MEETING
MINUTES
FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION
MEETING
January 13-14, 2006
Natural Resources Building, Room 172
1111 Washington Street SE
Olympia, Washington
| ATTENDANCE: |
| Commission |
Public (Continued) |
| Ron Ozment, Chair |
Bruce Crookshanks, Col. R. Fish. Prot. Union |
| Fred Shiosaki, Vice Chair |
Darren Crookshanks, Col. R. Fish. Prot. Union |
| Ken Chew |
Brice Divine, Col. R. Fish. Prot. Union |
| Jerry Gutzwiler |
Sharon Harmon |
| Conrad Mahnken |
Alan Cumpton |
| Chuck Perry |
Chris Doumit, Bristol Pac. Fish. Co. |
| Will Roehl |
Chris Vertopoulos, NW Guides & Anglers Assn. |
| Shirley Solomon |
Bob Rees, NW Guides & anglers Assn. |
| Miranda Wecker |
Kevin Lund |
|
Gregg Cawles |
|
Steve Bailey |
| Commission Staff: |
Vic Pisoni |
| Susan Yeager |
Irene Martin, Salmon For All |
| Nancy Burkhart |
Tim Konigsheld |
|
Bill Pack |
|
Dave Vedder |
| Department |
Brad Schoonbow, Bob's Sporting Goods |
| Jeff Koenings, Director |
Jody Wyse, CCP |
| Larry Peck, Deputy Director |
Brian Simonseth, Wild Steelhead Coalition |
| Ron McQueen |
Richard Erickson |
| Dave Brittell |
Chuck Barnes, Puget Sound Anglers |
| Lew Atkins |
Mark Stetzer |
| Bruce Bjork |
Judy Munroe |
| Sue Patnude |
Mark Erickson, Resources Coalition |
| Jeff Tayer |
Edmund Keene |
| Dave Ware |
John Jovanovich |
| Matt Monda |
John McDonald |
| Bonnie Long |
Jeff Feagin, Puget Sound Anglers |
| Terry Rudnick |
Robert Beatty |
| Morris Barker |
Kent Martin, Salmon For All |
| Evan Jacoby |
Randy Wall |
| Lisa Veneroso |
Brenda Wall |
| Dan Budd |
Derek Wall |
| Harriet Allen |
Bruce Jolms |
| Jim Scott |
John Kollinki |
| Pat Pattillo |
Jim Wells, Salmon For All |
| Cindy LeFleur |
Clint Muns, Puget Sound Anglers/RFA |
| Bill TWeit |
Les Clark, NW Gillnetters Assn. |
| Bill Frymire, AGO |
Frances Clark, NW Gillnetters Assn. |
| Other Department Staff |
Linda Newton |
|
Dennis Forsberg |
| Public |
Larry Bucklin |
| Sue Danver, Black Hills Audubon Society |
Gary Dawson |
| Marty Kuller |
Tom Effinger |
| Steve Fransen |
Don Overby |
| Jim Howard, Puget Sound Anglers |
John McKinley |
| Larry W. Snyder, Vancouver Wildlife League |
Ben Overmars |
| Hobe Kytr, Salmon For All |
Bryon Fagan |
| Doris Takko |
Vern Forsberg, Salmon For All |
| Jenny Fagan |
Don Reading |
| Adam Fagan |
Al Westling |
| Richard Hunt, Wild Steelhead Coalition |
Steve Gray |
| Clay Cowden, Puget Sound Anglers |
Marsha Schaefer |
| LeeRoy Wisner, Puget Sound Anglers |
Ryan Nelson |
| Mike Schaefer |
Yvonne Shevalier |
| Larry Swanson, Col. Pacific Anglers |
Bill Vincent, Adv. Committee Persons w/Disabilities |
| Stan Richardson |
Dan Grogan |
| Hans Mak |
Bruce Buckmaster |
| Jack Marincovich, Col. River Fish. Prot. Union |
Robert Nowowiejski |
| Carmen MacDonald |
Tom Wolf, Trout Unlimited |
| Steve Fick |
Harley Edwards |
| Walt Christensen, WA Steelheaders Assn. |
Brad Shride |
| Bruce Beatty |
Francis Estalilia |
| Fred Osting |
Randy Woolsey, NW Sportfishing Assn. |
| Jim Christiansen |
Robert Young |
| Randy Doucet |
B.J. Thorniley, WA State Trappers Assn.; Washington
Wildlife Conservation; WA State Hound Council |
| Hugh Peters |
Jack Havens |
| James L. Brummett |
J.K. Johnson |
| David E. Garrison, WA Archery Assn. |
Walt Christensen, WA State Muzzleloaders Assn. |
| Brian Simonseth |
David Stevens |
| Dave Motek |
Jim Skalski, Office of Financial Management |
| Paul Ronald, Puget Sound Anglers |
Ed Owens |
| Jim Pearson, SCI |
Peter Dykitna, Trust for Public Lands |
| Anita Victory |
Mace Vaughan, Xerces Society |
| Bob Johnson, WA Wildlife Federation |
Dr. Chris Carter |
| Bill Clarke, Trust for Public Lands |
Steve Phillips, WA Wildlife Federation |
| Patrick Dunn, Nature Conservancy |
|
| Robert Sudar |
|
| Dr. Hans Radtke |
|
| Jackie Jones, WA Wildlife Coalition |
|
FRIDAY, JANUARY 3:
Chair Ozment called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Commissioner Shiosaki moved, seconded by Commissioner
Gutzwiler, to approve the minutes of the December 1,
2005, Commission conference call. The motion carried
unanimously.
