I just stopped in to check the posts I've missed since my last visit. Fortunately I happened to catch this one. I wish this post would've been brought up a month ago. Jean, I, and others could've helped you.
I know Jean and I both sent letters to the Dept. of Ag. I emailed mine. The deadline for submissions/input was 1700, January 2nd but perhaps you can still email them and they will get it into the right hands for consideration. The worst that can happen is that they reply with, "Sorry, you're too late."
Here is the email addy to send your letter/email to:
[email protected] .
I would suggest everyone in WA who owns poultry email them - that's all the folks on here and elsewhere. Get the word out!!! Just let them know that you weren't informed of any public hearings and want your voices heard. The last I knew, the had not made a ruling yet so while the $85/hour fee was being considered, it may be premature for the person to be telling you that it's the law now.
Let's bombard them with emails, letters, and phone calls. It just might make all the difference in the world.
Jean may still have a copy of her letter and be willing to let others plegiarize it. I still have my email and would be happy to forward it to anyone who sends me an email asking for it.
God Bless,