Group calls Nez Perce gill net plan 'irresponsible'

Some of the attendees at Friday's meeting of Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife.

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Story Published: Dec 29, 2007 at 8:22 PM PDT

Story Updated: Dec 29, 2007 at 8:22 PM PDT

By Matt Loveless

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LEWISTON - The recent decision by the Nez Perce Tribe to pursue gill net fishing for a new steelhead fishery is under fire from local sportsmen and women.

The organization called Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife (SFW) held a meeting in Lewiston Friday, to protest the tribe's decision.

"Where so much time, money and effort has been put into restoring the once bountiful runs of wild steelhead and other andronomous fish, we find this non-selective method of commercial take irresponsible and extremely dangerous," said Jason Hollibaugh, Vice Chairman of SFW.

SFW applauded the tribe's overall efforts in steelhead conservation.

In a statement released last week, the tribe asked for a fair examination of their fishery impacts, not just the manner in which they intend to fish.

Tribal member Clifford Allen, the lone opposing voice in the room Friday at Old Country Buffet, referenced the Nez Perce Tribe Treaty of 1855, a treaty reserving the tribe's right to harvest fish on tribal lands as they please. In a statement Friday, he told the frustrated sportsmen that's something they shouldn't forget.

"You mentioned you wanted to cooperate with the tribe," said Allen. "That's good. I would strongly suggest that and I would strongly suggest that you continue doing so."

"Most of the fisherman claim that the river is theirs," said Allen, during an interview after the meeting. "They claim that fish are theirs. They don't realize that they actually are immigrants."

Dozens were on hand for the lunch meeting, most signing a petition for a resolution that would, as they put it, protect the endangered steelhead from gill netting.

SFW Chairman Steve Alder admitted he did not know of any legal recourse the organization could take, but that they at least intend on being the squeaky wheel on the issue.

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