Commissioner Roehl moved, seconded by Commissioner
Perry, to continue action on the November 18-19, 2005,
Commission meeting minutes to the February 10-11, 2006,
Commission meeting in Olympia. The minutes are to reflect
Commission directives to the Department regarding the
hunter access rules. 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:
Deputy Director Peck reviewed significant Department
issues and activities.
BUDGET UPDATE:
Deputy Director Peck and Ron McQueen provided a status
report on the Department's budget.
OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:
One individual provided oral testimony on issues of
concern during this portion of the meeting.
LANDOWNER HUNTING PERMITS, RAFFLE HUNTS, AND PLWMA
RULES AND BOUNDARY DESCRIPTIONS RULES -- RULE ACTION:
Dave Ware and Matt Monda presented proposed rule proposals
that would provide a variety of hunting opportunities
and encourage public access on private lands:
- Adopt WAC 232-12-295, Landowner hunting
permits;
- Amend WAC 232-28-293, Landowner raffle hunts; and
- Repeal WAC 232-28-271, PLWMA rules and boundary descriptions.
No oral testimony on the proposed rule amendments was
received during the meeting.
Commissioner Shiosaki moved, seconded by Commissioner
Chew, to:
- Adopt WAC 232-12-295, Landowner hunting
permits;
- Amend WAC 232-28-293, Landowner raffle hunts; and
- Repeal WAC 232-28-271, PLWMA rules and boundary descriptions
as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by
staff.
The motion carried unanimously. MULTIPLE
SEASON BIG GAME PERMITS RULES -- RULE ACTION:
Dave Ware presented a proposed permanent rule proposal,
WAC 232-28-294, Multiple season big game permits. This
would provide a variety of hunting opportunities, control
harvest levels and hunter distribution through a limited
permit drawing, and generate additional revenue for
the Department.
Two individuals provided oral testimony on the rule
proposal during the meeting.
Commissioner Shiosaki moved, seconded by Commissioner
Perry, to adopt WAC 232-12-294, Multiple season big
game permits, as filed with the Code Reviser's Office
and amended by staff. The motion carried unanimously.
"GO PLAY OUTSIDE" ANNUAL UPDATE -- BRIEFING:
Bonnie Long, Steve Phillips (Education Chair, Washington
Wildlife Federation), and Jackie Jones (Chair, Washington
Wildlife Coalition) provided the annual update on the
"Go Play Outside" Initiative.
YOUTH FISHING PROGRAM UPDATE -- BRIEFING:
Terry Rudnick briefed the Commission on youth fishing
program activities and accomplishments to date, and
outlined plans for the future.
LICENSE RECIPROCITY RULES WITH OREGON -- BRIEFING:
Morris Barker presented a proposed permanent rule proposal,
WAC 220-55-210, Oregon license reciprocity. This would
recognize Oregon license reciprocity so that Washington
license residents can fish concurrent waters of the
Columbia River mainstem and adjacent ocean waters on
the north Oregon coast.
Because the adoption date on the CR-102 was in error,
Commissioner Chew moved, seconded by Commissioner
Shiosaki, to continue action to the February 10-11,
2006, Commission meeting in Olympia. The motion carried
unanimously.
COMMERCIAL CRAWFISH GEAR RULES -- BRIEFING:
Morris Barker presented proposed permanent rule amendments
to WAC 220-52-035, Commercial shellfish pot gear--Escape
mechanism required, which would require a release mechanism
(rot cord) for commercial crawfish gear, consistent
with the current requirements for recreational gear.
