Commission discusses coastal steelhead, Willapa Bay salmon management, decides on status of brown pelican and snowy plover, considers listing statuses of several wildlife species at September meeting 

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission heard updates on a wide range of topics at a hybrid meeting Sept. 22-24 in Ocean Shores, including discussions on coastal steelhead, Willapa Bay salmon management, and periodic status reviews and decisions on brown pelican and western snowy plover listings, and briefings on white pelican and Cascade red fox.

The Commission held Habitat, Big Tent, Fish, and Wildlife committees, where topics included visitor use on state lands, an update on the conservation policy, spring bear hunting policy planning, and discussions on fish and wildlife topics. 

The full Commission met Friday, Sept. 23, and commissioners received a briefing and held a public hearing on a proposal to open a previously closed section of the upper Chelan River -- from the Chelan Public Utilities District powerhouse up to the Lake Chelan Dam – to catch-and-release fishing. The Commission is scheduled to make a decision on the petition at its Oct. 7 webinar. 

The Commission unanimously decided to maintain existing listing status for both brown pelican and snowy plover. The Commission heard briefings and recommendations to, down-list the white pelican from threatened to sensitive and list the Cascade red fox as threatened. The Commission will decide on those species at its Oct. 7 webinar.

The Commission also heard a briefing and public comment on the pre-season planning process for the 2022-2023 coastal steelhead season. More information is available at the coastal steelhead management webpage.

On Saturday, commissioners heard from staff and took public comment on proposed changes to the Willapa Bay Salmon Management Policy. The Commission asked staff to create an additional alternative to present at a future meeting this year. The Commission is currently considering possible alternatives for adoption and seeking public input on continued policy development. Materials for that topic are available at the meeting agenda page. 

The meeting was recorded so members of the public who missed the meeting can watch at their convenience. To see information about past and future Commission meetings, as well as ways to participate, please visit WDFW’s website.

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.