Commission to consider land transactions, hydraulic code rule making, and non-native game fish and fisheries policy during December meeting

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is expected to make decisions on land transactions, hydraulic code rule making, non-native game fish and fisheries policy, and chair and vice chair elections during its Dec. 2-3 virtual meeting. In addition, the Commission will also discuss proposed amendments to recreational fish and shellfish regulations and receive a briefing on the Governor’s salmon recovery budget priorities.

The Commission will hold Wildlife, Fish, and Wolf committee meetings on Dec. 2 to hear briefings on a suite of topics, including Blue Mountains elk, fisheries management, and draft language for the wolf-livestock conflict deterrence rule. 

On Friday, Dec. 3, the full Commission will consider two land transactions proposed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). WDFW proposes to acquire 290 acres of shrubsteppe habitat in Yakima County that would link two existing WDFW-managed wildlife area units: Cowiche and Oak Creek. Another proposal seeks to acquire a 34-acre conservation easement in Thurston County that provides wetland habitat for Oregon spotted frog. 

For more details about the proposed land transactions, visit WDFW’s website.

Also on Friday, the Commission is expected to vote on a proposed policy guiding management of non-native game fish and fisheries within the state. To learn more about development of that policy, visit the webpage.

The Commission will also hear a briefing and public comment on proposed sport fishing and shellfish rule changes that support conservation objectives and clarify several regulations. Comments on those proposed regulations can also be submitted online. 

Finally, the Commission will consider new chair and vice chair positions prior to de-briefing the meeting. 

The Commission will take open public comment on Friday morning and as part of many agenda items throughout the meeting. All members of the public are invited to share their perspective and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, or basis of disability. 

To support COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, this meeting will be conducted online and be available to the public to watch or listen via webinar or conference call. Members of the public interested in providing verbal public comment, can pre-register on WDFW’s website. Pre-registration closes at 8 a.m. Friday for Friday’s comment periods and at 8 a.m. on Saturday for Saturday’s comment periods. Find more information on how to comment and view the agenda on WDFW’s website. The meeting will also be recorded and posted online so people can also watch afterwards at their convenience. 

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is a panel appointed by the governor that sets policy for the WDFW. WDFW works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial 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).