Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Minutes
WASHINGTON FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
MEETING
January 11-12, 2008

Red Lion Hotel at the Quay
100 Columbia Street
Vancouver, Washington

ATTENDANCE:
Commission Public (continued)
Jerry Gutzwiler, Chair Mike Harris
Miranda Wecker, Vice Chair Don Overby
Ken Chew Steve Grutbo
Gary Douvia Buzz Ramsey, NW Sport Fishing Industry
Conrad Mahnken Steve Fransen
George Orr John Crocott, Salmon For All
Chuck Perry Hank Mills, NW Steelheaders
Will Roehl Jason Kohl
Shirley Solomon Mike Willger
Randy Doucet, 3 Rivers Marine
Commission Staff: Alan Nelson
Susan Yeager Derek Clare
Nancy Burkhart Arlene Andreason
Nathan Burck
Larry Whalen
Department Jerry r. Thorp
Jeff Koenings, Director Brent Wilson, Coastal Cons. Assn.
Phil Anderson, Deputy Director - Resource Policy Jack Mattice
Joe Stohr, Deputy Director - Operations Steve Harrison
Guy Norman Dale Dean
Bill Frymire, AGO Kent Martin
Dave Brittell Bruce Buckmaster
Lew Atkins Les Clark
Bruce Bjork Heather Bartlett
Mike Cenci Kenneth P. Campbell
Bill Phillips roy dowell
Steve Pozzanghera Pete Morris
Murray Schlenker George Trott, Wahkiakum County
Dan Ayers Ryan Bigley, 3 Rivers marine
Craig Bartlett Russ Fowler
Steven Jefferies Dave Autrby, Fish First
Jo Wadsworth Jerry Larson
Brian Calkins Marshall W. Tarrents
Dean Pyzik Allen Estes
Eric Holman John Divittorio, Fish First, Coastal Cons. Assn.
Lauren Ridenour Brad Schoenborn, Bob's Sporting Goods
Pat Frazier Bill Weeks, Mt. St. Helens' Rescue
Ron Warren Joan Lambert, Fred's Marina
Melani Gonzalez Michael Stockman
Jim Scott Louis Porter
Margaret Ainscough Larry Mann
Bill Joplin Ed Orcutt
Jim Skalski Gregg Cowles
Joey McCanna J. Roy Pickner, Fish First
Gary Wiles Jack Glass
Kirt Hughes Richard Erickson, Lower Col. Economic Council
Karen Varshock Thad Tyler
Sandra Jonker Jack Kaeding, Fish First, Coastal Cons. Assn.
Dave Ware Jim Wells, Salmon For All
Derek Stinson Mark Stetz
Mick Cope Bob Schneider, Fish First, Coastal Cons. Assn.
Rocky Beach Glen Johnson, Fish First, Coastal Cons. Assn.
Mik Mikitik Gary Geis, NW Guides & Anglers Assn.
Mike Kuttel Joe Schwab
John Wisner Steve Bailey
Heather Bartlett Peter Roscoe, City of Astoria
Cindy LeFleur Chris Vertopoulous, NW Angling Experience
Andy Appleby Jay Daley
Pat Pattillo Lyle Cabe, Coastal Cons. Assn.
Sara LaBorde Hank Mills
Other Department staff Hobe Kytr, Salmon For All
Vern Dower, Fish First, Coastal Cons. Assn.
Public Scott Warter, Fish NW Commission
Steve Wood Eric Towers
Jeremy Warter, Fish NW Commission Dennis Pyles
Chris Doumit, Bristol Pacific Fish Co. Ron Andreason
Tony Kastella, Vancouver Wildlife League Jack L. Baxter
Todd Dielman, Dielman's NW River Guides Richard S. Littel
Don Swartz John Huddleston, Fish first, Coastal Cons. Assn.
