This is a deliberate attempt to block hard working labor people from the process. To their credit they have, thus far, been able to manipulate the system. When we are at work they fill the halls and sign up speakers so labor people don't have a chance to voice their concerns. We tried to tell Gen Strock this was going on, but he chose not to believe us. After all, we are just the working people of this land. Why would anybody listen to us?

usconservation

Dear Salmon Advocates,

After

a tremendous victory at the Spokane hearing (if anyone wants to see the Spokesman article on the Spokane hearing, let me know) and a fantastic showing in Clarkston (let me know if you want the Lewiston-Tribune article), we are now faced with the Pasco hearing this Thursday, Feb 17th.

The

Save Our Dams folks are livid over the majority of salmon advocates that turned out in Spokane and Clarkston. They are really making a push for Pasco. They are planning to start lining up to testify early (I predict by 8 or 9 am for afternoon hearing and 3 pm for the evening session). Sign up for the afternoon hearing begins officially at 12 noon. The feds to their dog and pony show around 1 pm. Testimony begins at 2:30 pm. For the evening, sign up begins at 6 pm, and the actual testimony begins at 7:30 pm. One caveat: agendas have been changed at some of the past hearings, so the times I just gave are an approximation).

The

Save Our Dams people are also going to try and stack the beginning of each hearing with local elected leaders opposed to dam removal. At the Clarkston hearing, elected leaders were allowed to go first, including tribal leaders. I'm hoping some tribal council members from the Umatilla, Yakama, and Nez Perce nations will be able to attend and provide some balance to this.

The

Nez Perce tribe was so impressed at the effect they had on the Clarkston hearing, that they are trying to get people out to the Pasco hearing as well. The Umatillas are also trying to organize. Haven't heard from the Yakamas yet.

PATTY

MURRAY WILL BE THERE: Murray, Gorton and Hastings are having a meeting with the federal agency heads before the hearing takes place. I've also heard rumors that Murray is planning to meet with pro-dam people before hand. She better meet with us too, then. I've put a call into Murray to ask what is up and to request a meeting. If any of you are also willing to put in such a call, please do so (and let me know what happens). If such a meeting occurs, who could attend?

We

need to turn out as many people as we possibly can from the Tri-Cities, Yakima, and Walla Walla areas. If there are people that don't feel comfortable testifying themselves, but are willing to stand in line and sign up someone else who can't get to the hotel in time to sign up and get a chance to speak, please contact me! In Clarkston the pro-dam people got folks to stand in line for their top speakers, and we did the same. The Pasco hearing will be packed, and we need to organize similarly.

If

you are planning to testify please let me know. If you can take the day off and stand in line, that is ideal. If you can't, please let me know and I will try and find a volunteer to sign your name in.

AFTERNOON

HEARING MOST IMPORTANT: The afternoon morning is most important--that is when the most media will be there. But evening is important too. Let me know which you think you can make.

PRESS

CONFERENCE: We will hold a press conference at 10 am, at the
Doubltree in the Vineyard room. We really need some brave local activists willing to speak up for salmon there. Vic? Rich? Rick? Let me know. The Umatilla tribe may do the press conference with us, or do their own--nothing is confirmed yet.

Let

me know if you are planning to participate, can help with logistics, stand line, testifying, etc, etc. I will be in the office tomorrow and can be reached at 509-324-2305. Kell McAboy and I are planning to come over to Pasco the evening before the hearing. I can be reached on the road and in Pasco on a cell phone: 509-995-8851.
Thanks,
Sam Mace
Salmon Program Coordinator
Washington & Idaho Wildlife Federations
315 W Mission
Spokane, WA 99201
509-324-2305
509-324-2068 (fax)