News release Sept. 30, 2024
Commission office, 360-902-2267
SPOKANE – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission met 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 decided on rules related to red fox trapping and beaver relocation.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, the Commission kicked off with meetings of the Big Tent, Habitat, Fish, and Wildlife committees. Agenda topics include updates on Conservation and Science policy development, structured decision making, three fish-related policies, and an update on the Non-lead Partnership, and the wolf-livestock protocol.
On Friday, Sept. 27, the meeting began with an open public input opportunity and a report from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind and Eastern Region 1 Director Mike Kuttel, Jr.
Next, the Commission approved rules related to red fox trapping and beaver relocation. The Commission heard a briefing on the legislatively directed Cooperative Management Agreement between the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation 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. The Commission will decide on a path forward at a future meeting. The Commission gave approval to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to begin a forest restoration project on the 4-O Ranch unit of the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area in Asotin County.
The Commission also heard updates on the Coastal Dungeness crab policy (C-3604); and Grays Harbor salmon management policy (C-3621). The Commission ended Friday with a briefing and discussion on CWD.
Saturday began with an open public input opportunity, followed by a meeting debrief and future meeting planning before the Commission moved into executive session.
The meeting was recorded and is available on the Commission webpage for the public to watch at their convenience.
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.