FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION
MEETING via CONFERENCE CALL
April 17, 2009 - 8:30 a.m.
Olympia, Washington

ATTENDANCE:
Commission	Department
Miranda Wecker, Chair	Phil Anderson, Interim Director
Gary Douvia, Vice Chair	Bruce Bjork, Enforcement
Ken Chew	Tom Davis, Legislative Liaison
Conrad Mahnken	Cindy LeFleur, Region 5
George Orr	Craig Bartlett, Public Affairs
Chuck Perry
Commission Staff:	Public
Susan Yeager	None
Nancy Burkhart

Chair Wecker called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.

COLUMBIA RIVER CHINOOK FISHERY UPDATE:
Interim Director Anderson briefed the Commission on the status of spring chinook fisheries and discussed options for the remainder of the season.

Consistent with Commission Policy C-3617, for 2009-2013, Interim Director Anderson requested additional direction from the Commission in order to achieve concurrent regulations with Oregon.

The Commission agreed (by consensus) that Interim Director Anderson is authorized to set the May-June fisheries above Bonneville Dam, the remaining select area fisheries, and the commercial shad fishery at this time.

In order to allow additional time for staff to provide Commissioners with more information, the Commission postponed providing direction on the alternative option for 2009 regarding the remaining lower Columbia mainstem sport and commercial salmon fisheries to the May 1, 2009, Commission meeting via conference call.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:
Tom Davis briefed the Commission on the current status of legislation related to the conservation and management of fish and wildlife resources in Washington State.

SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUESTS:
Commissioners reviewed the current list of Commission Requests to the Department.

Chair Wecker adjourned the meeting at 10:20 a.m.