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| No. 13 |
IN OPPOSITION TO WASHINGTON INITIATIVE 456
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Washington State
Initiative 456 is a statewide ballot measure which purports to
terminate Indian Tribes' rights to natural resources. The
Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs has been instrumental in fostering
dialogue between Indian tribes and conservationists. Thus,
Indians and environmentalism can do much to protect the natural
resources in the West. |
| The Indian treaties
provide a unique source of protection to the environment. For
example, in Washington State, treaties with tribes protect all
off-reservation salmon habitat. Tribes have the legal right to
question forestry, hydroelectrical and all other types of development
affecting the water upon which salmon and steelhead depend for
survival. For many other reasons, tribes have been good for
salmon and steelhead management. |
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| Over the past several
years tribes, environmentalists, some sport fishing groups and the
State of Washington have been working cooperatively to protect the
fishery and the environment. Initiative 456 cannot abrogate the
treaties, because it is unconstitutional for a state ballot measure to
override federal treaties. However, Initiative 456 would undercut
important efforts at cooperation. |
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Now therefore be it
resolved that the Federation of Western
Outdoor Clubs opposes Initiative 456. |
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