Species of Concern

As the state’s human population continues to grow, more fish and wildlife species have been put at risk by loss and fragmentation of critical habitat, disturbance and introduction of non-native species. The Threatened and Endangered Species section of the WDFW oversees the listing and recovery of those species in danger of being lost in the state.

OREGON SPOTTED FROG RECOVERY See full story >> Experts prepare vanishing frogs for release into wild Some 1,400 Oregon spotted frogs are about to be released in Washington wetlands in a desperate move to save the vanishing species. Preparing the frogs for release is research scientist Mark Hayes, who is busy measuring, weighing and tagging the frogs at Woodland Park Zoo. [KOMO News] • Five hundred frogs get the jump at Fort Lewis • Oregon Spotted Frog Status Report • Oregon Spotted Frog Pilot Reintroduction Project Oregon Spotted Frogs & Tadpoles Oregon Zoo Video Watch video  Running Time: 1:44		FISHER REINTRODUCTION Olympic National Park Fisher Reintroduction Following eight years of analysis and planning, WDFW and Olympic National Park initiated the Olympic fisher reintroduction project in December of 2007. The goal of the project is to release a total of 100 fishers into Olympic National Park over a three-year period. An estimated 40 fishers will be released in each of the winters of 2008/2009 and 2009/2010. Learn more >> • View video of the mother and kits • Olympic Fisher Reintroduction Updates • Fisher Recovery Plan
SHARP-TAILED GROUSE RECOVERY WDFW is finalizing the state sharp-tailed grouse recovery plan The 90-day public comment period for the Draft recovery plan closed September 7th. After review of the comments from the public, and additional information received since the issuance of the Draft plan, WDFW will make revisions over the next few months, and forward the final recovery plan to the WDFW Director for approval. • Draft Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Recovery Plan • Video: Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek in Spring Snow a Dawson Dunning Video - Running Time: 2:34 Species of Concern Legal Definitions and Procedures Status Definitions Listing Procedures WAC 232-12-297: Endangered, threatened, and sensitive wildlife species classification WAC 232-12-011: Wildlife classified as protected shall not be hunted or fished History of the Species of Concern List		SPECIES OF CONCERN Learn more >> Commission restricts the use of lead fishing tackle on lakes with loons The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted a proposal that prohibits the use of lead weights and jigs that measure 1 ½ inches or less along the longest axis at 12 lakes. In addition, the commission banned the use of flies containing lead at Long Lake in Ferry County. The restrictions, which take effect May 1, are designed to protect loons from being poisoned by ingesting small lead fishing gear lost by anglers.