Commission to discuss annual wolf management report and make decisions on land acquisitions and status reviews for Greater sage-grouse, gray whales, and humpback whales

ARCHIVED NEWS RELEASE

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News release

Commission office, commission@dfw.wa.gov, 360-902-2267

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is expected to make decisions on land acquisitions and status reviews for the Greater sage-grouse, gray whales, and humpback whales during its April 22-24 virtual meeting, in addition to discussing the annual wolf management report.

The Commission will hold wildlife and fish committee meetings on Thursday, April 22 to hear briefings on a suite of topics, including recreation planning and the North of Falcon salmon season process.

On Friday, April 23, the full Commission will consider approving a land acquisition for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to accept a seven-acre land donation from the Wild Steelhead Coalition in Asotin County. This water access area along the Grande Ronde River is next to the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area and includes a popular hand boat launch, restrooms, and five primitive camping sites. WDFW has operated and maintained the area for many years under property owner agreements. For more details about the proposed land acquisition, visit WDFW’s website.

The Commission will also hear a briefing on the Annual Wolf Management report, which captures wolf populations and significant management action for 2020. The Commission will also consider maintaining the state’s sensitive status of gray whales and endangered status for humpback whales and consider changing the state status for Greater sage-grouse from threatened to endangered.

The Commission will take open public comment on Friday and Saturday mornings. 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. As part of new public comment guidelines, those who wish to comment during open public comment on Friday or Saturday must be registered by 8 a.m. Find more information on how to comment on WDFW’s website.

For more information on how to participate and to view the agenda, visit wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings. This 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 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). WDFW works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities. 

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-855-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.