2017-04-04 Meeting with Randy LeDucMeeting with Randy LeDuc
April 4, 2017
Start time- 4:00 p.m.
Attendees: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Randy LeDuc, Clancy
Holt, Jack Tipping, Dale Scott, Jon Vigre, Ron Holt
Recorder: Rachel Hunt and Rieva Lester
Commissioner Stamper began the meeting with an overview of his Washington D.C. trip.
Dale Scott started with an overview of the background information in regards to the Cowlitz River. Dale
went through a packet of information he had assembled further outlining the concerns of the group.
Dale continued to discuss fish loss and the repercussions from the loss and size of the smolt.
Commissioner Jackson asked about how the water levels at Riffe Lake effect the topic. Dale and Jack
replied the two issues are independent of one another.
Dale Scott outlined a letter sent to FERC on February 1st and Tacoma Power’s response.
Dale reiterated his previous testimony before the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Randy LeDuc added comments in regards to the fish loss.
John cited a conversation about a problem at the hatchery.
Commissioner Stamper asked why there is not an accurate return every year. Randy LeDuc added the
return will always vary from year to year due to various factors.
Commissioner Jackson stepped out of the meeting at 4:47 p.m. and re-entered at 4:50 p.m.
Commissioner Fund asked what can be done going forward. The group replied FERC has the control.
Commissioner Fund asked how involved Senator Braun is. Dale Scott replied that he has made a point to
be as involved as he can be.
Jack added input of the Riffe Lake water level.
Rachel Hunt left the meeting and Rieva Lester joined the meeting at 5:00 p.m.
The group discussed the loss of grants.
Commissioner Jackson left at 5:04 p.m.
The group discussed the revenue loss from one change that was made.
The group discussed the possibility that data was flawed.
Clancy Holt discussed his experience as a fishing guide. He said the local fishery is going downhill fast. He
said the group should join forces to meet with Region 5 reps and tell them that they’ll be held
accountable. He discussed meeting with Tacoma Power and saying the same thing.
Commissioner Jackson returned at 5:07 p.m.
Clancy discussed the economic impact caused by the elimination of the early winter steelhead run. He
said the projected income for November 15, 2016, to February 15, 2016, was $309,600. He said that
would generate $24,148 in state sales tax. He said that for the same timeframe without early winter
steelhead, the total was $2,000, generating $156 in sales tax. He said another guide named Dave lost
$20,000, while Clancy’s son lost $40,000 in business. He said the way the fishery is run by Region 5,
there will be no fishery in the area.
Clancy said he has considered moving his whole unit in response to the failing fishery.
Jack discussed making the Cowlitz a “put and take” fishery.
The group discussed the Endangered Species Act.
Commissioner Stamper said the group appears to have FERC’s attention. He said it’s FERC’s job to make
sure the dams and rivers are taken care of.
Jack discussed summer run steelhead. He said his proposal was declined because “too many fish would
return.”
The group discussed lethal hazing and the need for the proposal to move forward.
The group discussed the various lobbyists available as resources.
Commissioner Stamper discussed putting together a plan outlining what the group would like to see
happen.
Meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.