Fish and Wildlife Commission meets virtually May 15 to 16

OLYMPIA — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet virtually May 15 to 16 to hold committee meetings, hear briefings on deer and elk commercial crop damage claim rule amendments and the State Wildlife Action Plan, consider a proposed land transaction for the Duckabush Estuary property, decide committee composition, and receive training on the Open Public Meetings Act and records retention. 

The meeting will be live-streamed, with webinar access available on the Commission webpage. Originally planned to be held in person in Sequim, the meeting will now be virtual due to a late venue cancellation. 

The Commission will convene Thursday, May 15, for Big Tent and Fish committee meetings. The Wildlife and Habitat committee meetings are canceled. The Big Tent Committee is scheduled to discuss conservation policy updates, decision making procedures, and a state budget and legislation preview. Agenda topics for the Fish Committee include a Fish Program biodiversity package update, a North of Falcon outcomes briefing, the non-native game fish policy, implementation of a mobile catch record card system, and delegating authority to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind to promote rules regarding fishing closures near Washington State Department of Transportation ferry terminals and testing commercial fishing gear. 

The full Commission meeting will begin Friday, May 16, with an open public input opportunity, followed by a report from Director Susewind. The Commission will hear staff briefings on deer and elk commercial crop damage claim rule amendments and the State Wildlife Action Plan. It will decide on a proposed land transaction for acquiring the Duckabush Estuary property through donation, decide which commissioners will sit on which committees, and receive training on the Open Public Meetings Act and records retention.  

The Commission will not meet Saturday, May 17. 

Those interested in providing verbal public comment during the meeting remotely via webinar or phone must 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 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 the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). WDFW works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.