December commission meetings to discuss rules for licensing commercial whale watching, spring bear special permits, and non-lethal pursuit dog training practices

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will dedicate a special meeting on Dec. 15 to consult with staff and discuss draft rules that establish a commercial whale watching licensing framework and regulate the commercial viewing of Southern Resident killer whales. This meeting follows staff briefing and public testimony Commissioners heard during an early December meeting.  

“Knowing how many people are invested in this process and the recovery of Southern Resident killer whales, we’ve added time to provide this topic the robust discussion it deserves,” said Larry Carpenter, Commission chair. 

Following discussions at the special meeting, the Commission is expected to consider a decision on the draft rules during the Dec. 18 commission web conference meeting. 

Also during the Dec. 18 meeting, the Commission will hear updates on the Governor’s budget proposals and consider decisions for proposed amendments to the spring bear special permits and the proposed nonlethal pursuit pass program, proposed to help keep dogs trained for enforcement response to wildlife conflicts. 

Public comment opportunities for these topics occurred during the Dec. 4 and 5 commission meeting and per established processes will not be incorporated into either the Dec. 15 or 18 meetings. The public is welcome to observe the meetings, however, and may submit comments to the commission via email at commission@dfw.wa.gov or P. O. Box 43200 Olympia, WA 98504-3200. 

To support COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, these meetings will be available to the public to watch or listen through the webinar or conference call. For more information and to view agendas, visit wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings. These meetings will also be recorded and posted online so people can also watch the meeting 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 is the primary state agency tasked with preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish and wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing and hunting opportunities.