Commission approves utility easement in Clallam County and hears briefing on Puget Sound steelhead

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission approved an easement transaction in Clallam County and heard a briefing on Puget Sound steelhead restoration during its May 15 virtual meeting.  

Members of the Puget Sound Steelhead Advisory Group also briefed commission members on their QuickSilver Portfolio, which presents the results of a more than 3-year process to develop proactive management strategies to restore Puget Sound steelhead. Suggested strategies included watershed-scale experiments, population monitoring, and hatchery production efforts. Commission members requested additional dialogue around the portfolio, including implementation and public engagement.  

The commission also heard from Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind on efforts to respond to the COVID-19 public health challenges. 

Commissioners also reviewed the Department’s plans to work with the public regarding cougars and public safety, post-recovery wolf planning, and a 25-year strategic plan timeline that anticipated public comment opportunities at commission meetings next month.  

Finally, the Commission approved Century Link’s use of a pre-existing utility easement in the North Olympic Wildlife Area at Snow Creek to allow for an underground cable and expanded internet services in Neah Bay. 

A recording of the meeting, which was made available to the public via video conference is available at: https://www.tvw.org/watch/?eventID=2020051040.  

The Commission is a citizen panel appointed by the governor that sets policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). WDFW is the primary state agency tasked with preserving, protecting, and perpetuating fish and wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing and hunting opportunities.