Jim Malinowski, Fish First Steve Leonard, NW Guides and Anglers Assn.
Scott Atkinson John McKinley
Turner Odell John Cleary
Larry Passart Edward L. Barnes
Alex Mattila Gary L. Johnnson, Coastal Cons. Assn.
Les Greear, Fish First Clint Muns, Puget Sound Anglers, RFA
Mike Larocco, Fish First Frances Clark
Bruce Hunter, Fish First Tom Marinett
Darryl Jones, fish First /Coastal Cons. Assn. Robert Sudar
Bob Groger, Fisherman's Marine Francis Estalilla
Richard Williams, Coastal Cons. Assn. Marshall Allen, Fish First
Steve Fick, Salmon For All Jesse Mattila
Kevin A. Kuhel Brian Adams
Ross Logan, NWMP Bob Suhlecht, Bob's Sporting Goods
Kent Berry, Fish First Bill Hunsinger, Port of Astoria
Larry Hoehne, NW Steelheaders Al Jenkins
Paul Mattila Jim Harmon, SW Washington Anglers
Paul W. Larson, Fish First Lynda Estes
Larry Swanson, Vancouver Wildlife League Bryce Divine
Randy Woolsey, NSIA, Coastal Cons. Assn. Paul Schreiber
Kevin Newell Bill Leistritz, Fish First
Greg Frogner Jerrie Munson, Takin' Line Guide Service
Dave Lane rosie Smith
Jason Matthiessen Robert Toews
Steve Clark Richard Potenski, Fish First
Ted Fountain, NW Steelheaders Bruce Barnes, Mt. St. Helens' Rescue
Marty Keller Cheryl McKellar, PSA, CCA, LLBC
Mark Pearsall Tom Effber, Fish First
Desmond Dean Brandon Glass
Walter Wright David Goodroe, Lower Col. Economic Council
Stephan Gray Gene Laddusow, SW Washington Anglers
Roger Stecker Tom Peacher, Fish First, Coastal Cons. Assn.
Chuck Halva Pat Resser
Ron L. Pritchard Richard Hunt, Wild Steelhead Coalition
Brian Tarabochia Mike Rythar
Douglas Peacher, Fish First Scott Landis
Joe Salvey Mark Cedergreen, WA Charterboat Assn.
Chuck Bryan Harry Barber, Lower Col. Fish Enhancement Group
Lacey DeWeert Bob Fehlen, Coastal Cons. Assn.
David Eng, Frank Amato, Inc. Rick Andersen, Coastal Cons. Assn.
Gary Kish robert Graf, Coastal cons. Assn.
Bob Rees, NW Guides & Anglers Assn. Dean Swanson, Fish First, Coastal Cons. Assn.
Barney currigan Larry Swanson, Vancouver Wildlife League
Dan Porter John Wisner
Fred Ostling Bob Holtfretter, AHE Focus Group
James E. Marks Don Goetschius
Ken Willis Wendy Gardner
Ken Wirkkala Polly Dyer, Olympic Coast Alliance
Wayne Ritter Jessica Walz, Gifforn Pinchot Tack Force
Matthew Clark Steve Link, WA State Bowhunters Assn.
John Clark Kent Martin
Keith G. Sakai Dan Grogan
Brandon McGarran Matt Olson
Leonard Parson Bob Morgan, Coastal Cons. Assn.
Al Thomas Ed Wickersham
Jim Davis, North Cascades Cons. Council Joe Broz, Coastal Cons. Assn.
John Blankenship, Wolf Working Group Jim Pearson, Coastal Cons. Assn.
Carl Burke, NSIA-Fish NW Del Swanson, Fish First, Coastal Cons. Assn.
Julia DeGraw, Gifford Pinchot Task Force Scott Atkinson
M. Dennis Way, Clark-Skamania fisherman Ron Vely
John Grocott

