Transparency in recent WDFW meetings has been the major topic of discussion at both the WDFW Fish Projections meetings so far. King5 News captured some of the frustration and admission from WDFW staff that things are not all roses in the WDFW/Tribal NOF process: http://www.king5.com/tech/science/environment/salmon-forecast-predicts-more-closures/416319485 At the last meeting in Olympia, several members from the audience voiced frustration and anger at the secrecy in the meetings with the Tribal Co-managers. Adding to the frustration is the utter silence from the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission(NWIFC) on the issue of Transparency. To date, the State has also stonewalled any further movement toward public oversight. The bright spot is, Transparency and openness in our fisheries has gained A LOT of attention. And the attention has not gone un-noticed from WDFW. They continue to use the new "buzz-word" transparency in the meetings. But, it's only to make the pretense that they are. Director Unsworth has not had the courtesy to respond to our letter asking him to reach out to the Chairwoman of NWIFC, Lorraine Loomis, nor has the NWIFC responded to our letter asking to remove the roadblock to transparency. So, where are we now? Light years ahead of where we started from, thats where. We are growing stronger daily. The media, and sports organizations are coming on board, doing articles and spots. We have meetings scheduled with Senators and continue to correspond with WDFW, NWIFC, Representatives and leaders in the fisheries. This is a hard fight. It is possibly a long fight. The parties involved DO NOT want change. They DO NOT want the public to see how they truly manage OUR resources and they really feel like they can just wait us out! Now, more than ever, it is time for you, the people, to stop waiting for someone else to DO. It is time for you TO! Take a minute away from the video game, the TV show or whatever you're doing and send an email. Make a public comment on the WDFW site. Call your representatives office. Send a letter to the NWIFC. DO! Take action now. It is time. We have never been this close to real change. Don't let them wait us out. If nothing else, Send an email to Senator Kirk Pearson's office: Let him know you support transparency in the Tribal/WDFW NOF meetings. Cameron.Bailey@leg.wa.gov Send a letter to Lorraine Loomis, Chairwoman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. Let her know you want these meetings opened. Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC) ATTN: Chairwoman Lorraine Loomis 6730 Martin Way E, Olympia, WA 98516 The time is now! WE ARE BEING HEARD!!!