News release
Contact: Commission office, 360-902-2267
OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission heard briefings and received public input on a variety of topics during its Aug. 10-12 meeting in Olympia.
The Commission approved decisions on land transactions, 2024 budget and legislative requests, and a forage fish management policy. The Commission also denied a public petition to begin rule making for a 2024 spring black bear season.
The Commission assembled on Thursday morning with meetings of its Big Tent and Wildlife committees to discuss the Draft Conservation Policy next steps for adoption, Game Management Plan timeline, the draft of the three-year hunting season setting process and an Avian Flu update.
On Thursday afternoon, Commissioners in the Fish and Habitat Committees heard an update on the fish passage and screening rule making, co-manager hatchery policy, Willapa Bay draft policy, Olympic Peninsula Steelhead Federal Listing status, and an overview of a new Management Strategy Evaluation for salmon in Washington.
The meeting resumed on Friday morning, and the Commission voted to delegate rule making and decision authority to the Director for implementing a mobile licensing application.
The Commission heard a presentation and public comment on the proposed transfer of the Klickitat Hatchery to the Yakama Nation for upgrades and permanent operation, and land transactions in Clallam and Grays Harbor counties. The Commission approved the three land transactions.
The Commission approved legislative requests including protecting confidentiality of other state fisheries information, updates to habitat recovery applications, expanding land management volunteer partnerships, and increasing state funding for crop damage. The Commission also approved supplemental operating and capital budget requests for the 2024 Legislative Session.
Friday’s agenda concluded with the Commission approving an amendment to Forage Fish Management Policy C-3012. The Commission also denied a public petition to begin rule making for a 2024 spring black bear season. The meeting closed with a briefing on the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and a discussion about social science and its application to fish and wildlife conservation.
The Commission meeting resumed on Saturday beginning with open public input followed by presentations on the co-manager hatchery policy update and the Willapa Bay salmon management draft policy review.
Presentation slides and materials are posted on the Commission agenda. The August hybrid meeting was recorded so members of the public can watch at their convenience. The recording, as well as information about past and future Commission meetings and ways to participate, can be found at WDFW’s website.
There will also be a Commission hybrid meeting with tribal co-managers on Friday, Aug. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to discuss hatchery policy, management, and education. No public comment will be taken. The agenda can be found on the WDFW’s website.
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.