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11:

Chair Gutzwiler called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Commissioner Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Roehl, to approve the minutes of the November 16, 2007, Joint Meeting with the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. The motion carried unanimously.

COMMISSIONERS' DISCUSSION:
Commissioners discussed recent activities and items of general interest and provided status reports on Commission committees.

DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Director Koenings and Deputy Director Anderson reviewed significant Department issues and activities.

CAPITAL PLANNING, LICENSE SYSTEM REVIEW, AND BUDGET UPDATE:
Deputy Director Stohr, Bill Joplin, Bill Phillips, and Jim Skalski updated the Commission on capital planning, the license system, and the Department's budget.

OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:
The following individuals provided oral testimony on issues of concern during this portion of the meeting:

Matt Olson (Vancouver) - Salmon/steelhead recovery
Harry Barber (Washougal) - Salmon/steelhead conservation
Bob Morgan (Washougal) - Salmon/steelhead conservation
Robert Fehlen (Washougal) - Selective fisheries
Joe Broz (Camas) - Conservation of wild fish
Ed Wickersham (Ridgefield) - Derelict nets; salmon/steelhead conservation
Rick Anderson (Vancouver) - Drelict nets; salmon/steelhead conservation
Scott Atkinson - Small-scale mining

WILDLIFE CLASSIFICATION - RULE ACTION:
Rocky Beach presented proposed permanent amendments to WAC 232-12-011, Wildlife classified as protected shall not be hunted or fished, which would down-list the bald eagle from threatened to sensitive in Washington state based on the biological status of the species. The Commission held a public hearing regarding these proposed rules at its December 7-8, 2007, Commission meeting in Port Angeles.

Commissioner Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Orr, to adopt the permanent amendments to WAC 232-12-011, Wildlife classified as protected shall not be hunted or fished, as proposed. The motion carried unanimously.

MASTER HUNTER PROGRAM - RULE ACTION:
Chief Bruce Bjork presented proposed permanent amendments to WAC 232-12-073, Master hunter program, to address deficiencies in the requirements for certification and penalties for unethical or unlawful behavior by Master Hunters. The Commission held a public hearing regarding these proposed rules at its December 7-8, 2007, Commission meeting in Port Angeles.

Commissioner Roehl moved, seconded by Commissioner Orr, to adopt the permanent amendments to WAC 232-12-073, Master hunter program, as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff. The motion carried unanimously.

MASTER HUNTER PROGRAM OVERVIEW - BRIEFING:
Mik Mikitik and John Wisner briefed the Commission on the status of plans for future development within the Master Hunter Program.

HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT - BRIEFING:
At the request of the Commission, Deputy Chief Mike Cenci briefed the Commission on its role in homeland security and responses to natural and man-made disasters.

PRIVATE LANDS ACCESS PROGRAM UPDATE - BRIEFING:
At the request of the Commission, Mick Cope and Joe McCanna provided a status update on the Department's Private Lands Access Program.

RAZOR CLAM GROWTH AND MORTALITY STUDY - BRIEFING:
Dan Ayers briefed the Commission on the highly popular recreational razor clam fishery and discussed ongoing work the Department is conducting to better understand razor clam growth and natural mortality.

WOLF CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN - BRIEFING:
At the request of the Commission, Steve Pozzanghera, Rocky Beach, Virgil Moore (Deputy Director, Idaho Department of Fish and Game), Fred Trevey (Idaho Fish and Game Commissioner), and Steve Nadeau (Wolf Coordinator, Idaho Department of Fish and Game) briefed the Commission on the current status of the wolf in Washington state and development of a Wolf Conservation and Management Plan.

OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:
The following individuals provided oral testimony on issues of concern during this portion of the meeting:

Polly Dyer (Seattle) - Wolves
Kent Martin (Skamokawa) - Commercial fishery and selective harvest
Robert Sudar (Longview) - Columbia River spring/summer chinook
John Blankenship (Tenino) - Wolves
Steve Link (Seattle) - Habitat acquisition; wolves
Jim Davis (Seattle) - Wolves
Wendy Gardner (Portland, OR) - Wolves
Julia DeGraw (Portland, OR) - Wolves

Chair Gutzwiler recessed the meeting at 5:50 p.m.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12:

Chair Gutzwiler called the meeting back to order at 8:06 a.m.

OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:
The following individuals provided oral testimony on issues of concerning during this portion of the meeting:

Tony Kastella (Vancouver) - Hunting access on private lands
Bruce Barnes (Vancouver) - Elk herd feeding; creek restoration; Washougal River
Frances Estalilla (Aberdeen) - North of Falcon fisheries process`
Jack Kaedings (Vancouver) - Selective harvest; ESA-listed fish
Edward L. Barnes (Vancouver) - Mount St. Helens' elk herd
Robert Graf (Selah) - Hunting permits on private lands
Richard Hunt (Everett) - Co-management meeting with tribes in November 2007
Paul Mattila (Battleground) - Chinook salmon

COLUMBIA RIVER SPRING AND SUMMER CHINOOK ALLOCATION POLICIES - BRIEFING AND PUBLIC HEARING:
Cindy LeFleur, Heather Bartlett, and Bill Tweit briefed the Commission on the current Commission Policies C-3615 and C-3616, which expired on December 31, 2007. The Commission will consider the approval of new policies at its February 1-2, 2008, Commission meeting in Olympia.

