I attended the Commission meeting Jan. 13. along with Tim Hamilton THFWA (Twin Harbors Fish and Wildlife Advocacy) and others. We spoke to the Commission regarding Opening the WDFW/Tribal NOF Meetings. In my presentation, I voiced our anger at the current situation, let them know that I was speaking for the 1,155 stake holders who’ve signed the petition, and demanded they open these meetings. I then read several of your comments enforcing our solidarity and anger at having these meetings closed. The comments we’re well received, by the Commission Members and by the senior staff of WDFW (Dir. Unsworth was in attendance). During the discussion period, Commissioner Miranda Wecker was very vocal in SUPPORT of having the public in these meetings. The entire Commission voiced SUPPORT for having these meetings opened, including Brad Smith, the Chair and Larry Carpenter the vice. The Commission explained that they are well aware of the HUGE PUBLIC OUTCRY to have these meetings open, and have approached the tribes to a point of exhaustion with this issue. THE TRIBES have refused to consider ANY proposal for better Transparency and have increased their threat their of walking out of negotiations if the State pushes the issue! The Commissioners explained that they are as frustrated as we are, the Commission and WDFW cannot force the Tribes into negotiations. And if the Tribes don’t show up, we will not be able to get permits in time to have a season. The Commission admitted that the Tribes have the permits as leverage, but are unable by themselves to do anything about it! The Commissioners added that the Tribes are so adamant about keeping these meetings secret, they even object to having any Commission members present!!! A point that Commissioner Wecker finds very contentious. In fact, one of her thoughts as a starting point in Transparency, is to have several members of the Commission attend the meetings and report to the stakeholders. The Commission also received a legal briefing from Bill Frymire, Senior Counsel, Office of the Attorney General. Mr. Frymire sited several cases concerning the Open Meetings Act and State obligations. At the end of his presentation, he was asked for his opinion as to the States compliance and the NOF. He said he thought they we’re ok, but since it had no case history, he said it could go either way in a lawsuit. (Remember, he is the attorney for WDFW, so he wouldn’t come out in public and say they are violating the law.) KING 5 News (Allison Morrow) did a very good story on the Transparency issue and the fight to get these meeting open. I will post a link to the segments as soon as they are available. The Advocacy is currently working on a response and I will update you as soon as I’m given anything. So, In conclusion, It seem’s the Commission and the Department have said they support having these meetings open. They have no means to force the Tribes to attend and OUR PERMITS ARE TIED TO TRIBAL PARTICIPATION. THE TRIBES HAVE COMPLETELY REFUSED TO CONSIDER ANY SUGGESTION EXCEPT TOTAL SECRECY. IT IS EVIDENT THAT THE TRIBES ARE RUNNING OUR NOF PROCESS AND HAVE EVERY INTENT TO CONTINUE TO IN THE FUTURE!