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News
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State Budget Cuts: Use of Recreational License Fees; Grays Harbor Gillnetting
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In mid-November, CCA Washington led a coalition letter to Governor Chris Gregoire opposing one component of her supplemental budget proposal for WDFW. As you may know, state revenue forecasts continue to decline and WDFW is likely to see additional cuts in general fund revenue. Unfortunately, Governor Gregoire's proposed 2011-2013 supplemental budget includes a proposal to use $1.5 million of recreational license fee-derived wildife fund dollars to backfill cuts in state general fund for hatchery production that predominantly benefits commercial and tribal fisheries. The group letter indicates that while there is support for hatchery production, it is unfair to use recreational fee dollars to subsidize these commercial fisheries. The letter also expresses support for an earlier WDFW proposal to end state commercial gillnet fisheries in Grays Harbor due to budget cuts. That option was not adopted by the Governor. WDFW's own data shows that this gillnet fishery costs more to manage than its entire ex-vessel value.
The 4-page letter can be read here.
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CCA's Involvement In Elwah Restoration Project
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CCA Washington signed on to a letter in April along with several other groups pointing out the historic significance of the Elwha restoration project, and the need for a "well structured, transparent decision-making process" to assure the general public and stakeholders that the enormous investment in this recovery process is being well spent. The letter also recognized the diversity of opinions of the various organizations signing on to the letter, but that we all supported an open and public decision-making process.
Since then, CCA WA has been involved in a number of discussions with NOAA, NPS, USFWS, WDFW and others expressing our concern regarding the proposed use of out of basin plants into the Elwha and Elwha area hatcheries, and specifically the use of Chambers Creek steelhead stock which has been proposed under the Elwha recovery plan. Subsequent to that, some of these same groups have filed a 60 day notice to file suit on these unresolved topics.
Although CCA remains involved in discussions, CCA is not a signer on that 60 day notice letter, nor are we a party to the proposed suit. We remain engaged, involved and interested in the unique opportunity for wild fish recovery afforded by the removal of the Elwha dams. CCA is following the development of talks that have been initiated by the threat of the lawsuit regarding the process of planning the recovery of the iconic Elwha stocks which include legendary 100 lb. Chinook that have been recovered at the Elwha rearing ponds.
Read the letter here.
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New Political Action Committee
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The Washington Anglers for Conservation Political Action Committee (WACPAC) has been formed to give conservation and recreational angling a stronger voice in the Olympia political processes.
Why is a PAC needed? Because groups such as CCA that are tax exempt under "section 501(c)(3)" are prohibited from endorsing or opposing any candidate. PACs, which are organized differently, are allowed to support a political candidate.
WACPAC is a completely volunteer non-partisan organization, and will work closely with knowledgable lobbyists who engage with conservation and recreational angling issues in Olympia. A majority vote of the WACPAC board of directors will be required before any support is provided to a legislative or state-wide candidate .
http://washingtonanglerspac.com/ |
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Cowlitz Nutrient Enhancement Video
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Volunteers from CCA and other groups have been placing salmon carcasses from the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery into the North Fork of the Cispus River, a Cowlitz tributary about 60 miles upstream from the hatchery. In addition, over 800,000 chinook eggs have been placed in incubators in that stream.
This nutrient enhancement project has been taking place on many days over a month or so. On the day that CCA’s Ed Fedder made the video, five volunteers placed over 400 salmon carcasses in the stream.
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Miscellaneous
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CCA Member Wins Fetha Styx Rod
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Michael Hutton (Lower Columbia chapter) was one of over 250 individuals who responded to the WDFW "License Survey" mentioned in last month’s CCAconnect. His name was randomly selected by the survey company to win the CCA Fetha Styx Predator Series Salmon and Steelhead rod.
Congratulations to Michael, and thanks to all who participated in the survey. Your input will help guide future improvements to the hunting and fishing licensing system. |
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November 22, 2011
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Meeting Dates and Deadlines
WDFW Commission Meetings
December 2-3, 2011; Olympia
January 6-7, 2012; Olympia
February 3-4, 2012; Olympia
March 9-10, 2012; Moses Lake
Agenda and Updates here
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Banquet Dates
Stay tuned for the upcoming 2012 Schedule!
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Feedback and Comments
CCA Washington is interested in hearing from you. Visit our website here to submit comments and questions you may have. Thanks!
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Volunteers Needed!
The work of CCA is dependent upon volunteers. Please volunter to help. No experience is needed. To volunteer in any way, a little or a lot, go to our website here.
Thank you!
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