News release
Contact: Commission office, 360-902-2267
SEATTLE – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission heard briefings and received public input on a variety of topics during its June 22-23 meeting in Seattle, including the draft Conservation Policy, state recovery status for wolves and western gray squirrels, land and facilities transactions, agency awards, and legislative issues and budget requests.
The Commission assembled on Thursday morning with meetings of its Big Tent and Wildlife committees to discuss the draft Conservation Policy, use of best available science, the draft periodic status review for gray wolves in Washington, and a request from Colorado Parks and Wildlife to supply wolves to augment that state’s wolf recovery efforts.
On Thursday afternoon, Commissioners heard open public input and reports from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind and North Puget Sound Region Director Brendan Brokes.
Later Thursday, Commissioners received a briefing and approved a proposed acquisition to add 597 acres to the Simcoe Mountains Unit of the Klickitat Wildlife Area in Klickitat County to support critical habitat for wildlife, water quality for fish, and public recreational opportunities.
The Commission then received a briefing and heard additional public input on the Conservation Policy, the current draft of which remains open for public input through June 30. The public is invited to comment on the draft policy by submitting an email or by leaving a voicemail message at 855-925-2801 and entering project code 4262.
The Commission meeting resumed on Friday morning beginning with open public input followed by a presentation by WDFW Director Susewind and Deputy Director Amy Windrope celebrating agency staff, volunteers, and partners recognized with 2023 awards. More information on community award recipients is available in this blog post.
The Commission then heard an update on the agency’s draft requests for the 2024 legislative session as well as a briefing on the status of the agency’s 2023-25 budget with an emphasis on new appropriations to conserve biodiversity and draft 2024 supplemental budget requests.
Friday’s agenda concluded with a briefing and a public comment session on the periodic status review of the western gray squirrel, and a briefing and public comment session on the proposed transfer of the Klickitat Hatchery to the Yakama Nation for upgrades and permanent operation.
Presentation slides and materials are posted on the Commission agenda. The June 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.
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.