Conservation in Washington | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

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Washington Department of
Fish & Wildlife

Main Office
Natural Resources Building
1111 Washington St. SE
Olympia, WA 98501
360-902-2200
Get Directions

Mailing Address
600 Capitol Way N.
Olympia, WA 98501-1091

Phil Anderson
Director

SPECIES OF CONCERN

WDFW seeks public comments on draft plans to protect Oregon spotted frogs and 15 species of bats
State wildlife managers are seeking public comments on a draft recovery plan for Washington’s native population of Oregon spotted frogs, and a separate plan to conserve the 15 species of bats in the state. WDFW will accept written comments on the draft recovery plan for the Oregon spotted frog through Aug. 9, and on the conservation plan for bats through June 10. Learn more >>

•	Draft Washington State Bat Conservation Plan
•	Draft Washington State Oregon Spotted Frog Recovery Plan

WOLF CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT

The gray wolf is a state endangered species returning to Washington. Learn more >>

•	Washington Gray Wolf Conservation & Management 2012 Annual Report
•	View map of recent wolf observation reports
•	Frequently Asked Questions About Wolves in Washington

COLUMBIA RIVER SEA LIONS
	Columbia River salmon and steelhead face a serious threat from California sea lions that prey on fish waiting to move up the fish ladders at Bonneville Dam in early spring. Each year since 2002, sea lions have consumed thousands of migrating fish, many from threatened and endangered runs protected under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Learn more >>

FISH PASSAGE

Water Crossing Design Guidelines
The cost of a barrier culvert replacement is very high and multiplied by the thousands that currently dot the landscape. If new culverts fail to provide fish passage, then this money has been wasted and the outlay doubled since they must be replaced a second time in order to comply with State law. On the basis of economics alone, it is important to replace culverts right the first time. By following the advice given in this document and by relying on the expertise of knowledgeable designers and biologists, we hope that your water crossing project is successful. Learn more >>

HATCHERIES

Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans (HGMPs)
WDFW is currently updating draft management plans designed to guide state hatchery operations in portions of Puget Sound. People who would like to receive email notification of updated HGMPs must subscribe at the website. All future notifications will be distributed to subscribers and posted on the website. Learn more >>

SALMON CONSERVATION
	The Salmon Conservation Reporting Engine (SCoRE) website provides up-to-date information on populations, and provide context for the efforts WDFW and its partners are taking in the arenas of habitat, hatcheries, and harvest to protect and conserve salmon and steelhead in Washington. Learn more >>

HABITAT RESTORATION & PROTECTION
	Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Good environmental stewardship begins in our own backyards. WDFW’s Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary program helps you manage your property for wildlife with information on landscaping with plants that provide food and cover. Learn more >>

AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES

Invasive Tunicates Discovered in Washington

•	Report an invasive species sighting

WDFW LANDS
	Wildlife Area Management Plans WDFW manages nearly one million acres of land around the state for fish and wildlife, habitat conservation and wildlife related recreation.

SALMON & STEELHEAD CONSERVATION

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife developed the 21st Century Salmon and Steelhead Initiative to meet its responsibilities in recovering salmon and steelhead and provide sustainable fisheries.

Wildlife License Plates

Help Support Wildlife Activities in Washington
Five new license plate backgrounds to choose from, featuring some of the state’s premier wildlife species. Proceeds from the sale of the plates go to improving management for these and other wildlife species as well as improving conservation and recreation programs related to wildlife in Washington. Now, you can combine BOTH a wildlife background and a personalized message!

LATEST NEWS

•	Tests show no signs of ISA virus in Washington's salmon
•	Governor signs wolf management legislation to support conflict prevention, expand compensation
•	WDFW's 2013 'Citizen Awards' honor initiative, expertise and generosity
•	WDFW seeks public comments on draft plans to protect frogs, bats
•	Fish and Wildlife Commission takes action to address wolf attacks on domestic animals
•	Wildlife officials to euthanize diseased bighorn sheep
•	Frequently asked questions: Effect of 2012 fires on wildlife

PHS on the Web
An interactive map of WDFW priority habitats and species information for project review.

I AM LOOKING FOR...

•	Washington's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy and Wildlife Action Plan
•	Fish and Wildlife Commision Hatchery & Fishery Reform Policy
•	Fisher Reintroduction Information
•	Avian Influenza Facts
•	Wildlife Areas Habitat Conservation Planning
•	Endangered Species Information
•	Priority Habitat and Species
•	Ballast Water Regulations and Research

SalmonScape
Interactive mapping application includes salmon distribution, status, and habitats

FEATURES

•	Species & Ecosystem Research
•	Wildlife Program Weekly Activity Reports
•	WDFW Oil Spill Team
•	WildWatchCams
•	WDFW Image Gallery

Washington Amphibian & Reptile Atlas
Amphibian & reptile information