Below I have pasted a copy of the letter outlining public testimony for the WDFW hearings on rule changes for Wild Steelhead. I also have the complete text of the proposed rule changes in pdf format if anyone is interested. E-mail me if so and I will fire them over. For those of you not planning on attending the testimony, PLEASE take the time to write in your thoughts.
In a nutshell, the WDFW is proposing two options: total C & R of wild fish OR reduction in the daily take limit to 1 on rivers with "healthy" stocks. You all know which option I think makes sense. After all, if these stocks are so "healthy", why do they need to reduce the take limit. The answer is they are not healthy and have not been for some time. Ok, off my soapbox.
Duggan
______________________________________
October 31, 2001
Dear Interested Citizen:
Enclosed is a package of proposed rule changes to the rules governing recreational fisheries for game fish, food fish, and shellfish. This notice is being sent to our sportfishing rule development list, which consists of approximately 1700 names. These include regulatory agencies, tribal biologists, clubs, and advisory groups. We look forward to receiving your comments or ideas concerning the proposed changes that are enclosed with this notice.
This notice and the information is also available on our website at www.wa.gov/wdfw.
This regulation cycle is what we have termed a “major cycle” so there are a large number of proposals in the package. Some of the proposals in this package originated from department staff, while others came from the public or from other agencies. All of the proposals in this package, however, have the approval of WDFW at least to go forward for public comment.
The public hearing for these proposed rules will be held during the Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting on December 7 and 8 at the Best Inn and Suites, 221 NE Chkalov, Vancouver, WA. Verbal testimony on the proposals may be presented at the hearing. Written testimony may be sent to Evan Jacoby, WDFW Rules Coordinator. All written testimony must be received by Mr. Jacoby
prior to the December 7 meeting. If you plan on attending, you may also submit written testimony at the hearing.
Both written and oral testimony will be carefully considered. At the public hearing, these proposals: (a) may be adopted as proposed; (b) may be modified; or (c) may not be adopted. Final decisions on these proposals will be announced at the public adoption hearing to be held in early 2002. The effective date of any changes will be May 1, 2002, unless otherwise noted in specific proposals that are adopted. Permanent rules remain in effect until formally changed.
If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation for attendance, please contact Evan Jacoby at (360) 902-2930. This publication is available in alternate formats upon advance request. Please contact (360) 902-2200 or TDD (360) 902-2207. Please allow seven working days to process request.
Thank you for your interest in Washington’s fisheries resources.
Sincerely,
Lew Atkins
Assistant Director
Fish Program
In a nutshell, the WDFW is proposing two options: total C & R of wild fish OR reduction in the daily take limit to 1 on rivers with "healthy" stocks. You all know which option I think makes sense. After all, if these stocks are so "healthy", why do they need to reduce the take limit. The answer is they are not healthy and have not been for some time. Ok, off my soapbox.
Duggan
______________________________________
October 31, 2001
Dear Interested Citizen:
Enclosed is a package of proposed rule changes to the rules governing recreational fisheries for game fish, food fish, and shellfish. This notice is being sent to our sportfishing rule development list, which consists of approximately 1700 names. These include regulatory agencies, tribal biologists, clubs, and advisory groups. We look forward to receiving your comments or ideas concerning the proposed changes that are enclosed with this notice.
This notice and the information is also available on our website at www.wa.gov/wdfw.
This regulation cycle is what we have termed a “major cycle” so there are a large number of proposals in the package. Some of the proposals in this package originated from department staff, while others came from the public or from other agencies. All of the proposals in this package, however, have the approval of WDFW at least to go forward for public comment.
The public hearing for these proposed rules will be held during the Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting on December 7 and 8 at the Best Inn and Suites, 221 NE Chkalov, Vancouver, WA. Verbal testimony on the proposals may be presented at the hearing. Written testimony may be sent to Evan Jacoby, WDFW Rules Coordinator. All written testimony must be received by Mr. Jacoby
prior to the December 7 meeting. If you plan on attending, you may also submit written testimony at the hearing.
Both written and oral testimony will be carefully considered. At the public hearing, these proposals: (a) may be adopted as proposed; (b) may be modified; or (c) may not be adopted. Final decisions on these proposals will be announced at the public adoption hearing to be held in early 2002. The effective date of any changes will be May 1, 2002, unless otherwise noted in specific proposals that are adopted. Permanent rules remain in effect until formally changed.
If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation for attendance, please contact Evan Jacoby at (360) 902-2930. This publication is available in alternate formats upon advance request. Please contact (360) 902-2200 or TDD (360) 902-2207. Please allow seven working days to process request.
Thank you for your interest in Washington’s fisheries resources.
Sincerely,
Lew Atkins
Assistant Director
Fish Program