FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION MEETING
August 21, 2009

Natural Resources Building
1111 Washington Street SE, Room 172
Olympia, Washington

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

COASTAL DUNGENESS CRAB REGULATIONS – RULE ACTION:
Heather Bartlett presented proposed permanent rule amendments to WAC 220-52-040, Commercial crab fishery—Lawful and unlawful gear, methods, and other unlawful acts, that would implement 2009 legislation (ESHB 1516). The Commission held a public hearing on the proposed amendments during its July 10-11, 2009, meeting in Olympia.

Commissioner Douvia moved, seconded by Commissioner Mahnken, to adopt the permanent amendments to WAC 220-52-040, Commercial crab fishery—Lawful and unlawful gear, methods, and other lawful acts, as proposed. The motion carried unanimously.

COLUMBIA RIVER COMMERCIAL AND TRIBAL STURGEON FISHING – RULE ACTION:
Bill Tweit presented proposed permanent rule amendments to WAC 220-20-020, General provisions—Lawful and unlawful acts—Food fish other than salmon, and WAC 220-32-057, Season—Sturgeon, that are consistent with co-management agreements and would improve enforceability of the regulations. The Commission held a public hearing on the proposed amendments during its July 10-11, 2009, meeting in Olympia.

Commission Douvia moved, seconded by Commissioner Mahnken, to adopt the permanent amendments to WAC 220-20-020, General provisions—Lawful and unlawful acts—Food fish other than salmon, and WAC 220-32-057, Season—Sturgeon, as proposed. The motion carried unanimously.

2010 DEPARTMENT REQUEST LEGISLATION – DECISION:
Tom Davis presented for approval the Department’s proposed agency request legislation for the 2010 session. The Commission was briefed on the proposals at its August 7-8, 2009, meeting in Colville.

Commissioner Douvia moved, seconded by Commissioner Chew, to approve the 2010 Department Request Legislation as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

PETITION FOR RULE CHANGE – WAC 232-12-017, DELETERIOUS EXOTIC WILDLIFE – DECISION:
Steve Pozzanghera presented a citizen’s petition to amend WAC 232-12-017, Deleterious exotic wildlife, regarding mute swans.

Because the Fish and Wildlife Commission is charged with protecting the state’s native species, Commissioner Orr moved, seconded by Commissioner Chew, to deny the petition to amend WAC 232-12-017, Deleterious exotic wildlife. The motion carried unanimously.

PETITION FOR RULE CHANGE – WAC 232-28-291, SPECIAL HUNTING SEASON PERMITS – DECISION:
Steve Pozzanghera presented a citizen’s petition to amend WAC 232-28-291, Special hunting season permits, regarding muzzleloader special hunting permits costs.

Because the Fish and Wildlife Commission agreed that the system does not cause an unreasonable cost, Commissioner Schmitten moved, seconded by Commissioner Orr, to deny the petition to amend WAC 232-28-291, Special hunting season permits. The motion carried unanimously.

GENERAL DISCUSSION:
Commissioners and Department staff discussed recent activities and items of interest, including: update on tribal comments on proposed Hatchery Reform Policy; Director search; Colville hatchery tour; licensing; Wolf Working Group; possible consolidation of natural resource agencies.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:
The Executive Session was cancelled.

Chair Wecker adjourned the meeting at 10:58 a.m.

MEMOS AND AUTHORITIES FROM THE AUGUST 21, 2009
FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION MEETING, OLYMPIA

Commissioners in Attendance:
Miranda Wecker, Chair
Gary Douvia, Vice Chair
Ken Chew
David Jennings
Conrad Mahnken
George Orr
Chuck Perry
Rolland Schmitten