May 14-15, 2020 Commission meeting audio transcript

Fish and Wildlife Commission
Notice of Special Committees & Regular Meeting

May 14-15, 2020 Audio Transcript

*Item #7 Puget Sound Crab Fishery Policy (C-3609) has been struck from the agenda.*

Thursday, May 14, 2020 - Special Committee Meetings (Committee meetings will be held via Zoom Webinar.)

8:30 AM

Big Tent Meeting - Commissioners Baker, McIsaac, Thorburn, Smith

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Agenda topics:
- Strategic plan update

1:00 PM

Fish Committee Meeting – Commissioners Carpenter, Kehoe, McIsaac, Graybill

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Agenda topics:
(Note: Only non-native game fish and fisheries policy will be discussed at this meeting
another Fish Committee meeting will be scheduled next week to address the fishery management issues.) 

Thank you for your patience. 

- Fishery management issues 
     - North of Falcon discussion
     - Puget Sound Chinook Management Plan/RMP discussion

 - Non-native Game Fish and Fisheries Policy

Friday, May 15, 2020 - Regular Meeting (The Commission meeting will be held via Zoom Webinar.)

8:30 AM

1. Call to Order

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- Commissioners’ Discussion
- Meeting Minutes Approval
     - April 9-10 Draft Minutes
     - April 24 Draft Minutes
- Committee Reports
    - Draft Summary Guidance on Alternatives for Post Recovery Wolf Planning

8:35 AM

2. Open Public Input

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The Commission is a direct link between the 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 do not already have public input time on the agenda.

9:45 AM

3. Director’s Report

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The Director will brief the Commission orally on various items, including an update on Covid-19 matters and planning to address non-hunting Cougar safety issues.

10:15 AM

4. Land Transactions – Briefing, Decision

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The Commission will consider approval of land transactions recommended by the Department for the protection of critical fish and wildlife habitat and for the enhancement of public recreation opportunities.

- Summary Sheet

        Staff Report:  Julie Sandberg, Real Estate Section Manager

10:50 AM

5. Puget Sound Steelhead Advisory Group (PSSAG) – Briefing

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The PSSAG will summarize the results of a more than 3-year process that resulted in a broadly supported portfolio of proactive management strategies to restore Puget Sound steelhead and fisheries. 

- Draft Report
- Portfolio

Staff Report: Jim Scott, Special Assistant to the Director and Members of PSSAG

11:35 AM

7. Puget Sound Crab Fishery Policy (C-3609) – Briefing, Public Comment, and Possible Direction

Staff will provide the Commission a briefing on Puget Sound Dungeness crab management policy (C-3609), fishery proposals received from Tribal co-managers, and will explore options going forward.  The Commission may provide policy direction on further development of a response to Tribal co-managers.

Staff Report: Chris Eardley, Puget Sound Shellfish Policy Coordinator and Katelyn Bosley, Lead Puget Sound Crustacean Biologist

12:20 PM

6. Miscellaneous and Meeting Debrief

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

- Year-at-a-Glance

12:35 PM

8. Executive Session (via Conference Call)

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Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110, the Commission will meet in executive session. No action will be taken during executive session and the public is not permitted to attend.

2:35 PM - Adjourn