It was a great gathering of more than 60 people to talk about why steelhead is important to our West End community. Having that many interested folks talking about such an important aspect of our everyday life here was really remarkable.

There were a lot of take-a-ways. First, for nearly everyone in the room, steelhead are as much a part of the West End as the rain and forests that define us. People here care about that natural resource and want to ensure it is available for their use and enjoyment, but also the use and enjoyment of future generations. There also was the clear recognition that the fish here are reminiscent of those that were common to all of Washington, but now fish of this caliber, vigor and strength are becoming unique to our unique rivers.

The need for additional, regional based studies on DNA, catch-and-release mortality and populations seemed to be another set of common agreement. The mayor and I are planning to review some options on how to further the “study” aspect of the discussion started at the meeting last Thursday. This will need to be done with engagement of Fish and Wildlife, the tribes and probably the ONRC.

There also were a lot concerns expressed about the manner in which the newly adopted rules, taking effect on July 1, were adopted without a lot of consideration of impacts to local anglers, enthusiasts, businesses, etc. The mayor and I have discussed an approach to get a better sense of what West Enders may agree on and support as a better regulatory schematic for future consideration by WDFW. This probably is something that would occur in the latter half of June.

We really were helped by Phil Trask, WDFW, and his staff. We are hoping to have a written summation of the meeting and the various table group comments that will be posted to the city’s website when we get it finalized.