AGENDA*

(Revised)

FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION
May 2-3, 2008
Sheriff's Ambulance Training Center & Conference Room
435 North Highway
Colville, Washington 99114

NOTE: On Thursday evening, May 1, the Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) members and staff have been invited to attend a no-host social reception and dinner with county commissioners at Stephani's Oak Street Grill, 157 N Oak Street, Colville. The FWC may have a quorum attending this social reception and dinner. For additional information, please contact the Commission Office at (360) 902-2267.

* Items 1, 2, 5, and 10 updated 4/29/08.
Times are approximate and subject to change.

FRIDAY, MAY 2

10:30 AM	1. CALL TO ORDER Approval of Meeting Minutes Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities, Region 5 Position - DECISION Commissioners' Discussion Director's Report (Jeff Koenings) Operations Update (Joe Stohr) OPEN PUBLIC INPUT The Commission is a direct link between citizens of Washington and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Comments on Department programs and topics of concern are welcome during this portion of the meeting. (NOTE: The public is encouraged to comment only on those issues not on this agenda.)
	LUNCH BREAK
1:00 PM	2. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES, BUDGET PROCESS UPDATE AND CAPITOL PROJECTS - BRIEFING: Department staff and Commissioners will discuss developments for the 2009-2011 Department Operating and Capital Budget request package based on key strategic priorities. - Budget & Strategic Planning greensheet and materials - PDF format (114 KB) Staff Report: Joe Stohr, Deputy Director - Operations 3. PROPOSED LAND TRANSACTIONS - DECISION: The Commission will consider approval of several proposed land transactions to protect critical fish and wildlife habitat, provide public recreation opportunity, and addressing responsible property management. Acquisition of an 808-acre property in Snohomish County Acquisition of a 27-acre property in Skagit County Acquisition of a 29-acre property in Skagit County Acquisition of a 19.54-acre property in Okanogan County Acquisition of a 1,079-acre property in Pend Oreille County Staff Report: Dan Budd, Real Estate Manager, Wildlife Program PUBLIC INPUT (Above item only)
	BREAK
	4. COUGAR MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH - BRIEFING: At the request of the Commission, Department staff will brief the Commission on findings and recommendations contained within the 2008 Pilot Cougar Control Program final report to the Legislature, and on the progress and future direction of cougar research projects, including Project CAT. - Greensheet - PDF format (84 KB) Staff Report: Donny Martorello, Ph.D., Carnivore, Furbearer & Special Species Manager, Wildlife Program 5. COUGAR PILOT PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS' REVIEW - INVITED TESTIMONY: At the request of the Commission Chair, County Commissioners from the participating counties will provide their perspectives on the Pilot Cougar Control Program. Presenters: Mike Blankenship, Ferry County Commission Tony Delgado, Stevens County Commission Ken Oliver, Pend Oreille County Commission 6. WDFW / WDNR LAND EXCHANGE UPDATE - BRIEFING: Department staff will brief the Commission on the status of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife / Washington Department of Natural Resources Land Exchange process. The Commission will consider approval of the agreement in November 2008. - Greensheet - PDF format (52 KB) Staff Report: Jennifer Quan, Lands Division Manager, Wildlife Program Dan Budd, Real Estate Section Manager, Wildlife Program 7. OPEN PUBLIC INPUT The Commission is a direct link between citizens of Washington and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Comments on Department programs and topics of concern are welcome during this portion of the meeting. (NOTE: The public is encouraged to comment only on those issues not on this agenda.)
5:50 PM	RECESS

SATURDAY, MAY 3

8:00 AM	8. OPEN PUBLIC INPUT The Commission is a direct link between citizens of Washington and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Comments on Department programs and topics of concern are welcome during this portion of the meeting. (NOTE: The public is encouraged to comment only on those issues not on this agenda.) 9. WOLF MANAGEMENT - BRIEFING & INVITED TESTIMONY: At the request of the Commission Chair, Department staff will brief the Commission on the status of the ongoing progress of the Wolf Working Group to develop a Wolf Management Plan, followed by invited testimony from participant(s) in the Wolf Working Group meetings. - Greensheet - PDF format (49 KB) Staff Report: Rocky Beach, Diversity Division Manager, Wildlife Program
	BREAK
	10. HUNTING GROUPS - INVITED TESTIMONY: At the request of the Commission Chair, leaders from hunting groups in Colville, Chewelah, and Newport will provide their groups' recommendations for the next 3-year hunting regulations proposal package. Presenters: Danny Bell, Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee, Colville Dale Maggert, Northeast Wildlife Management Group Tommy Petrie , Jr., Pend Oreille County Sportsmen's Club, Newport 11. DEPARTMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEES - POLICY DISCUSSION: The Commission and Department staff will discuss the Department's management and use of citizen advisory committees. - Advisory Committee Protocols - PDF format (1205 KB) - WDFW Advisory Committees List 2008 - PDF format (20 KB) 12. COMMISSION COMMITTEE REPORTS: The Commissioners will discuss activities of the various Commission committees. 13. OPEN PUBLIC INPUT: The Commission is a direct link between citizens of Washington and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The public is encouraged to share views of Department programs and topics of concern during this portion of the meeting. 14. MISCELLANEOUS AND MEETING DEBRIEF: The Commission will discuss items that arise immediately before or during the meeting and after the preliminary agenda is published.
1:00 PM	ADJOURN

NEXT MEETING: June 6-7, 2008, in Ocean Shores

* Items 1, 2, 5, and 10 updated 4/29/08.
Times are approximate and subject to change.

Contact the Fish and Wildlife Commission Office for further information:
Phone (360) 902-2267
Email: commission@dfw.wa.gov