The Commission will consider action on the rule amendments
at its February 10-11, 2006, meeting in Olympia.
SHARK FINNING RULES -- BRIEFING:
Morris Barker presented proposed permanent rule amendments
to WAC 220-20-020, General provisions--Lawful and unlawful
acts--Food fish other than salmon. These would act in
a complimentary manner to the federal rule, which requires
the landing of the entire shark carcass with the fins
so that an accurate account of harvest and biological
data can be made for the management of sharks. The Commission
will consider action on the rule amendments at its February
10-11, 2006, meeting in Olympia.
COMMERCIAL WILD SHELLFISH RULES -- RULE ACTION:
Lisa Veneroso and Evan Jacoby presented proposed permanent
rule proposals that would establish a new emerging commercial
fishery for commercial harvest of wild embedded shellfish
from private property. Action on the rule proposals
was continued by the Commission during its November
17, 2005, Commission conference call.
- Amendments to WAC 220-52-018, Clams--Gear;
- Amendments to WAC 220-52-020, Clams--Commercial harvest;
- WAC 220-88D-010, Emerging commercial fishery--Commercial
wild clams, mussels, and oyster shellfish fishery on
nonstate tidelands and bedlands;
- WAC 220-88D-020, Designation of the commercial wild
clams, mussels, and oyster harvest on nonstate lands
as an emerging commercial fishery;
- WAC 220-88D-030, Eligibility to participate in the
nonstate lands commercial wild clams, mussels, and oyster
shellfish fishery;
- WAC 220-88D-040, Nonstate lands commercial wild clams,
mussels, and oysters--Application requirements--Survey
and notification requirements--Incidental take prohibited;
and
- WAC 220-88D-050, Reporting requirements for nonstate
lands commercial wild clams, mussels, and oyster harvest--Conversion
to private sector cultured aquatic products.
No oral testimony on the rule proposals was received
during the meeting.
Commissioner Chew moved, seconded by Commissioner Solomon,
moved to adopt:
- Amendments to WAC 220-52-018, Clams--Gear;
- Amendments to WAC 220-52-020, Clams--Commercial harvest;
- WAC 220-88D-010, Emerging commercial fishery--Commercial
wild clams, mussels, and oyster shellfish fishery on
nonstate tidelands and bedlands;
- WAC 220-88D-020, Designation of the commercial wild
clams, mussels, and oyster harvest on nonstate lands
as an emerging commercial fishery;
- WAC 220-88D-030, Eligibility to participate in the
nonstate lands commercial wild clams, mussels, and oyster
shellfish fishery;
- WAC 220-88D-040, Nonstate lands commercial wild clams,
mussels, and oysters--Application requirements--Survey
and notification requirements--Incidental take prohibited;
and
- WAC 220-88D-050, Reporting requirements for nonstate
lands commercial wild clams, mussels, and oyster harvest--Conversion
to private sector cultured aquatic products.
The motion carried unanimously.
PROPOSED LAND TRANSACTIONS -- DECISION:
Dan Budd and Jeff Tayer presented one proposed land
transaction for the Commission's consideration and approval.
No oral testimony on the proposed land transaction
was received during the meeting.
Commissioner Gutzwiler moved, seconded by Commissioner
Shiosaki, to approve the following land transaction:
- Acquisition of the 5,143.76-acre Trust
for Public Lands/American Minerals Skookumchuck property
in Kittitas County for $1,800,000.
The motion to approve the land transaction carried
unanimously.
CLASSIFICATION OF WILDLIFE RULES -- RULE ACTION:
Harriet Allen presented proposed permanent rule amendments
to WAC 232-12-014, Wildlife classified as endangered
species, and WAC 232-12-011, Wildlife classified as
protected shall not be hunted or fished. These would
identify species requiring recovery and special management
attention in Washington, and remove those that no longer
require special management.
Two individuals provided oral testimony on the proposed
amendments during the meeting.
Commissioner Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner
Mahnken, to adopt WAC 232-12-014, Wildlife classified
as endangered species, and WAC 232-12-011, Wildlife
classified as protected shall not be hunted or fished.
The motion carried unanimously.
OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:
Three individuals provided oral testimony on issues
of concern during this portion of the meeting.
Chair Ozment recessed the meeting at 6:05 p.m.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14:
Chair Ozment called the meeting back to order at 8:31
a.m.
OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:
Eight individuals provided oral testimony on issues
of concern during this portion of the meeting.
