Fish and Wildlife Commission heard briefings on European green crab and wildlife area planning at February meeting

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission heard briefings on invasive European green crab, lower Columbia River white sturgeon policy, commercial shellfish regulation proposals, and other topics during its Feb. 17-19 virtual meeting.

The Commission heard briefings and took public comment on proposed rule updates for commercial shellfish fisheries, as well as an annual update on white sturgeon population and management in the lower Columbia River.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff also briefed the Commission on the new South Puget Sound Wildlife Area Management Plan, which will guide the Department’s management and budgeting decisions for the 5,790-acre wildlife area spread across Mason, Kitsap, Pierce, and Thurston counties.

The Commission also heard an update on a five-year, 230-acre grazing permit on the Spears Unit of the Cowlitz Wildlife Area. The goal of the permit is to reduce reed canarygrass, which will improve habitat for native wildlife such as elk and waterfowl and create positive working relationships with nearby residents.

The Commission was briefed on European green crabs, including the immediate actions to implement Gov. Inslee’s emergency order regarding infestations at the Lummi Nation’s Sea Pond and Washington’s coastal bays, and the Department’s emergency measures funding request to the state legislature. More information and regular updates on WDFW’s European green crab emergency management are available on this webpage.

University of Washington staff briefed the Commission on a wolf population model they developed working with WDFW staff that estimates wolf population dynamics in Washington, and how wolves are predicted to disperse and use habitat.

The Commission will also a hold special virtual meeting on Friday, Feb. 25 to respond to a petition to provide a catch and release fishery on the Chelan River and a deer and elk baiting petition. The Commission will also hold a special virtual meeting on Friday, March 11 for a briefing and public hearing on proposed spring bear special permits.

For more information on how to comment and to see 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 the WDFW. WDFW works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.