The following individuals provided oral testimony on the proposed policies:

Kenneth Campbell (Vancouver)
Nathan Burck (Kalama)
Roy Dowell (Washougal)
John Grocott (Ilwaco)
Francis Estalilla (Aberdeen)
Hank Mills (Milwaukie, OR)
Joe Schwab (Columbia City, OR)
Jim Hermon (Vancouver)
Randy Woolsey (Tigard, OR)
Dan Grogan (Vancouver)
Peter Roscoe (Astoria, OR)
Chris Doumit (Cathlamet)
Chris Vertopoulos (Tillamook, OR)
Clint Muns (Shelton)
Buzz Ramsey (Klickitat)
Scott Atkinson (Vancouver)
Dave Lane (Seattle)
Bryce Divine (Longview)
Lacey DeWeert (Woodland)
Bill Hunsinger (Astoria, OR)
Kevin Newell (Woodland)
Don Swartz (Milwaukie, OR)
Steve Grutbo (Portland, OR)
Walter Wright (Cathlamet)
Rayn Bigley (Lynnwood)
Steve Clark (Kenai, AK)
Randy Doucet (Lynnwood)
Rev. Irene Martin (Skamokawa)
Robert Graf (Selah)
Barney Currigan (Portland, OR)
Steve Fransen (Olympia)
John McKinley (Skamokawa)
Bob Rees (Tillamook, OR)
Marty Kuller (Cathlamet)
Gary Kish (Sauvie Island, OR)
Fred Ostling (Cathlamet)
Steve Bailey (Garden Home, OR)
Mark Pearsall (Wilsonville, OR)
Paul Mattila (Battleground)
John Cleary (Portland, OR)
Richard Hunt (Everett)
Steve Fick (Astoria, OR)
Brian Tarabochia (Astoria, OR)
Steve Gray (Seaview)
James Wells (Astoria)
Liz Hamilton (Oregon City, OR)
Joe Salvey (Scappoose, OR)
Carl Burke (Olympia)
Gregg Cowles (Lake Oswego, OR)
Roger Stecker (Longview)
Glen Johnston (Aberdeen)
Cheryl McKellar (Bremerton)
Richard Erickson (Cathlamet)
Brandon Glass (Troutdale, OR)
Jack Glass (Troutdale, OR)
Jason Matthiessen (Tacoma)
Gene Laddusaw (Vancouver)
Ed Orcutt (Kalama)
Kent Martin (Skamokawa)
Jay Daly (St. Helens, OR)
George Trott (Cathlamet)
Bruce Buckmaster (Astoria, OR)
Scott Warter (Tacoma)
Steve Wood (Vancouver)
Jack Baxter (Battleground)
Hobe Kytr (Astoria, OR)
Mike Wullger (Chinook)

NORTH OF FALCON FISHERY - BRIEFING:
Pat Pattillo provided a briefing on the Commission's current North of Falcon Policy (C-3608) which has a termination date of December 31, 2008.

ALL "H" INTEGRATION - BRIEFING:
Sara LaBorde and Andy Appleby briefed the Commission on the coordination of actions among the "H-sectors", Harvest, Hatchery and Habitat (inclusive of hydro), which work together toward the goal of recovering self-sustaining, harvestable salmon runs.

HATCHERY REFORM PROGRESS - BRIEFING:
Jim Scott, Ron Warren, and Sara Laborde briefed the Commission on the status of hatchery reform implementation, including systematic application of scientific principles to help recover and conserve naturally spawning populations and to support sustainable fisheries.

COMMISSION COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Commission discussed activities of the various Commission committees.

OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:
No oral testimony on issues of concern during this portion of the meeting.