STEELHEAD SCIENCE REPORT UPDATE:
Jim Scott and Pat Pattillo presented an overview of
the Steelhead Science/White Paper structure and process
that have been utilized in getting this science-driven
document initiated and on the way to completion. The
discussion also identified interested co-managers and
groups that have been involved or will be involved in
completion of the document.
ECONOMICS OF COLUMBIA RIVER SALMON FISHERIES --
INVITED TESTIMONY:
At the request of the Department, Dr. Hans Radtke (The
Research Group), Dr. Chris Carter (retired economist
with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife), and Don
Reading (Ben Johnson Associates, Inc.) presented data
from studies on the economics of Columbia River commercial
and recreational salmon fisheries.
COLUMBIA RIVER SPRING CHINOOK ALLOCATION AND WINTER
STEELHEAD IMPACTS--DECISION:
Cindy LeFleur and Bill Tweit presented proposed updates
to the Mainstem Columbia River Spring Chinook Allocation
for Non-Indian Fisheries, 2006-2007 (Policy C-3615).
This proposed policy would replace Commission Policies
C-3613 and C-3614, both of which terminated on December
31, 2005.
Sixty-three individuals provided oral testimony on
the policy during the meeting.
Commissioner Roehl moved, seconded by Commissioner
Shiosaki, to adopt the following policy guidance relative
to the mainstem Columbia River spring chinook fishery:
- The two-year Policy C-3615 titled "Mainstem
Columbia River Spring Chinook Allocation for Non-Indian
Fisheries" effective January 14, 2006 through December
31, 2007, as presented by staff, but the recreational
allocation would be 55% of the allowable impact rate
on wild winter steelhead and the remainder to the commercial
fishery.
- The overall non-treaty incidental mortality rate of
wild winter steelhead will be limited to no more than
2%.
- The Director shall work with the Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife to achieve implementation of this
Commission action in a manner that results in concurrent
regulations between the two states. The Director shall
consult with the Commission Chair if it becomes necessary
to deviate from the Commission's policy to achieve concurrent
regulations with Oregon.
The motion failed.
Commissioner Gutzwiler moved, seconded by Commissioner
Perry, to adopt the following policy guidance relative
to the mainstem Columbia River spring chinook fishery:
- The two-year Policy C-3615 titled "Mainstem
Columbia River Spring Chinook Allocation for Non-Indian
Fisheries" effective January 14, 2006 through December
31, 2007, as presented by staff.
- The overall non-treaty incidental mortality rate of
wild winter steelhead will be limited to no more than
2%.
- The Director shall work with the Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife to achieve implementation of this
Commission action in a manner that results in concurrent
regulations between the two states. The Director shall
consult with the Commission Chair if it becomes necessary
to deviate from the Commission's policy to achieve concurrent
regulations with Oregon.
The motion carried unanimously.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
-- UPDATE:
Albert "Bill" Vincent, Chair of the Commission's Advisory
Committee for Persons with Disabilities, briefed and
updated the Commission on the Committee's activities
in 2005.
OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:
One individual provided oral testimony on issues of
concern during this portion of the meeting.
SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUESTS:
Commissioner Roehl moved, seconded by Commissioner
Shiosaki, to request the Department schedule a tour
prior to April 2006 to the Vedder River Hatchery (British
Columbia) for the purpose of education of interested
Commissioners and Department staff so as to learn more
about their steelhead propagation methods and success
rates. The motion carried unanimously.
MISCELLANEOUS AND MEETING DEBRIEF:
Sue Patnude briefed the Commission on the Department's
2007-2009 biennial strategic plan development and timeline.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
The Commission did not meet in Executive Session because
of lack of a quorum. The Executive Session will take
place on the Commission's January 20, 2006 conference
call.
Chair Ozment adjourned the meeting at 6:07 p.m.
MEMOS AND AUTHORITIES FROM THE JANUARY 13-14,
2006
FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION MEETING, OLYMPIA
| Commission Minutes |
- Motion by Shiosaki, second by Gutzwiler,
to approve the minutes of the December 1, 2005,
Commission conference call. The motion carried
unanimously.
- Motion by Roehl, second by Perry, to continue
action on the November 18-19, 2005, Commission
meeting minutes to the February 10-11, 2006, Commission
meeting in Olympia. The minutes are to reflect
Commission directives to the Department regarding
the hunter access rules. The motion carried
unanimously. |
| Approval of Landowner Hunting Permits,
Raffle Hunts, and PLWMA Rules and Boundary Descriptions
Rules |
- Motion by Shiosaki, second by Chew, to:
- Adopt WAC 232-12-295, Landowner hunting
permits;
- Amend WAC 232-28-293, Landowner raffle hunts;
and
- Repeal WAC 232-28-271, PLWMA rules and boundary
descriptions as filed with the Code Reviser's
Office and amended by staff.
