Think we're doing something right? Something wrong? Want to give us your views on a particular issue? Then please write to us. To promote public dialogue on fish and wildlife matters, WDFW Director Jeff Koenings encourages you to drop him a line.You can e-mail the Director at director@dfw.wa.gov, or you can mail your letter to: Dr. Jeff Koenings, Director Washingon Department of Fish and Wildlife 600 Capitol Way N. Olympia, WA 98501-1091

The following e-mail message was sent to Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission From: Frank Urabeck To: Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission Date: 12/21/05 Subject: Cedar River sockeye hatchery project cc: Jeff Koenings, WDFW Director; Lew Atkins, WDFW Fish Program Asst. Director; Bob Everitt, WDFW Region 4 Director The Seattle deputy hearing examiner ruled on December 13 that the proposed permanent Cedar River sockeye hatchery project can move forward as she found the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement prepared by Seattle Public Utilities was legally adequate. Roz Glasser, former watershed basin planner for King County Department of Natural Resources had appealed the SEIS for the project. This was the second attempt by Glasser to block the long awaited sockeye hatchery that has undergone extensive planning, technical development and review as well as legal scrutiny. SPU did an outstanding job defending against Glasser's latest legal challenge. In my opinion, as a member of the SPU Anadromous Fish Committee that attended the three days of hearings held on October 17, 18 and 20, the City of Seattle should be commended for its work -- which was comprehensive, robust and transparent. They were aided by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife -- including the director, Jeff Keonings, who testified as an expert witness. Scientists, including well-known U of W professor, Tom Quinn, also testified for SPU. The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe was present during the appeal hearing, prepared to reinforce SPU. With local, state, federal and tribal governments and so many organizations, scientists and experts concluding that the proposed hatchery can be constructed and operated with little risk to ESA listed Chinook salmon, and great benefit to the public, it is time that Glasser lay down her legal weapons and allow the project to proceed. It is the right thing to do. I want to thank Puget Sound anglers, Washington Council of Trout Unlimited, Poggie Club, Recreational Fishing Alliance, Northwest Marine Trade Association, and others, including King County Councilmen Larry Phillips and Reagan Dunn for their continuing support of this very important hatchery project. See the December 18 Seattle Times article (requires free registration). Frank Urabeck Sport Fishing Advocate Former Cedar River Sockeye Hatchery spokesperson for the Washington Council of Trout Unlimited Member of new Save Our Fish Chapter of Puget Sound Anglers