State fish and wildlife director to host digital open houses, launches series with Southwest Washington and North Puget Sound

OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind will host a series of six digital open houses this fall to discuss regional fish and wildlife topics. Susewind and each region’s leadership staff will provide local updates about WDFW activities and fish and wildlife conservation and invite participants to ask questions.

“If you’ve ever had questions about the fish or wildlife in your area or how these species are conserved and managed by the Department, this is a chance to learn more. It’s about connecting with residents on the topics that matter to them,” said Susewind. “The virtual format offers convenience and supports public safety. You can participate by video at home or even call in by phone from the parking lot at soccer practice. People have become much more accustomed to this technology.”

On Tuesday, Nov. 2 the first digital open house will focus on Southwest Washington – Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Lewis, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties – and touch on sea lion management in the Lower Columbia and work with our partners to support salmon recovery in the Lewis River.

The Thursday, Nov. 4 digital open house will focus on North Puget Sound – Island, King, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties – with an introduction to the North of Falcon salmon season-setting process and an update on Southern Resident Killer Whale recovery.

Each live, digital open house will take place from 6-7 p.m.:

• Tuesday, Nov. 2 - Southwest Washington with Regional Director Kessina Lee

         Zoom link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87246358041
         Call 253-215-8782 or 888-475-4499 (Toll Free) and enter Webinar ID: 872 4635 8041

• Thursday, Nov. 4 - North Puget Sound with Regional Director Brendan Brokes

         Zoom link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81594558241
         Call 253-215-8782 or 888-475-4499 (Toll Free) and enter the Webinar ID: 815 9455 8241

• Tuesday, Dec. 7 - South Central Washington with Regional Director Mike Livingston
  
  Zoom link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82038046795
  Call 253-215-8782 or 888-475-4499 (Toll Free) and enter the Webinar ID: 820 380 6795
   
• Tuesday, Dec. 14 - Coastal Washington with Regional Director Larry Phillips

          Zoom link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85476944084
          Call 253-215-8782 or 888-475-4499 (Toll Free) and enter the Webinar ID: 854 7694 4084

• Thursday, Dec. 16 - Eastern Washington with Regional Director Steve Pozzanghera

          Zoom link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88944712859
          Call 253-215-8782 or 888-475-4499 (Toll Free) and enter the Webinar ID: 889 4471 2859

• Wednesday, Jan. 19 - North Central Washington with Regional Director Brock Hoenes

         Zoom link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82276094628
         Call 253-215-8782 or 888-475-4499 (Toll Free) and enter the Webinar ID: 822 7609 4628 

Susewind and regional directors previously held a series of in-person and digital open houses for residents across the state over the last three years.

Participation links and further details on these and other events are available from the WDFW website calendar. All digital open houses will be recorded and posted to WDFW’s YouTube channel. 

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.