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FEDERATION OF WESTERN OUTDOOR CLUBS







No. 13
IN OPPOSITION TO WASHINGTON INITIATIVE 456


               
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.

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.
            
Now therefore be it resolved that the Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs opposes Initiative 456.











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