December 14-16, 2023 Meeting agenda - WDFW Fish and Wildlife Commission

- Committee Meetings

8:00 - 10:00 – Big Tent Committee – Commissioners Baker, Lehmkuhl, Parker, Smith

To listen dial 253-215-8782 and enter webinar ID 871 5252 0549

Agenda topics:

  •  Draft Conservation Policy (PDF)– incorporate and review edits
  •  Introduce communications project
  • General discussion – current events and next meeting agenda

10:00 - 12:00 – Habitat - Commissioners Linville, Lehmkuhl, Myers, Ragen

To listen dial 253-215-8782 and enter webinar ID 869 8251 3414

Agenda topics:

1:00 - 3:00 – Fish Committee – Commissioners Anderson, Parker, Ragen, Linville

To listen dial 253-215-8782 and enter webinar ID 812 8266 2510

Agenda topics:

3:00 - 5:00 – Wildlife Committee – Commissioners Smith, Anderson, Rowland, Myers

To listen dial 253-215-8782 and enter webinar ID 820 6850 9437

Agenda topics:

- Regular Meeting Webinar

If you are interested in providing verbal public comment online during a webinar meeting, please register online.

The following registration deadlines are in effect:

  • Registration for those wishing to provide comments closes at 5pm the day before the meeting begins.
  • Open Public Input is intended for comments on matters not found elsewhere on the agenda.
  • Registrants will be called upon and typically have three minutes to speak.
  • If you are unable to participate you can submit your comments on the Commission contact page.

 

8:30 - 10:00 – 2. Open Public Input

Open Public Input

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.

10:00 – Break

10:15 - 10:45 – 3. Director's Report

The Director will brief the Commission on various issues.

10:45 - 11:00 – 4. Land Transaction - Briefing, Public Comment, Decision

The Commission will consider approval of a land transaction recommended by the Department.

Staff Report: Karen Edwards, Real Estate Manager      

Summary Sheet (PDF)

Presentation (PDF)

Public Comment - This Item Only

11:00 - 12:30 – 5. Lands 20/20 - Briefing

Staff will provide a briefing on the Lands 20/20 process, used to consider potential land acquisition projects, and an overview of 20 properties under consideration, including a summary of public comments received. 

Staff Report: Cynthia Wilkerson, Lands Division Manager, and Lisa Coffman, Lands 20/20 Coordinator 

Summary Sheet (PDF)

Presentation (PDF)

12:30 - 1:00 – Lunch

1:00 - 2:00 – 6. Black Bear Timber Damage - Decision

Staff will request approval from the Commission on amendments on WAC 220-440-210; Wildlife management and Wildlife Interactions, Black bear timber depredation permits.

Staff Report: Fenner Yarborough, Landowner Services Division Manager

Summary Sheet (PDF)

Presentation (PDF)

2:00 - 3:05 – 7. North of Falcon Policy (C-3608) - Briefing, Public Comment

Staff will brief the Commission on the background, fishery season setting process, legal and management framework, co-management, conservation (resource management plan) for the North of Falcon Policy. The policy guides staff in annual salmon fishery planning.

Staff Report: Kyle Adicks, Intergovernmental Salmon Manager

Summary Sheet  (PDF)

Presentation (PDF)

Public Comment - This Item Only

3:05 - 3:15 – Break

3:15 - 3:45 – 8. Petition: Amend the Fishing Season for Deer Lake – Briefing, Decision

Staff will brief the Commission and ask for a decision regarding the rulemaking petition to amend the WAC to open Deer Lake fishing season to a year-round fishery.

 Staff Report: Chris Donley, Region 1 Fish Program Manager

Petition (PDF)

Summary Sheet (PDF)

3:45 - 4:15 – 9. Petition: Begin Rulemaking for the Return of Recreational Spring Bear Hunting Seasons - Briefing, Decision

Staff will brief the Commission and ask for a decision regarding a petition that asks the commission to begin rulemaking for the return of the Washington State Spring Black Bear hunting season. 

Staff Report: Anis Aoude, Game Division Manager 

Petition (PDF)

Summary Sheet (PDF)

4:15 - 4:45 – 10. Petition: Black Bear and Cougar Rulemaking – Briefing, Decision

Staff will brief the Commission and ask for a decision on a petition for rulemaking to amend bear and cougar general season rules WACs 220-415-100, 220-400-050, and 220-415-090. 

Staff Report: Anis Aoude, Game Division Manager

Petition (PDF)

Summary Sheet (PDF)

Presentation (PDF)

4:45 – Recess

- Regular Meeting Webinar

If you are interested in providing verbal public comment online during a webinar meeting, please register online.

The following registration deadlines are in effect:

  • Registration for those wishing to provide comments closes at 5pm the day before the meeting begins.
  • Open Public Input is intended for comments on matters not found elsewhere on the agenda.
  • Registrants will be called upon and typically have three minutes to speak.
  • If you are unable to participate you can submit your comments on the Commission contact page.

 

8:00 - 9:30 – 11. Open Public Input

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.

9:30 - 9:50 – Break

9:50 - 10:50 – 12. Rules of Procedure

Staff will review the changes to the Rules or Procedure document and ask the Commission for approval.

Staff Report: Amy Windrope, Deputy Director and Joe Panesko, Assistant Attorney General

Rules of Procedure (PDF)

 

10:50 -11:20 – 13. Chair and Vice-chair Elections - Decision

Commissioners will select a new chair and vice-chair.

11:20 - 11:50 – 14. Selection of Executive Assistant - Decision

Commissioners will select a new Executive Assistant.

11:50 - 12:20 – 15. Meeting Debrief and Future Meeting Planning

The Commission will discuss items that arise immediately before, during, or after the meeting and consider future agenda planning.

12:20 - 12:35 – Break

12:35 - 1:35 – 16. Executive Session

Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(i), the Commission will meet in executive session to discuss with legal counsel representing the agency matters relating to agency enforcement actions, or to discuss with legal counsel representing the agency litigation or potential litigation to which the agency, the governing body, or a member acting in an official capacity is, or is likely to become, a party, when public knowledge regarding the discussion is likely to result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency.

1:35 – Adjourn