WDFW seeks applicants for Skagit Wildlife Area Island Unit Advisory Group

MILL CREEK – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking members to serve on an advisory group to provide input on a potential habitat restoration project on the Skagit Wildlife Area Island Unit.

The Island Unit, accessible only by boat, covers approximately 268 acres on two islands in a tidally-influenced reach of the South Fork Skagit River within the Skagit River delta. WDFW owns and manages the Island Unit as part of the 17,000-acre Skagit Wildlife Area.

Image

Photo by WDFW

WDFW is considering a habitat restoration project on the Island Unit, and will assess several options that range from no restoration to restoring all 268 acres. WDFW will evaluate options based on state requirements and policies, as well as community values and public input.

The Island Unit Advisory Group will provide feedback to WDFW as they conduct an alternatives analysis, which is a planning tool used to evaluate a range of choices relative to a set of common criteria. WDFW values diverse opinions and is seeking a broad range of representatives to serve on the advisory group, including those interested in waterfowl hunting, outdoor recreation, agriculture, conservation, and salmon recovery.

More information on the advisory group, including the application, is available on WDFW’s website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/habitat-recovery/nearshore/conservation/projects/island.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Aug. 19, 2019. For questions or more information, contact Seth Ballhorn at Seth.Ballhorn@dfw.wa.gov or 360-791-4987.

WDFW manages approximately 1 million acres of land and over 600 water access sites across the state that provide fish and wildlife habitat, as well as fishing, hunting, wildlife-viewing, and other outdoor activities for thousands of Washingtonians and visitors every year.  

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, hunting, and other recreation opportunities.