FISHING FOR INFORMATION -- After weeks of queries, I still don't know too much about a behind-our-backs proposal (see attached document) by the Colville and Spokane tribes to assume authority over fishing at Lake Roosevelt.

It's the latest ploy in an ongoing jurisdictional dispute that's seem to get better in recent years.

The tribes won't respond to my requests for information or interviews.

The Department of Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs isn't responding, either, even though it's the federal agency that would oversee the wresting of any responsibility from the state Fish and Wildlife Department.

The un-public approach to this shift in jurisdiction should alarm sportsmen because it's the sort of closed-door management they can expect if tribes take over a major publicly funded fishery.

Here are the first set of basic questions I presented in early May to the Department of Interior:

1. Why are the tribes seeking fisheries management and enforcement authority that involves non-tribal citizens on Lake Roosevelt?
2. When did this process begin?
3. Is there a problem with co-management with state and federal agencies?  If so, what is it?
4. Would there be new jurisdictional boundaries as opposed to what’s spelled out in the 1994 Cassidy Decision?
5. What areas of the reservoir are involved: All of the lake?  All of the shoreline including off-reservation shoreline?  National Recreation Area facilities?
6. How would tribes be accountable to the public for management and enforcement operations that affect non-tribal members?
7. What licenses and permits would be required for fishing and recreation?
8. Who would be the person to contact for issues related to fisheries management?  For enforcement? For recreation?
9. What was discussed at the meeting held on Monday May 9?  Who was involved.
10. Is there a public meeting planned?  If so, when?
11. Is there a meeting with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife planned?  If so, when.

It appears from the attached document that the tribes are seeking authority off their reservations to the middle of Lake Roosevelt, which would be a pain for everybody. 

Maybe they want jurisdiction on all the reservoir... that would be clearly wrong.

After two months of effort, the following email is the only response I've been given from the Department of Interior:

The Department is carefully considering the proposal submitted by the Colville Tribe and Spokane Tribe concerning Lake Roosevelt. Because the Department has not yet determined exactly how it will respond to the tribes' proposal, it is premature for the Department to speak substantively about it, however the Department is engaging with the tribes and representatives from the State of Washington, including the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, concerning the proposal and how it would impact the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.

The Department will comply with all applicable laws and regulations to ensure there is opportunity for input from interested parties concerning any action the Department may be considering that would impact the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area."

Thanks for your patience.

Nedra Darling, Spokeswoman

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs