Commission to hear update on 2019 Legislative Session, 2020 legislative requests at June 14 and 15 meeting in Port Angeles

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will have a public hearing on proposed land transactions, receive an update on elk in Skagit County, and review the 2019 Legislative Session and 2020 requested legislative proposals during an upcoming meeting in Port Angeles.

The commission, a citizen panel appointed by the governor to set policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), will meet June 14-15 at the Red Lion Hotel, 221 N. Lincoln St. in Port Angeles. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. on both days.

On Friday, the commission will take public comment on proposed land transactions to protect fish and wildlife habitat and to enhance public recreation opportunities. This includes the addition of 5,000 acres in the Klickitat wildlife area in Klickitat County and a long-term land lease of agency property in Pend Oreille County.

WDFW wildlife managers will also present an update on elk herds in Skagit County, a topic that had garnered high levels of participation at past commission meetings.

There will be public hearings and a commission decision on the status of tufted puffins, Oregon silverspot butterflies, and grizzly bears. Staff will also present a tufted puffin recovery plan to the commission.

Department staff will present an overview of the 2019 Legislative Session. Following the legislative session briefing, staff will provide a preliminary overview of the agency’s 2020 requested legislative proposals and supplemental operating and capital budget proposals.

Northwest Straits Commission staff will provide a briefing on their collaboration with WDFW in conducting marine conservation and monitoring projects.

WDFW will broadcast the commission meeting live daily at https://player.invintus.com/?clientID=2836755451&eventID=2019061003 (June 14) and https://player.invintus.com/?clientID=2836755451&eventID=2019061004 (June 15). The video will also be posted on WDFW’s website following the commission meeting. A full agenda is available online at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is the state agency tasked with preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing and hunting opportunities.