Fish and Wildlife Commission makes uplisting decision, plans future meetings during Nov. 17 webinar

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission met virtually on Nov. 17 for two agenda items. First, the Commission voted to approve the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)’s recommendation to uplist the western gray squirrel to a Washington endangered species. The Commission ended the meeting with a discussion about future meeting planning.

On Nov. 30, the Fish and Wildlife Commission will host a special Fish Committee meeting to discuss coastal steelhead planning and hear an update from the Department’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) unit about WDFW’s AIS response. Agenda information is available online.

Additional Fish and Wildlife Commission events will take place the first week of December. On Dec. 7, the Commission will host a Carnivore Science Panel with WDFW biologists, and a Special Hatchery Workshop is being held Dec. 8. More information on these meetings will be made available on WDFW’s website.

The Nov.17 Commission meeting was recorded and will be 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.