The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission consists
of nine members serving six-year terms. Members are
appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate.
Three members must reside east of the summit of the
Cascade mountains, three must reside west of the summit,
and three may reside anywhere in the state. No two Commissioners
may reside in the same county.
While the Commission has several responsibilities,
its primary role is to establish policy and direction
for fish and wildlife species and their habitats in
Washington and to monitor the Department's implementation
of the goals, policies and objectives established by
the Commission. The Commission also classifies wildlife
and establishes the basic rules and regulations governing
the time, place, manner, and methods used to harvest
or enjoy fish and wildlife.
The Commission receives its authority from the passage
of Referendum 45 by the 1995 Legislature and public
at the 1995 general election. The Commission is the
supervising authority for the Department. With the 1994
merger of the former Departments of Fisheries and Wildlife,
the Commission has comprehensive species authority as
well.
Through formal public meetings and informal hearings
held around the state, the Commission provides an opportunity
for citizens to actively participate in management of
Washington's fish and wildlife.
DRAFT COMMISSION POSITION STATEMENT:
Wolves in Washington The purpose of this position statement is to define the intent of the Fish and Wildlife Commission in relation to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s approach to management of wolf populations. The position statement provides guidelines for executing the Department’s responsibilities throughout the delisting phases of the wolf recovery process and for guiding the development of a future post-delisting management plan.
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