Fish and Wildlife Commission will hear updates on draft Conservation Policy, wolves, and legislation during June 22-23 meeting in Seattle

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is scheduled to hear updates on a variety of topics during its June 22-23 meeting in Seattle, including the draft Conservation Policy, state recovery status for wolves and western gray squirrels, land and facilities transactions, agency awards, and legislative issues and budget requests.

The Commission kicks off work Thursday morning with meetings of its Big Tent and Wildlife committees to discuss the draft Conservation Policy, use of best available science, the draft periodic status review for gray wolves in Washington, and a request from Colorado Parks and Wildlife to supply wolves to augment that state’s wolf recovery efforts.

Beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, commissioners will hear open public input which is an opportunity for Washingtonians to engage with the Commission.

Continuing Thursday, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind will provide a report, followed by a report from North Puget Sound Region Director Brendan Brokes.

The Commission will also hear a briefing and public comment on the proposed acquisition of 587 acres as an addition to the Simcoe Mountains Unit of the Klickitat Wildlife Area in Klickitat County to support critical habitat for wildlife, water quality for fish, and public recreational opportunities.

To close Thursday, the Commission will hear a briefing and public comment on the draft Conservation Policy and input received during the ongoing public comment period.

The Commission meeting continues Friday morning for open public input, followed by an update from Director Susewind on awards given to WDFW staff and partners. The Commission will hear an update on the agency’s draft requests for the 2024 legislative session as well as a briefing on the status of the agency’s 2023-25 budget.

Friday’s agenda will conclude with a briefing and public comment on the periodic status review of the western gray squirrel, a briefing on the state review and comments received on the proposed transfer of the Klickitat Hatchery to the Yakama Nation for upgrades and permanent operation, and public comments on the proposed hatchery transfer.

The June Commission meeting will be hybrid, with public attendance available via webinar, phone, and in–person at the Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle in the city’s South Lake Union Neighborhood. The meeting will be recorded and posted online so people can watch afterwards at their convenience. For more information about attending, please view the meeting agenda online.

Visit the WDFW webpage 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.