Fish and Wildlife Commission meets March 16-18 in Wenatchee

Updated 3/9/2023 3pm to reflect updated agenda topics.

OLYMPIA — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is scheduled to hear updates and staff briefings on a variety of topics, including game management planning, carnivore management, and a proposed property transfer, and make decisions on proposed land transactions and spring black bear petitions during its March 16-18 meeting in Wenatchee.

The Commission kicks off work Thursday with meetings of its Wildlife, Fish, Habitat, and Big Tent committees to discuss game management planning, habitat restoration, co-manager hatchery policy, conservation policy, and other topics.

The full Commission meets Friday morning for a Commissioners’ discussion, open public input opportunity, and deputy director and regional director’s report. The Commission will then consider approval of three proposed land transactions in Asotin, Okanogan, and Thurston counties. The Commission will hear a staff briefing and public comment before making a decision.

A presentation from the Reardon Future Farmers of America (FFA) Agriculture Group will take place over a working lunch on Friday. The Friday afternoon session includes an Advisory Committee for Americans with Disabilities report, Klickitat Hatchery transfer briefing, and a Game Management Plan update.

On Saturday, the Commission will hold an open public input opportunity followed by an executive session. The remainder of the day will include a briefing and decision on three spring black bear and timber damage petitions. Commissioners will also hear a briefing from Department staff and other speakers during a wolf management workshop.

The March Commission meeting will be held on a hybrid in–person/virtual platform, with public attendance permitted via webinar, phone, and in–person. The meeting will also be recorded and posted online so people can watch afterwards at their convenience. For more information about attending the meeting, please view the meeting agenda online.

Visit WDFW’s website for information on how to register to submit testimony either virtually or in-person. Registration deadlines are in effect for public input opportunities throughout the meeting. All members of the public are invited to share their perspective 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, veteran status, or basis of disability.

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.