Commission to discuss land transaction, crossbow rules, agency budget at virtual meeting June 10

Special Fish Committee meeting also scheduled for June 10

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will hear updates on legislative and budget issues and decide on a land transaction and a petition to change crossbow requirements for seniors at a virtual meeting Friday, June 10.

The meeting, scheduled for 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., will open with the Commission considering a potential land transaction in western Grant County. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) proposes to acquire a 129-acre property on Martha Lake currently owned by the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT). WDFW has leased the property since 1975, managing it as a water access area and popular ADA-accessible fishing destination.

The Commission is also expected to decide on a petition to amend hunting regulations to allow seniors age 65 and older to use crossbows during archery season.

The Commission will then hear updates from WDFW staff on legislation requested by the agency for the 2023 legislative session, as well as priorities for the agency’s 2023-2025 operating and capital budgets. The Commission is scheduled to adopt legislative and budget proposals in August.

Later on Friday, the Commission’s Fish Committee will meet from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to discuss the continued review and potential revisions of the Commission’s Willapa Bay Salmon Management Policy.

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. Members of the public interested in providing verbal public comment can pre-register on WDFW’s website.

These meetings will be conducted online and be available to the public to watch or listen via webinar or conference call. For more information on how to comment and to review agendas, visit WDFW’s website. The meetings will also be recorded and posted online so people can watch afterwards at their convenience. 

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