FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION
MEETING
June 3-4, 2011
Natural Resources Building
1111 Washington St. SE
First Floor, Room 172
Olympia, Washington
ATTENDANCE: |
Commission |
Public |
Miranda Wecker, Chair |
Jack Field |
Gary Douvia, Vice Chair |
Bruce Vandervort |
David Jennings |
Linds Saunders |
Rollie Schmitten |
William Baker |
Connie Mahnken |
Paul Parker |
Chuck Perry |
Chet O'Brien |
Brad Smith |
Greg Jones |
|
Duane Makoving |
Commission Staff: |
Hillary Bland |
Susan Galloway |
Bob Danielson |
|
Bob Aegenter |
Department |
Walt Christensen |
Phil Anderson, Director |
Marianne Mitchell |
Joe Stohr, Deputy Director |
Dale Bristow |
Joe Shorin, AGO |
Shelly Bristow |
Bill Frfymire, AGO |
Dane Yates |
Ann Larson |
Donna Snow |
Nate Pamplin |
|
Dave Ware |
|
Harriet Allen |
|
Bruce Bjork |
|
Jair Reitsma |
|
Irene Goldenberger |
|
Ron Warren |
|
Erik Neatherlin |
|
Heather Bartlett |
|
Dan Budd |
|
Michele Culver |
|
Lorna Wargo |
|
Don Kraege |
|
Donny Martorello |
|
Rich Beausoleil |
|
Darren Friedel |
|
Rocky Beach |
|
Margaret Ainscough |
|
Jim Scott |
|
Jo Wadsworth |
|
Craig Burley |
|
Wendy Ware |
|
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2011
Chair Wecker called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
1a. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
Commissioner Douvia moved, seconded by Commissioner Schmitten, to approve minutes as presented and including corrections as discussed:
- April 8-9, 2011
- April 15, 2011
- May 6, 2011
- May 20, 2011
The motion carried.
1b. COMMISSIONERS’ DISCUSSION:
Commissioners discussed recent activities and items of general interest, including:
1c. DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Director Anderson reviewed significant Department issues and activities, including:
- Wolf pack status update
- Emergency Rules
- Puget Sound Harvest Management Plan
- Rich Lincoln appointed to the Washington’s obligatory seat Pacific Fishery Management Council
- John Henderschedt appointed to Washington’s obligatory seat on North Pacific Council
- Regional Visits
- Olympic National Park - razor clam fishery
- Regulation plan for area 4b
- Discover Pass
- New Zealand Mud Snail
- Bear encounters
1d. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:
Director Anderson reviewed the current status of legislation related to the conservation and management of fish and wildlife resources in Washington State.
1e. OPERATIONS AND BUDGET UPDATE:
Deputy Director Stohr briefed the Commission on the current status of the Department’s budget and reviewed the state budget forecast process.
2. OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:
The following individuals provided testimony on items of interest or concern during this portion of the meeting:
3. ENDANGERED SPECIES OVERVIEW – BRIEFING:
At the request of the Commission, Harriet Allen briefed the Commission on the process by which species are listed and delisted, from the identification of candidate species through the process steps in WAC 232-12-097 for species in Washington State.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i), Chair Wecker convened an executive session for the Commission to discuss with legal counsel representing the agency litigation or potential litigation to which the agency is, or is likely to become, a party. The public was not permitted to attend the executive session.
4. CONSERVATION AND REBUILDING OF DEPRESSED SALMON AND STEELHEAD STOCKS – BRIEFING:
At the request of the Commission, Erik Neatherlin briefed the Commission on the status of salmon, progress in salmon recovery and the Department’s role.
5. Overview of State Hatchery System, Part 3 – Briefing:
Heather Bartlett, Hatcheries Division Manager & James Dixon, Hatcheries Division continued briefing the Commission on the history of fish hatcheries in Washington State, including Federal ESA Listings and status of implementing hatchery reform. Part 2 was presented during the January 7-8, 2011, Commission meeting in Olympia.
6. LAND TRANSACTIONS – DECISION:
The Commission will consider approval of various land transactions presented by Dan Budd, Real Estate Manager, Wildlife Program, for the protection of critical fish and wildlife habitat, enhancement of public recreation opportunities and responsible property management:
-
Proposed conservation easement on 480 acres in Okanogan County
-
Proposed acquisition of 39.10 acres in Grays Harbor County
-
Proposed acquisition of 1.32 acres in King County
-
Proposed easement exchange for lake access in Skagit County
-
Proposed lease/purchase in Okanogan County
-
Proposed underground utility permit on access site in Clallam County
No one signed up to provide public testimony for this item.
Commissioner Douvia moved, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to approve the purchase as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
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: During this portion of the meeting, the public is encouraged to comment on issues that are not on the agenda for decision action.
No one signed up to provide public testimony for this item.
Chair Wecker recessed the meeting at 4:05 P.M.
