State fish and wildlife director to hold online open house for Island, King, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom county residents

MILL CREEK – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director, Kelly Susewind, and North Puget Sound Regional Director, Brendan Brokes, will take questions from the public in an online broadcast from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12.

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Photo by WDFW

WDFW’s North Puget Sound region spans from King County to the U.S.-Canada border and has landscapes ranging from alpine forests of the Cascade mountains in the east to the San Juan islands and Puget Sound to the west.

The department works cooperatively on a government-to-government basis with several tribes in the region to manage fish and wildlife populations and their habitats in a manner that provides sustainable populations and meaningful hunting and fishing opportunities for future generations.

“Our North Puget Sound region faces unique conservation challenges, ranging from managing the invasion of European green crabs to collaborating with partners to recover salmon populations in local watersheds,” said Susewind. “With over 45% of the state’s residents living in this region, it’s especially important for us to engage local communities and work together to conserve wildlife and their habitats. This online event will give us a chance to hear what’s on the minds of people who live here.”

Susewind and Brokes will share updates on several local and statewide issues, including Southern Resident Killer Whales, habitat restoration, and invasive aquatic species. 

People can tune into the discussion and ask questions starting at 7 p.m. by visiting the event link on their smartphone or computer. The event will be recorded and posted to the department’s website afterward for those unable to attend. 

Susewind has held a series of digital open houses across the state since 2018. These online open houses allow the public to ask questions and stay engaged on the department’s activities from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

The department manages 24 wildlife area units and over 130 water access areas in the North Puget Sound region. These sites are prime destinations for birding, hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking, bird dog training, and other recreation.

By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the department serves as stewards for Washington's natural places, protecting the state's land and water for its human and wildlife populations. Visit WDFW’s website to find a wildlife area or water access area near you.

WDFW is the state agency tasked with preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing, hunting, and other recreation opportunities.