Fish and Wildlife Commission meets Sept. 26-28 in Spokane

SPOKANE – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet in Spokane Sept. 26-28 for committee meetings; to discuss a Cooperative Management Agreement with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Coastal Dungeness crab policy, Grays Harbor salmon management policy, and chronic wasting disease (CWD); and to make decisions on rules related to red fox trapping and beaver relocation.

The meeting will be held at the Ramada by Wyndham Spokane Airport hotel (8909 Airport Drive, Spokane) and will also be live streamed online.

On Thursday, Sept. 26, the Commission meeting begins with meetings of the Big Tent, Habitat, Fish, and Wildlife committees. Agenda topics include updates on Conservation and Science policy development, Net Ecological Gain, three fish-related policies, and an update on the Non-lead Partnership, wolf-livestock protocol, and bighorn sheep pneumonia. 

On Friday, Sept. 27, the meeting begins with an open public input opportunity and a report from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind and Regional Director Mike Kuttel, Jr. Next, the Commission will decide on rules related to red fox trapping and beaver relocation. The Commission will also hear an update and decide on the 4-O Ranch forest restoration project in Asotin County.

The Commission will also hear updates on the legislatively directed Cooperative Management Agreement between the Confederated Tribes of the Colville to collaboratively manage fish and wildlife, including the gray wolf, in a portion of land that was originally part of the Colville reservation in the 1800s; coastal Dungeness crab policy (C-3604); and Grays Harbor salmon management policy (C-3621). The Commission will conclude Friday with a briefing and discussion on CWD.

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 Spokane 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.