Two new members appointed, Baker re-appointed to Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission

OLYMPIA – Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed three members to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission.

The Commission is a nine-person citizen panel appointed by the governor to set policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The Commission is comprised of three members from western Washington, three from eastern Washington, and three “at-large” members who may reside anywhere in the state. No two Commission members can reside in the same county.

Steve Parker is appointed to an eastern Washington position. He is a retired fisheries biologist who spent much of his 45-year career with the Yakama Nation and lives in Yakima County.

“I am excited to serve in this position,” Parker said. “I’ve devoted my professional career to fish and wildlife conservation and it is an honor to continue to do so in this new role and apply my experience to new issues.”

Woodrow “Woody” Myers, Jr. is appointed to an at-large Washington position. He lives in Spokane County and retired from WDFW as an ungulate research biologist where he worked for 40 years.  

“The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is a pivotal player in activities that affect the quality of life of Washingtonians,” Myers said. “It is truly a privilege to be appointed, and I am eager to get started on the critical work of the Commission. I look forward to furthering the use of science to set policy directing fish and wildlife management in our state.”

In addition, Barbara Baker was re-appointed to the Commission to a western Washington position. Baker was first appointed to an at-large position to the Commission in January 2017. She is an attorney who lives in Thurston County who retired from a long career in the state Legislature to devote time and energy to fulfill the requirements of this important appointment. She served as Vice Chair of the Commission from January 2019 to March 2022 and Chair since 2022.

“I greatly appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve on the Fish and Wildlife Commission,” Baker said. “I am honored to continue working with the people of Washington to conserve fish and wildlife species for generations to come. I also want to personally welcome the new commissioners — we have an important job, and I am thrilled to have a whole Commission to move us into the new year.”

“Our Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission shoulders many complex and sometimes controversial issues, and as the climate changes, their responsibilities only increase,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “I am proud to welcome these three commissioners who will work hard to help our state protect and sustain its unique and cherished fish and wildlife.”  

The two seats were previously filled by Dr. Don McIsaac who served as the Fish Committee Chair and held a western Washington position, and Dr. Kim Thorburn, who served as the Wildlife Committee Chair and held an eastern Washington position. Both outgoing commissioners have served on the Fish and Wildlife Commission since 2017.

“I would like to thank Don McIsaac and Kim Thorburn for their professionalism and service these past years,” Baker said. “I know I and my fellow commissioners have appreciated their perspectives and in-depth knowledge of fish and wildlife issues across the state. We will miss working with them.”

Commissioners are appointed to six-year terms; appointees are subject to confirmation by the state Senate, which is currently in session. However, members are official upon appointment and serve as voting members on the Commission while awaiting Senate confirmation.

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.