Fish and Wildlife Commission holds hybrid meeting in Kennewick March 20-22

OLYMPIA — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold a hybrid meeting in Kennewick from March 20 to 22 to decide on the best available science policy and mid-Columbia River white sturgeon management, to hear briefings on commercial Dungeness crab rules, invasive mussels, and carnivore season setting; and to have committee meetings.

The meeting will be held at the Three Rivers Convention Center (7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick) and will be live streamed online.

Thursday, March 20 will kick off with Big Tent, Fish, and Wildlife committee meetings. Agenda topics include updates on conservation and science policies and discussions about the Ruckelshaus report (PDF), mid-Columbia white sturgeon management, trout management, commercial Dungeness crab rules, chronic wasting disease, and the work of WDFW’s wildlife conflict section.

The full Commission meeting will begin Friday, March 21 with an open public input opportunity, followed by a report from WDFW Director Kelly Susewind and South Central Region Director Mike Livingston. 

The Commission will decide on the best available science policy and hear a briefing and public input on proposed commercial Dungeness crab rules. The Commission will also hear a briefing and decide on mid-Columbia River white sturgeon management, followed by a briefing on the threat of invasive quagga and zebra mussels and WDFW’s prevention and monitoring efforts.

The Commission will end the day Friday with a discussion on the Ruckelshaus report and with briefings and public hearings on proposed cougar and black bear rules for the 2025-2027 hunting seasons.

Saturday’s agenda begins with an open public input opportunity, followed by a meeting debrief and future meeting planning before moving into executive session.

Those interested in providing verbal public comment during the meeting, either in-person in Kennewick or remotely online or over the phone, must register in advance.

All members of the public are invited to share their perspectives and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability.

The full meeting agenda, including information about submitting public comment and accessing the meeting remotely, is available on the WDFW website. The meeting will be recorded and published on the Commission webpage so the public can watch afterward at their convenience.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is a panel appointed by the governor that sets policy for WDFW. WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.