Commission to consider budget cuts, legislative priorities, and Columbia River Salmon Policy during July 31 meeting

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will provide direction on $31 million in proposed Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) budget cuts and agency legislative requests for the 2021 state legislative session during its July 30 to Aug. 1 on-line meeting.

The Commission will begin with wildlife and fish committee meetings at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, to discuss target shooting rules and CARES Act fisheries assistance, as well as hatchery policy language, non-native gamefish and fisheries policy, and an update on the Willapa Bay comprehensive review.

During the regular meeting starting at 8:30 a.m. on July 31, the Commission will consider an array of $30.8 million in budget cuts proposed for the 2021-23 biennium as the department submit reduction ideas to the Governor’s Office to prepare for an anticipated $9 billion shortfall in state revenue. In addition to the proposed budget reductions, the Commission will also discuss legislative priorities and new budget proposals as the department prepares for the 2021 Legislative Session. The Commission is planning to make final decisions regarding the budget reductions at their Aug. 21 commission meeting.

The Commission will also hear public comment on proposed amendments to the Washington Administrative Code pertaining to firearms and target practicing and the status of Mazama Pocket Gopher recovery. The Commission will also hear an update on public comments and schedule final action on the Columbia River Basin Salmon Management Policy C-3620.

On Saturday, Aug. 1, the Commission will be briefed on proposed hunting contest rule changes and the current scope and timeline to address cougar safety issues. Staff will also brief commissioners on proposed draft policy language revisions for Hatchery Policy C-3619.

The Commission will take open public comment Friday starting at 9 a.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m. To support COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, the meeting will be available to the public through webinar or conference call. For more information and to view an agenda, call 360-902-2267 or visit wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings. The meeting will be recorded and posted online.

The Commission is a citizen panel appointed by the governor that sets policy for the 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.

Individuals who need to receive this information in an alternative format, language, or who need reasonable accommodations to participate in WDFW-sponsored public meetings or other activities may contact the Title VI/ADA Compliance Coordinator by phone at 360-902-2349, TTY (711), or email ( Title6@dfw.wa.gov ).