Response from Senator Gordon Smith (on Col. fish allocation)

I was suprised, and appreciative, that Senator Smith would be the first Congressman to answer my letters about looking after sportsmen's fair share of next spring's big chinook run up the Columbia River. However, I was not suprised by his retoric and lack of substantive resolution. What are some of your takes on his response? Senator Smith's letter:

Dear Mr. Hanson

Thank you for your concerns regarding tribal fishing practices on the Columbia River. I found your comments informative and I welcome this opportunity to respond to your concerns.

The listings of several wild salmon and steelhead species in the Pacific Northwest under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) pose a significant challenge to our fisheries, recreational and sport fisherman, and tribal fishing practices alike. Although it can be demanding at times, the United States has an important obligation to live up to it's treaty agreements, even if they become unpopular with the passage of time. Secretarial Order 3206, which you mentioned in your letter, is an attempt by the federal agencies of jurisdiction to bridge these treaty obligations and certain responsibilities under the ESA. A subsequent rulemaking by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) this year, refered to as 50 CFR223, gives further deference to tribal takings of listed salmon species.

At the same time, I can understand your concerns about the enormous authority given to NMFS in promulgating salmon recovery measures. Since my election to the Senate, I have worked hard to ensure that the actions of federal agencies in this area are fair and appropriate. Ultimately, our challenge is to collaborate with the tribes, state, and fereral agencies, and stakeholders to achieve the shared goal of salmon recovery in the Columbia River Basin. Like you, I am optimistic about the current and projected salmon runs in the Basin, and have repeatedly urged federal agencies to consider this in their decision-making. Please rest assured that I will closely monitor the setting of take limits by NMFS -- in consultation with the tribes and the states -- and seek to ensure that they are responsive to the changing ecological trends in the Columbia River Basin.

Again, thank you for your unique perspective on this issue. I am always eager for your input, and look forward to hearing from you in the future.

Warm regards,

Gordon H. Smith
United States Senate

[Phish_on]

Mr. Smith could use some time connected to a 40-lb.'er ...

It's impressive how a good politician is on EVERYONE's side - write a letter asking for MORE treaty fish and compare the responses.

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

And no Mr. Hanson, we have not had any secret government cover-ups concerning yetties discovered in the forests of Oregon. Although the tribes would be the first ones to stake claim to the fur and trapping rights to the creature. Yadda Yadda Yadda. I am so glad to live in the United States of America when I know a handful of people can shake the environment so badly, affect people's outlooks and opinions on their people, and go crying about how their $60,000 a year from the feds, free tuition, free house, etc. isn't enough along with more fishing rights for them and more casinos. It's not racist, it's factual. The U.S. is the only country that will beat someone in battle, then have conscience and make future generations pay for the past mistakes. Write him a letter Steve and ask him in plain English what exactly the tribes get as far as federal aid...tell him you don't want him to leave out one cent, then re-write him asking him how he cannot see how unfair the harvesting issues are and how the environment will lose. At least you wrote to him Steve. Hats off to you buddy.

Good takes 'Yall and Phish. I did include some of those questions in my letter to several Congressmen 'Yall. As for Mr. Smith 'Goes To Washington', I will take him up on his offer of further communication and ask him to expound on his claimed "hard work" and upcoming efforts to see that their is a fair allocatoin by the NMFS! Let's pin him down to specifics and then give him due opportunity to represent our interests; as our elected rep of the people of Oregon. - RT

[smilesforu]

Good Job Steve!! your work on the federal level can have major effects on our Northwest waters. Keep it up!!
Tight Lines

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Marty M
Steelheader.net

Bring this thread back near the top of the BB in conjunction with the thread "Do you really think fishermen are making an impact?" by David Johnson. It shows that your letters can make a difference. - RT

It sounds like to me that,as with all politicians, Smith is talking out of both sides of his mouth. Did you get any type of response from Sen. Wyden? When the forecast for spring salmon was for a record run you could just imagine all the hand rubbing that went on from various user group palnning on how they were going to get their hands on these forecasted runs. Good job Steve on putting these guys on the spot and just keep your fingers crossed that President "W" doesn't gut the ESA. Didn't he say something about "salmon friendly turbines" when asked about the breeching of the Snake river dams? That's kind of like saying "lung friendly cigarettes"