Fish and Wildlife Commission met March 20-22 in Kennewick

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission held a hybrid meeting in Kennewick from March 20 to 22 to have committee meetings, decide on the best available science policy and mid-Columbia River white sturgeon management, and hear briefings on commercial Dungeness crab rules, invasive mussels, and carnivore hunting season setting.

The meeting began Thursday, March 20 with Big Tent, Fish, and Wildlife committee meetings. The Big Tent Committee discussed the conservation policy and science integrity policy (previously called the best available science policy) and heard a budget and legislative update from WDFW. The Fish Committee heard a briefing from WDFW about white sturgeon management in the Columbia River, trout management, and proposed Dungeness crab rules. The Wildlife Committee heard a staff briefing about chronic wasting disease (CWD) rule proposals and WDFW’s CWD mitigation efforts, and an update about the Department’s wildlife conflict work.

The full Commission meeting began Friday, March 21 with an open public input opportunity, followed by a report from WDFW Director Kelly Susewind and South Central Region Director Mike Livingston. 

The Commission decided to approve the science integrity policy as presented by WDFW staff and heard a briefing and public input on proposed commercial Dungeness crab rules. The Commission also decided to delegate rule making authority for white sturgeon management in the mid-Columbia River to the WDFW director. Later in the day, the Commission heard a briefing on the threat of invasive quagga and zebra mussels and WDFW’s prevention and monitoring efforts.

At the end of the day Friday, the Commission discussed the Ruckelshaus report and heard briefings and public hearings on proposed cougar and black bear rules for the 2025-2027 hunting seasons.

Saturday’s agenda began with an open public input opportunity. The Commission then held a meeting debrief and planned for future meetings, including discussing possibilities for a future Commission retreat. The Commission ended the meeting in executive session.

The meeting was recorded and is published on the Commission meeting webpage so the public can watch at their convenience. Meeting presentations and other materials are also available on the Commission meeting webpage.

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.