THE COMMISSION MEETS THIS FRIDAY!!! Let’s overload their email server!! We need to send as many emails as possible, not “asking” but “demanding” as citizen’s of this State, these meetings be opened to the public. THIS IS FROM FROM THE COMMISSIONS HOME PAGE: While the Commission has several responsibilities, IT’S PRIMARY ROLE IS TO ESTABLISH POLICY AND DIRECTION FOR THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SPECIES AND THEIR HABITATS IN WASHINGTON AND TO MONITOR THE DEPARTMENT’S IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GOALS, POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES ESTABLISHED BY THE COMMISSION. The Commission also classifies wildlife and establishes the basic rules and regulations governing the time, place, manner, and methods used to harvest or enjoy fish and wildlife. The Commission receives its authority from the passage of Referendum 45 by the 1995 Legislature and public at the 1995 general election. THE COMMISSION IS THE SUPERVISING AUTHORITY FOR THE DEPARTMENT. With the 1994 merger of the former Departments of Fisheries and Wildlife, the Commission has comprehensive species authority as well. THROUGH FORMAL PUBLIC MEETINGS AND INFORMAL HEARINGS HELD AROUND THE STATE, THE COMMISSION PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS (that’s you) TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN MANAGEMENT OF WASHINGTON’S FISH AND WILDLIFE. (UNLESS THE TRIBES TELL THEM TO SHUT US OUT!) THIS IS FROM FROM THE 2015-2016 NOF POLICY SIGNED BY THE COMMISSION: Communications • The Department shall strive to make ongoing improvements for effective public involvement during the North of Falcon planning process and annual salmon fishery implementation, incorporating the following intents: o NORTH OF FALCON PARTICIPANTS WILL BE INCLUDED AS OBSERVERS DURING APPROPRIATE STATE/TRIBAL DISCUSSIONS OF FISHERY ISSUES. (AGAIN, UNLESS THE TRIBES TELL THEM OTHERWISE!) o All decisions made during the North of Falcon process will be recorded in writing. o A variety of tools will be used to effectively communicate with the public, to receive input on pre-season planning or in-season fishery issues, and to make available the record of decisions. Such tools will include: recreational and commercial advisory groups; public workshops to address key issues; the WDFW North of Falcon Web site; and in-season tele-conferences. o The Department will increase transparency by consulting with stakeholders throughout the pre-season planning process and prior to making major decisions with the co-managers. The Commission needs to tell Dir. Unsworth to OPEN THESE NEGOTIATIONS. I URGE everyone, send an email to the Commission and let them know how you feel about them stalling and siding with the Tribes! Commission's Email Address: commission@dfw.wa.gov