February 3-4, 2012 Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. 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.

3. 2011 Puget Sound Crab Season Results, Management & Enforcement – Briefing
Staff will provide the Commission the annual report required by Policy C-3609 summarizing the performance, harvest, enforcement and management of both commercial and recreational fisheries during the 2011 season.

Staff Report:
Rich Childers, Shellfish Policy Manager, Fish Program
Deputy Chief Cenci, Enforcement Program

4. Puget Sound Recreational Clam & Oyster Season Changes – Briefing/Public Hearing
Staff will brief the Commission on the proposed changes to the recreational clam and oyster seasons on Puget Sound public beaches and recommend changes in order to maximize recreational opportunities while preventing overharvesting.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (409 KB)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF format (135 KB)

Staff Report:
Rich Childers, Shellfish Policy Manager, Fish Program

5. Proposed Land Transactions - Decision
The Commission will consider approval of various land transactions recommended by the Department for the protection of critical fish and wildlife habitat, enhancement of public recreation opportunities and responsible property management:

Staff Report:
Dan Budd, real Estate Section Manager, Wildlife Program

6. Multiple Season Big Game Permits – Rule Action
The Commission will consider approval of the Department’s recommendation to increase the number of hunters drawn for multiple season deer and elk permits in WAC 232-28-294.

Staff:
Dave Ware, Game Division Manager, Wildlife Program

7. Wildlife Program Overview – Briefing
At the request of the Commission, Department staff will brief the Commission with a summary of the organizational structure, staff positions and expertise, budget sources, and wildlife conservation and management priorities.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (11 KB)

Staff:
Nate Pamplin, Assistant Director, Wildlife Program

8. Colockum Elk – Briefing
At the request of the Commission, Department staff will brief the Commission on Colockum Elk.  Including harvest trends over the past 10 years, road closures, review of true spike, status of reserve, and impact of the Yakama Tribe.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (15 KB)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF format (12 MB)

Staff: 
Will Moore, Wildlife Biologist, Region 3, Wildlife Program
Scott McCorquodale, Ph.D., Deer and Elk Specialist, Wildlife Program

9. Sanitary Shellfish Enforcement Strategy– Briefing
Staff will provide an overview to the Commission of the responsibilities of the Enforcement Program for providing adequate enforcement of the Department of Health rules and regulations pertaining to the sanitary control of shellfish.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (53 KB)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF format (8 MB)

Staff: 
Captain Dan Brinson, Enforcement

10. Enforcement – Agency’s WAC Overhaul – Briefing
Staff will provide an overview to the Commission on the agency WAC overhaul project currently underway and explain why the overhaul is needed and the benefits to rectifying the code.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (103 KB)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF format (3 MB)

Staff:
Joanna Eide, Admin. Regulations Analyst & Deputy Chief Cenci, Enforcement Program

RECESS

11. Sportfishing Regulations 2012-13 - Rule Adoption

The Commission will consider the 2012-13 Sportfishing Regulation changes for adoption. The following WACs are included:

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (2 MB)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF format (1 MB)

Staff:
Craig Burley, Fish Management Division Manager, Fish Program

12. Inland Fish Stocking Strategy and  Marketing Plan- Briefing
Staff will provide an overview on the Integrated Fish Management Strategy and the outcome of their work over the last 18 months. 

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (824 KB)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF format (1.5 MB)

Staff:
Heather Bartlett, Hatcheries Division Manager
Craig Burley, Fish Management Division Manager & Fish Program

13. 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.

14. Commission Committee Reports
The Commissioners will discuss recent activities of the various Commission committees.

15. Miscellaneous and Meeting Debrief
The Commission will discuss items that arise immediately before or during the meeting and after the preliminary agenda is published.