Fish and Wildlife Commission decided on land transaction, hunting petition, and species listing during May 12 meeting

OLYMPIA — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission met May 11 in executive session and then May 12 to receive training, hear staff briefings, and make decisions on multiple topics.

On Friday, Commissioners completed their records training from the Washington State Office of the Attorney General and heard a report from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind. During the director’s report, Mike Kuttel, Jr. was announced as the new director of the Department’s Eastern Region located in Spokane Valley.

During the meeting, Commissioners approved expedited rulemaking to integrate elements of SSB 5381 into the Hydraulic Code Rules. The Commission then denied a spring black bear recreational hunting petition and approved a proposed land transaction for public recreational opportunities in Grant County. After hearing a staff briefing on a recent Periodic Status Review for white pelican, the Commission voted to downlist the white pelican’s conservation listing from Protected - Threatened to Protected - Sensitive.

The meeting was recorded and will be posted on the Commission webpage so people can watch afterwards at their convenience.

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.