MISCELLANEOUS AND MEETING DEBRIEF:
Commissioner Gutzwiler moved, seconded by Commissioner Wecker, to request the Department provide a briefing to the Commission after passage of the Farm Bill. The briefing is to include information on funds available from 2008 Federal Farm Bill for hunter access on private lands and action steps/time frames to secure these funds. Explore all possible avenues for securing funds to achieve: (1) additional support for securing additional access to private lands by the hunting public; (2) increased value of habitat provided by private lands for wildlife; and (3) improved communications and hunting administration between private landowners and the hunting public. The motion carried unanimously.
(Commissioners Orr and Roehl were absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

Commissioner Gutzwiler moved, seconded by Commissioner Wecker, to request the Department provide a briefing to the Commission at the June 6-7, 2008, meeting in Ocean Shores. The briefing is to include an expansion of hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, and conservation activities. Possibilities for collaborating on road use and/or closure policies, recreation access, or other items of mutual interest that further Department's agenda are to be included. Contact state and regional BLM offices, USFWS, and NPS to obtain information per the President's directive to Federal agencies to advance "Hunter Heritage". The motion carried unanimously.
(Commissioners Orr and Roehl were absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

POLICY DOCUMENT - DECISION:
Commissioner Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Mahnken, to adopt the October 25, 2007, Policy Document as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
(Commissioners Orr and Roehl were absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

2008-09 DEPARTMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES - DECISION:
Commissioner Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to adopt the January 8, 2008 Goals and Objectives for the Department as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
(Commissioners Orr and Roehl were absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

The Department will provide a status report to the Commission at the November 7-8, 2008, or December 5-6, 2008, meeting.

Chair Gutzwiler adjourned the meeting at 4:52 p.m.





MEMOS AND AUTHORITIES FROM THE JANUARY 11-12, 2008
FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION MEETING, VANCOUVER



Approval of Commission Minutes

- Motion by Wecker, second by Roehl, to approve the minutes of the November 16, 2007, Joint Meeting with the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. The motion carried unanimously.

Approval of Wildlife Classification Rules

- Motion by Wecker, second by Orr, to adopt the permanent amendments to WAC 232-12-011, Wildlife classified as protected shall not be hunted or fished, as proposed. The motion carried unanimously.

Approval of Master Hunter Program Rules - Motion by Roehl, second by Orr, to adopt the permanent amendments to WAC 232-12-073, Master hunter program, as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff. The motion carried unanimously.
Commission Requests to the Department - Motion by Gutzwiler, second by Wecker, to request the Department provide a briefing to the Commission after passage of the Farm Bill. The briefing is to include information on funds available from 2008 Federal Farm Bill for hunter access on private lands and action steps/time frames to secure these funds. Explore all possible avenues for securing funds to achieve: (1) additional support for securing additional access to private lands by the hunting public; (2) increased value of habitat provided by private lands for wildlife; and (3) improved communications and hunting administration between private landowners and the hunting public. The motion carried unanimously.*

- Motion by Gutzwiler, second by Wecker, to request the Department provide a briefing to the Commission at the June 6-7, 2008, meeting in Ocean Shores. The briefing is to include an expansion of hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, and conservation activities. Possibilities for collaborating on road use and/or closure policies, recreation access, or other items of mutual interest that further Department's agenda are to be included. Contact state and regional BLM offices, USFWS, and NPS to obtain information per the President's directive to Federal agencies to advance "Hunter Heritage". The motion carried unanimously.*

Approval of Policy Document - Motion by Wecker, second by Mahnken, to adopt the October 25, 2007, Policy Document as presented. The motion carried unanimously.*
Approval of 2008-09 Department Goals and Objectives - Motion by Wecker, second by Perry, to adopt the January 8, 2008 Goals and Objectives for the Department as presented. The motion carried unanimously.*



Commissioners Orr and Roehl were absent during discussion and vote on the motion.


Commissioners in Attendance:
Jerry Gutzwiler, Chair
Miranda Wecker, Vice Chair
Ken Chew
Gary Douvia
Conrad Mahnken
George Orr
Chuck Perry
Will Roehl

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