercial fishery--Commercial wild clams, mussels, and oyster shellfish fishery on nonstate tidelands and belands;
- WAC 220-88D-020, Designation of the commercial wild clams, mussels, and oyster harvest on nonstate lands as an emerging commercial fishery;
- WAC 220-88D-030, Eligibility to participate in the nonstate lands commercial wild clams, mussels, and oyster shellfish fishery; and
- WAC 220-88D-040, Nonstate lands commercial wild clams, mussels, and oysters--Application requirements--Survey and notification requirements--Incidental take prohibited.
Staff Report:
Evan Jacoby, Fisheries Administrative and Criminal Law Specialist, Enforcement Program

PUBLIC INPUT (Above Item Only)
11. GEODUCK FISH TICKET COPY DISTRIBUTION -- RULE ACTION:
The Commission will consider adoption of proposed amendments to WAC 220-69-26401, Distribution of copies of shellfish receiving ticket, which would create a process for the Department of Natural Resources to more accurately track and account for geoduck harvest.

Staff Report:
Morris Barker, Ph.D., State Marine Resource Manager, Fish Program

PUBLIC INPUT (Above Item Only)
12. COMMERCIAL RAZOR CLAM FISHERY -- RULE ACTION:
The Commission will consider adoption of proposed amendments to WAC 220-52-030, Clams--Coastal--Seasons and areas, that would clarify licensing requirements, provide better enforcement capability, and ensure fairness for licensed commercial razor clam diggers.

Staff Report:
Morris Barker, Ph.D., State Marine Resource Manager, Fish Program

PUBLIC INPUT (Above Item Only)
13. OPEN PUBLIC INPUT
The Commission is a direct link between citizens of Washington and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The public is encouraged to share views of Department programs and topics of concern during this portion of the meeting.

5:20 PM RECESS



SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5 8:30 AM 14. OPEN PUBLIC INPUT
The Commission is a direct link between citizens of Washington and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The public is encouraged to share views of Department programs and topics of concern during this portion of the meeting.

15. BULL TROUT CRITICAL HABITAT - BRIEFING:
At the request of the Commission, Department staff will brief the Commission on the revised critical habitat designation for Bull Trout, and will provide a comparison between the previous method and the revised method for designating critical habitat.

Staff Report:
Ross Fuller, Fish Management Division Manager, Fish Program

PUBLIC INPUT (Above Item Only)
16. COLUMBIA RIVER WILD WINTER STEELHEAD IMPACT RATE -- DECISION:
The Commission will consider adoption of a new policy, Joint State Accord Concerning Wild Winter Steelhead Management in Mainstem Columbia River Fisheries, including delegation of authority to the Director to develop the final management regime in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Department staff briefed the Commission on this issue at its January 14-15, 2005, workshop in Olympia.

Staff Report:
Cindy LeFleur, Columbia River Policy Coordinator, IRM
Guy Norman, Region 5 Director

PUBLIC INPUT (Above Item Only)
17. 2005-2006 SPORTFISHING RULES -- RULE ACTION:
The Commission will consider adoption of permanent amendments to:

- WAC 220-56-115, Angling--Lawful and unlawful acts;
- WAC 220-56-118, Fish handling rules--Removal from water;
- WAC 220-56-128, Food fish fishing--Closed areas;
- WAC 220-56-129, Unclassified freshwater invertebrates and fish;
- WAC 220-56-130, Unclassified marine invertebrates and fish;
- WAC 220-56-282, Sturgeon, Areas, seasons, limits and unlawful acts;
- WAC 220-56-310, Shellfish--Daily limits;
- WAC 220-56-315, Crabs, shrimp, crawfish--Unlawful acts;
- WAC 220-56-320, Shellfish gear--Unlawful acts;
- WAC 220-56-325, Shrimp--Areas and seasons;
- WAC 220-56-326, Shrimp--Unlawful acts;
- WAC 220-56-330, Crab--Areas and seasons;
- WAC 220-56-350, Clams other than razor clams, mussels--Areas and seasons;
- WAC 220-56-380, Oysters--Areas and seasons;
- WAC 220-69-236, Description of catch record cards and required information;
- WAC 232-12-619, Permanent Washington statewide game fish rules; and
- WAC 232-28-619, Washington food fish and game fish--Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules.

Public testimony was received on the rule proposals at the November 5-6, 2004, Commission workshop; no additional public input will be accepted at this meeting.
Staff Report:
Ross Fuller, Fish Management Division Manager, Fish Program

18. MISCELLANEOUS AND WORKSHOP DEBRIEF
The Commission will discuss items that arise immediately before or during the meeting and after the preliminary agenda is published.

19. OPEN PUBLIC INPUT
The Commission is a direct link between citizens of Washington and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. We encourage the public to share views of Department programs and issues of concern during this portion of the meeting.

1:50 PM ADJOURN



Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission
2005 Open Public Meeting Schedule
January 14-15, 2005 Olympia
February 4-5, 2005 Olympia
March 4-5 Olympia
April 8-9 Moses Lake
June 17-18 Yakima
August 5-6 Spokane
October 7-8 Olympia
November 18-19 Vancouver or Stevenson
December 2-3 Olympia

Commission conference calls are also scheduled for the first and third Thursday of every month.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional meetings, workshops, and/or conference calls may be scheduled when deemed necessary by the Chair and a majority of the members. Changes to this list will be posted on the website. Contact the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission office for further information.


*Preliminary agenda is subject to change. Agenda revisions and additional information are posted on the Commission web page. Contact the Commission Office with questions and to identify any special accommodation needs: (360) 902-2267, TDD (360) 902-2207.

Thank you BushBear. See you there at 8:30 Sat morning.