OLYMPIA -- Big game hunting permit quotas, special raffle hunts, the state's Wild Salmonid Policy and new protections for several wildlife species will be among the issues facing the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission when it meets this Friday and Saturday.

The meeting is scheduled to begin Friday at 2:15 p.m. at the Longview Elks Lodge, 1265 12th Ave., Longview. Saturday's meeting begins at 8 a.m. at the same place.

Friday's agenda includes a briefing for commissioners on the department's involvement in state Timber Fish and Wildlife negotiations; the adoption of Department of Fish and Wildlife goals; an update on the state's draft Wild Salmonid Policy and a status report on the volunteer group Fish First.

The commission will also be briefed on the agency's new ecosystem management process known as Integrated Landscape Management.

On Saturday, commission members will consider whether to classify bats, the Washington ground squirrel and the California mountain kingsnake as protected wildlife. It also is expected to vote on 1997 deer, moose, sheep and goat permit quotas; determine 1997-98 elk permit quotas; approve 1998 raffle permit hunts for deer, elk, and bighorn sheep; adopt 1998 elk and bighorn sheep auction permit hunts; and adopt miscellaneous hunting season rules.

The commission also will award its 1996 Citizen Awards for Volunteer of the Year; Educator of the Year and Organization of the Year. Nine individuals and one organization are expected to be honored at this meeting.

Commission meetings are open to the public. Citizens are encouraged to attend and give their input on fish and wildlife matters. People with questions about commission activities can call (360) 902-2267.