Fish and Wildlife director to hold public roundtable in Kennewick

OLYMPIA - Southcentral Washington residents can discuss fish and wildlife issues with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Phil Anderson and regional WDFW staff in a roundtable-style meeting Feb. 9 in Kennewick.

The meeting is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Benton PUD auditorium, 2721 W. 10th Ave. in Kennewick.

Anderson and WDFW staff conducted similar roundtables in northcentral and coastal Washington last fall, and more will be offered in other areas of the state in coming months.

"I enjoy visiting communities and talking with our stakeholders to get perspectives from as many people as possible about their fish and wildlife interests," said Anderson.

The roundtable in Kennewick will include discussion of WDFW budget challenges and resource-management issues.

WDFW staff will answer questions and take comments on fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, habitat protection, enforcement and other fish- and wildlife-related issues.

"This is a good opportunity for area residents to get to know WDFW administrators and local staff and to share their views on fish and wildlife issues," said Jeff Tayer, WDFW's regional director for southcentral Washington.