Updated: Fish and Wildlife Commission meets virtually May 15 to 16

Due to a late venue cancellation and shortage of agenda topics, this Commission meeting will now be a shorter web conference.

This news release has been updated to reflect refinements to the agenda. Refer to the meeting agenda web page for more information.

OLYMPIA — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet virtually May 15 and 16 to hold a committee meeting, hear a briefing on deer and elk commercial crop damage claim rule amendments, consider a proposed land transaction for the Duckabush Estuary property, and discuss future meeting planning. 

The meeting will be live-streamed, with webinar access available on the Commission webpage. Originally planned to be held in person in Sequim, the meeting will now be virtual due to a late venue cancellation. 

The Commission will convene Thursday, May 15, for a Fish Committee meeting. The Big Tent, Wildlife, and Habitat committee meetings are canceled. Agenda topics for the Fish Committee include a Fish Program biodiversity package update, a North of Falcon outcomes briefing, the non-native game fish policy, implementation of a mobile catch record card system, and delegating authority to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind to promote rules regarding fishing closures near Washington State Department of Transportation ferry terminals and testing commercial fishing gear. 

The full Commission meeting will begin Friday, May 16. The Commission will hear a staff briefing on deer and elk commercial crop damage claim rule amendments. It will then decide on a proposed land transaction for acquiring the Duckabush Estuary property through donation, hold a meeting debrief, and discuss future meeting planning.  

The Commission will not meet Saturday, May 17. 

Those interested in providing verbal public comment during the meeting remotely via webinar or phone must register in advance. Public comment will be accepted on commercial crop damage claim rule amendments and the proposed land transaction.

All members of the public are invited to share their perspectives 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, status as a veteran, or basis of disability.   

The full meeting agenda, including information about submitting public comment and accessing the meeting online or by phone, is available on the WDFW website. The meeting will be recorded and published on the Commission webpage so the public can watch afterward at their convenience. 

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is a panel appointed by the governor that sets policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). WDFW works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.