Commission to discuss non-native game fish and fisheries policy, 2022 spring bear special permits, and consider land transactions during October meeting

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is expected to make decisions on land acquisitions and hunting rules regarding importation of dead wildlife and firearm restriction areas during its Oct. 21-22 virtual meeting. In addition, the Commission will discuss the 2022 spring bear special hunting permits, non-native game fish policy development, and other topics.

The Commission will hold Wildlife and Fish committee meetings on Oct. 21 to hear briefings on a suite of topics, including science in management, recreation planning on Department-managed lands, and fish hatchery policy.

On Friday, Oct. 22, the full Commission will consider two land transactions proposed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). WDFW proposes to transfer a 0.37-acre parcel located near the west bank of the Skykomish River to Snohomish County. The property has the only parking area that serves the adjacent Snohomish County-owned parcel and would allow the County to manage both properties for public recreation and resource conservation.

The second proposed land transaction is to relinquish an invalid 25-foot-wide fishing easement on the Samish River in Skagit County. The fishing easement is not a significant site for fishing access and does not offer any parking. WDFW holds many miles of legal streambank fishing easements upriver. For more details about the proposed land transactions, visit WDFW’s website.

The Commission will make a decision on a rule regarding the importation and retention of dead non-resident wildlife and a rule regarding special hunting closures and firearm restriction areas.  The Commission will hear public comment on a Non-Native Game Fish and Fisheries Policy.

The Commission will also hear a briefing and accept public comment on proposed 2022 spring black bear special hunting permits.

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. As part of new public comment guidelines, those who wish to comment during open public comment must be registered by 8 a.m. 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 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). WDFW works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.