Commission to discuss recommendations for Southern Resident killer whale vessel regulations and consider proposed forest management projects at January virtual meeting

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet virtually on Friday, Jan. 13 to consider proposed forest management projects and discuss a recent Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) process evaluating regulations aimed at reducing vessel impacts on endangered Southern Resident killer whales.  

Beginning at 8 a.m. on Jan. 13, Commissioners will consider two proposed forest restoration projects that include forest restoration thinning of 588 acres on the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area and 464 acres on the Methow Wildlife Area. More information is available within the meeting agenda. 

Following at 8:45 a.m., Commissioners will receive a briefing on adaptive management of rules and regulations aimed at reducing vessel impacts on Southern Resident Killer Whales.

Commissioners will also discuss future meeting planning with time at the end for general meeting discussion.  

This meeting will be held via Zoom; more information and an agenda for the meeting – as well as recordings and information about past meetings – can be found on the Commission’s webpage.

During a special meeting on Dec. 30, the Commission voted to increase the salaries for WDFW Director Kelly Susewind and the Commission secretary. The Commission approved an 8% raise for Director Susewind retroactively back to July 1, 2022. 

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.