FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION
MEETING via CONFERENCE CALL
August 19, 2011- 8:30 a.m.
Olympia, Washington

FRIDAY, August 19, 2011

Vice Chair Douvia called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m.

A. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
This item was moved ahead in the agenda, was originally item E.
Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(g), the Commission will meet in Executive Session to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment. No action will be taken during the executive session. The public is not permitted to attend the executive session.

Resumed in Public: The Commission continued the discussion of candidates.

Commissioner Jennings moved, seconded by Commissioner Mahnken to offer candidate E the position. The motion carried unanimously (Commissioner Perry was absent from discussion and vote).

B. COUGAR SEASONS AND REGULATIONS – RULE ACTION:
The Commission considered approval of the proposed amendments to cougar hunting seasons and regulations that manage harvest guidelines as outlined in the Game Management Plan, increase recreational opportunities and address public safety issues related to human-cougar interactions presented by Donny Martorello, Ph.D., Carnivore, Furbearer, and Special Species Section Manager. The Commission held a public hearing on the proposals during its August 5-6, 2011, meeting in Olympia and continued action to this meeting via conference call:

WAC 232-28-272 Black bear and cougar hunting seasons and regulations
WAC 232-28-287 Cougar permit hunting seasons and regulations; and
WAC 232-12-243 Public safety cougar removals
Chair Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Perry to approve the proposed amendments as presented.

The motion carried. 5 yes, Commissioner Jennings voted no.

C. PROPOSED 2012 DEPARTMENT REQUEST LEGISLATION – DECISION:
The Commission considered approval of the proposed request legislation package for submittal to the Governor’s office presented by Ann Larson, Special Assistant, Legislative Liaison. The Commission held a public hearing on the proposals during its August 5-6, 2011, meeting in Olympia and continued action to this meeting via conference call.

Commissioner Schmitten moved, seconded by Commissioner Jennings to approve the proposed request legislation package as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

D. PROPOSED 2012 DEPARTMENT REQUEST SUPPLEMENTAL OPERATING BUDGET – DECISION:
Item postponed to the September 2, 2011 conference call meeting.

E .GENERAL DISCUSSION:
Commissioners and the Director discussed recent activities and items of interest including:

Vice Chair Douvia adjourned the meeting at 10:30 am.