The motion carried unanimously.
|
| License Reciprocity Rules with Oregon
|
- Motion by Chew, second by Shiosaki, to continue
action to the February 10-11, 2006, Commission
meeting in Olympia. The motion carried unanimously.
|
| Approval of Wild Shellfish Rules
|
Motion by Chew, second by Solomon, to adopt:
- Amendments to WAC 220-52-018, Clams--Gear;
- Amendments to WAC 220-52-020, Clams--Commercial
harvest;
- WAC 220-88D-010, Emerging commercial fishery--Commercial
wild clams, mussels, and oyster shellfish fishery
on nonstate tidelands and bedlands;
- WAC 220-88D-020, Designation of the commercial
wild clams, mussels, and oyster harvest on nonstate
lands as an emerging commercial fishery;
- WAC 220-88D-030, Eligibility to participate
in the nonstate lands commercial wild clams, mussels,
and oyster shellfish fishery;
- WAC 220-88D-040, Nonstate lands commercial wild
clams, mussels, and oysters--Application requirements--Survey
and notification requirements--Incidental take
prohibited; and
- WAC 220-88D-050, Reporting requirements for
nonstate lands commercial wild clams, mussels,
and oyster harvest--Conversion the private sector
cultured aquatic products.
The motion carried unanimously.
|
| Approval of Land Transaction |
- Motion by Gutzwiler, second by Shiosaki,
to approve the following land transaction:
- Acquisition of the 5,143.76-acre Trust
for Public Lands/American Minerals Skookumchuck
property in Kittitas County for $1,800,000.
The motion to approve the land transaction
carried unanimously. |
| Approval of Classification of Wildlife
Rules |
- Motion by Wecker, second by Mahnken, to
adopt WAC 232-12- 014, Wildlife classified as
endangered species, and WAC 232-12- 011, Wildlife
classified as protected shall not be hunted or
fished. The motion carried unanimously.
|
| Columbia River Spring Chinook Allocation
and Winter Steelhead Impacts Policy |
- Motion by Roehl, second by Shiosaki, to
adopt the following policy guidance relative to
the mainstem Columbia River spring chinook fishery:
- The two-year Policy C-3615 titled
"Mainstem Columbia River Spring Chinook Allocation
for Non-Indian Fisheries" effective January 14,
2006 through December 31, 2007, as presented by
staff, but the recreational allocation would be
55% of the allowable impact rate on wild winter
steelhead and the remainder to the commercial
fishery.
- The overall non-treaty incidental mortality
rate of wild winter steelhead will be limited
to no more than 2%.
- The Director shall work with the Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife to achieve implementation
of this Commission action in a manner that results
in concurrent regulations between the two states.
The Director shall consult with the Commission
Chair if it becomes necessary to deviate from
the Commission's policy to achieve concurrent
regulations with Oregon.
The motion failed.
- Motion by Gutzwiler, second by Perry, to adopt
the following policy guidance relative to the
mainstem Columbia River spring chinook fishery:
- The two-year Policy C-3615 titled
"Mainstem Columbia River Spring Chinook Allocation
for Non-Indian Fisheries" effective January 14,
2006 through December 31, 2007, as presented by
staff.
- The overall non-treaty incidental mortality
rate of wild winter steelhead will be limited
to no more than 2%.
- The Director shall work with the Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife to achieve implementation
of this Commission action in a manner that results
in concurrent regulations between the two states.
The Director shall consult with the Commission
Chair if it becomes necessary to deviate from
the Commission's policy to achieve concurrent
regulations with Oregon.
The motion carried unanimously.
|
| Commission Requests to the Department
|
- Motion by Roehl, second by Shiosaki, to
request the Department schedule a tour prior to
April 2006 to the Vedder River Hatchery (British
Columbia) for the purpose of education of interested
Commissioners and Department staff so as to learn
more about their steelhead propagation methods
and success rates. The motion carried unanimously.
|
Commissioners in Attendance:
Ron Ozment, Chair
Fred Shiosaki, Vice Chair
Ken Chew
Jerry Gutzwiler
Conrad Mahnken
Chuck Perry
Will Roehl
Shirley Solomon
Miranda Wecker
