News release Dec. 5, 2024
Commission office, 360-902-2267
CLE ELUM, Wash. – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet in Cle Elum Dec. 12-14 to decide on its 2025 meeting schedule, pygmy rabbit status recommendation, and land transactions; and to be briefed on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Lands 20/20 process, Willapa Bay salmon management policy, northern spotted owls, and carnivore hunting frameworks; and for committee meetings.
Prior to the meeting, commissioners will visit the Cle Elum Hatchery for a tour hosted by the Yakama Nation on Dec. 11. Refer to the WDFW website for more information.
The Dec. 12-14 meeting will be held at the Suncadia Resort (3600 Suncadia Trail, Cle Elum, WA) and will be live streamed online.
On Thursday, Dec. 12, the Commission meeting begins with meetings of the Big Tent, Fish, and Wildlife committees. Agenda topics include updates on the Public Trust Doctrine, several fishery management policies, a briefing on the Willapa Bay Salmon Management Policy (C-3622), and the nonlethal pursuit pass program.
On Friday, Dec. 13, the hybrid meeting begins with an open public input opportunity, a report from WDFW Director Kelly Susewind, and a Region 3 update from Regional Director Mike Livingston. The Commission will also decide on its 2025 meeting schedule. Then, Commissioners will decide on WDFW's proposed recommendation to keep Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits on Washington’s endangered species list.
The Commission will also decide whether to accept a donation of 15 acres of wetland habitat that would be added to the Milltown Island Unit of the Skagit Wildlife Area in Skagit County, and whether to provide the Washington State Department of Natural Resources with a land-use agreement for the Highland Fire Camp area, which would be expanded from 16 to 33 acres.
The Commission will then receive a briefing on 20 proposed land acquisitions under consideration as part of the Department's Lands 20/20 process. The proposed acquisitions cover about 13,749 acres across 10 counties. The Commission's Habitat Committee received a separate briefing on these properties at a Nov. 5 special meeting; a recording of that meeting is available online.
Friday will conclude with a briefing on the northern spotted owl recovery in Washington, WDFW’s black bear and cougar science and hunting frameworks, and a decision on delegating rule making to the director.
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 Cle Elum or remotely via webinar or phone, need to 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 hybrid meeting online or by phone, 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.