WDFW Spring Chinook Allocation Hearing

[Pete]

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17
10:00 AM to 1:05 PM

10. ADOPTION OF THE 2004-2005 COLUMBIA RIVER SPRING CHINOOK ALLOCATION POLICY C-3613:
The Commission will consider adopting a two-year (January 2004 through December 31, 2005) Columbia River Spring Chinook Allocation Policy, which would provide guidance to the Department regarding harvest allocation between recreational and commercial sectors of state managed fisheries.

Staff Report:
Bill Tweit, Columbia River Lead, Intergovernmental Resource Management
Cindy LeFleur, Columbia River Harvest Manager, Intergovernmental Resource Management

Directions and Access to Natural Resources Building: From I-5, take State Capitol exit (105). The exit puts you on 14th Avenue. Go through the tunnel and turn right onto Capitol Way. Turn right onto 11th Avenue. Turn right onto Washington. Turn left into the parking lot. Visitor parking is on the P-1 level of the building.

Full Meeting Agenda

[Pete]

Will I have any company in Olympia? It was darned lonely in Salem. I hope there will be others going to the WDFW hearing.

Have plans for a caravan collapsed?

[Pete]

Am I the only one going? I guess I overestimated when I asked Washington staff if there would be sufficient time for testimony.

[AuntyM]

Pete,

Never fear, we have some of us from Piscatorial Pursuits planning to attend. If I don't spot you first, come over and say hey. :grin:

[Pete]

Thanks! I think I'll be in line for the microphone...if there is a line.

Breaks my heart to drive up with an empty car. I guess I'm the water boy.

[Bluetick]

I hope my legislator reads this. I'm not the best writer but I though I'd share it.

Mr Zarelli
I cannot express the disapointment when I learned that the columbia river Gillnetters have been allowed to have such a large portion of the spring chinook this year.
I'm sure you are very aware that this is the only fisherie that allows Gillnetting in the U S. I feel very strongly that this will come to an end someday the sooner the better.
My question is with the monies spent by sportsman who enjoy the thrill and sport of fishing,why is such a small portion given to their catch. I would challenge you to really look into the amount of boats and fishing licenses that are in your district alone. I bet the numbers would shock you. I am also sure you have no idea how much money is spent by the sportsman who live and fish in both Oregon and Washington.
I have a boat, my wife children and I all have licenses, I am really the only one to fish but I believe in teaching my kids what nature provided us and contributing monies to WSF&G. I hope when my son who leaves for the Navy in Febuary returns in 6 years will remember the good times of simple things that he may pass to his children.
I don't feel that gilnetters belong in the Columbia river and I want you to know that their is alot of people that think the same.
I would encourage you to take a close look at postings in www.ifish.net and see how people from all walks of life feel about this.
I have been in the meat business all my adult life, with the world food chain the way it is gillnetting in the Columbia is not necessary. Why don't you be the first to take a stand, or did the gillnetters help you get into office?

Thank You for taking the time to have someone read this.

Jeff Meyer

[AuntyM]

I know the result of todays meeting, but I'm not telling! You have to wait for Pete! Neaners!!!!!! :tongue:

You should all be very appreciative of this man and his efforts to secure a reasonably fair springer season.

Pete, YOU'RE AWESOME! Thank you! [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

[Pete]

Aunty ... !!! :smile:

The Washington Commission directed their staff to negotiate a 60/40 split between sport and commercial fishers, with accomodation for a small in-season adjustment if needed for substantial management reasons. The Commission was engaged and thoughtful in their deliberations after more than 2 hours of public testimony from sport, industry and commercial interests.

There are still some details which will be addressed and the final adoption of an allocation by the Joint State Columbia River Compact based on the direction given by the Oregon and Washington Commissions to their staffs. That final allocation decision will be held in Oregon City on February 5th. Following that, the calendar for the fisheries will be determined to best achieve the allocation.

Thanks to everyone who wrote, called or testified in this process!

[The Machinist]

Pete, nice to meet you Thursday in Vancouver & today in Olympia. I thought that the Washington Commisioners did an excellent job today, listening & asking questions of many who testified.

Could it be that the goodly number of bodies filling the room intimidated them to some degree? Like has been said before, SHOW UP at these meetings, you don't really have to testify, but be there.

[Oly Angler]

Good job to all those there today!! It was nice to see the Washington Commission support the sports community for a change. Kudos to Commissioner Bob Tuck that lead the charge over the steelhead issue. 60/40 is a step backwards from last year but a victory considering what Oregon did to us last week.

Pete did a great job and should be applauded for his excellent testimony and work with the Washington Commission. I look forward to working with him in the future on this issue.

[superfly]

Pete,
Great to see you in Oly today, Kudos to all of you who spoke and pushed the economic and social values of sportfishing and first and formost the importance of low mortality on the by catch.
Peace
Superfly

[Straydog]

"Thank you" for your efforts Pete and all that made the time to be involved in this most important issue.
[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[Laserman]

Second to last post.

Please do not be deceived. It's what is happenening behind close doors that counts. The people that control are fishing rights have fooled you. The truth will be knowen on June 1. The sport fisherman will not get there full alication of impacts, plain and simple.

After you have attended a couple dozen meetings, you finally realize what is happening, but we must all attend to make a true difference.

Please attended the up comming "Compact meetings"

The "Sport Fisherman" will not get more than 55% of the impacts by june 1 of 2004. Even if they give us 60% at the compact.The only thing that can help us now are the "Steelhead" issues. Remember, every thing is based on impacts

[Full Freezer]

Wow! What an eye opener! With my first meeting under my belt I have come away with great respect for those who show up & speak on our behalf. The testimony was organized & well put & I believe may have had an impact on the commission.

One very huge glaring problem though. NOT ENOUGH OF US SHOWED UP! We could have easily filled that room to complete overflow if 2% of our membership attended! Can you imagine the influence on the commision if every meeting that impacted our resource and/or access had a crowd of determined & concerned sportspeople there??? [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

I am very grateful for those who spoke on our behalf. I am also thankful for those that just showed up to support those who spoke.

Please make plans to attend the next meeting!

[superfly]

Also Pete,
Its good to be back on ifish !!!!
Thanks Bro
Peace
Superfly