Fish and Wildlife Commission to host hatchery workshop and decide on land transactions, wildlife petitions during Sept. 8 virtual meeting

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet virtually on Sept. 8 to host a special hatchery workshop and consider one land transaction and four public wildlife petitions.

The Sept. 8 meeting will begin with the Commission hosting the third of four planned workshops related to hatchery production and prey availability for the endangered Southern Resident killer whale (SRKW) population. This workshop will focus on the implementation of recommendations by the governor’s Southern Resident Orca Task Force, as well as information on the current SRKW population, abundance, and survival. The workshop will feature presentations from WDFW, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office.

After the hatchery workshop, the Commission will reconvene to hear briefings and issue decisions on one land transaction and four wildlife petitions. The proposed land acquisition in Clallam County would provide WDFW housing for Enforcement personnel. The wildlife petitions relate to spring black bear hunting, cougar hunting and management, and wolf management.

The meeting will be held online via Zoom and is open to the public. For agendas and other information about the hatchery workshop and the Commission meeting, please visit the Commission webpage. Both parts of the meeting will be recorded and posted on the Commission webpage so people can watch afterward 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.