Fish and Wildlife Commission meets Jan. 25-27 in Olympia

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet in Olympia Jan. 25-27 for committee meetings, to discuss game management planning, the draft Conservation Policy, and Deer Lake fishing seasons; and to make decisions on fisheries management and policy, forest health project proposals, two species status proposals, and multiple fish and wildlife petitions.

The meeting will be held at the Natural Resources Building and will also be live streamed online.

On Thursday, Jan. 25, the Commission meeting begins with meetings of the Big Tent, Habitat, Fish, and Wildlife committees. Agenda topics include the best available science policy, shrubsteppe restoration, North of Falcon fisheries policy, game management planning, and bear and cougar season setting rule making. The Big Tent Committee will review and incorporate edits and consider public input on the draft Conservation Policy during their meeting.

On Friday, Jan. 26, the meeting begins with an open public input opportunity and a report from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind. Next, the Commission will decide on the North of Falcon policy and Columbia River salmon fishery management. The Commission will also hear public petitions about Olympic Peninsula winter steelhead fishing, Marine Area 13 crabbing, and black bear management proposals.

Friday’s agenda also includes three rule making topics. First, the Commission will hear a briefing from WDFW staff and public comment related to rule making for a proposed year-round fishing season at Deer Lake. The Commission will also decide on species conservation status proposals for the mardon skipper butterfly and the northern spotted owl.

On Friday, the full Commission will also hear a briefing on the latest draft Conservation Policy following public input and may adopt a final version.

Saturday’s agenda begins with an open public input opportunity, followed by a briefing and decision on proposed forest management projects. The Commission will hold a meeting debrief and conduct future meeting planning before adjourning the January meeting.

Those interested in providing verbal public comment during the meeting, either in-person in Olympia 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.