February 14, 2025 Meeting agenda - WDFW Fish and Wildlife Commission

- Committee Meetings

8:00am - 10:00am – Big Tent Committee - CANCELLED

10:00am - 12:00pm – Habitat Committee - CANCELLED

1:00pm - 3:00pm – Fish Committee - CANCELLED

3:00pm - 5:00pm – Wildlife Committee - CANCELLED

- Regular Meeting Web Conference

If you are interested in providing public comments online during a hybrid meeting, please register online.

Virtual Participation:

The following virtual registration deadlines are in effect:

  • Registration for those wishing to provide virtual 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 (3) minutes to speak.
  • If you are unable to participate, you can submit your comments on the Commission contact page.

In-Person Participation:

The following in-person deadlines are in effect:

  • If you haven't pre-registered, complete a Public Testimony Form, available at the registration table.
  • The form must be submitted at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the agenda item you wish to testify on.

To listen to the meeting, please access it using the Zoom Link or the TVW AM Link/TVW PM Link

or by phone by dialing 1-253-205-0468 and entering Webinar ID# 892 3134 8876

8:00am - 8:30am – 1. Call to Order

Commissioners Discussion

Meeting Minutes Approval

Committee Reports

8:30am - 10:00am – 2. 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. 

Public Comment - This Item Only

10:00am - 10:15am – Break

10:15am - 10:45am – 3. Director's Report

The Director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will brief the Commission on various items.

10:45am - 11:15am – 4. Commercial Whale Watching Rulemaking - Decision

Staff will request a decision from the Commission on the Commercial Whale Watching Rulemaking.

Staff Report: Julie Watson, Killer Whale Policy Lead

11:15am - 12:00pm – 5. Land Transactions - Briefing, Public Comment, Decision

The Commission will consider approval of four land transactions for acquisition and one land use agreement as recommended by the Department.

Staff Report: Matthew Trenda, Real Estate Manager 

Public Comment - This Item Only

12:00pm - 1:00pm – Lunch

1:00pm - 2:00pm – 6. Blue Sheet: Columbia River Fisheries - Briefing

Staff overview of the Columbia River Compact, implementation of the 2022 Columbia River gillnet buy back budget proviso, and fisheries monitoring efforts.

Staff Report: Dr. Charlene Hurst, Columbia River Division Manager and Tom McBride, Special Assistant to the Director of the Fish Program

2:00pm - 2:45pm – 7. Policy C-3630: Columbia River Salmon Management Annual Review - Briefing, Decision

Staff will provide the Commission an annual review of the 2024 calendar year for policy C-3630 and will recommend delegation to the WDFW Director. The policy guides salmon management within the Columbia River.

Staff Report: Dr. Charlene Hurst, Columbia River Division Manager

2:45pm - 3:00pm – Break

3:00pm - 3:45pm – 8. 2023-2025 Biodiversity Update - Briefing

The WDFW Conservation Director will provide the Commission with an overview of the Department's 2023-2025 BN Biodiversity Funding, as well as highlight some early results and accomplishments. 

Staff Report: Margen Carlson, WDFW Conservation Director

3:45pm - 4:45pm – 9. Meeting Debrief & Future Meeting Planning

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

4:45pm – Adjourn