Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission met Aug. 8-10 in Olympia

OLYMPIA — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission held committee meetings, made decisions on 2025 agency request legislation, land transactions, and its petition process, and heard briefings on trapping, beaver relocation, the State Wildlife Action Plan, and the Grays Harbor Salmon Management Policy (C-3621) during a meeting Aug. 8-10 in Olympia.

The meeting began Thursday, Aug. 8, with committee meetings. The Big Tent Committee heard updates on the Conservation and Best Available Science policies, an update on public comment process, and a briefing on the Public Trust Doctrine. The Fish Committee discussed the Grays Harbor salmon management and coastal Dungeness crab policies (C-3621, C-3604). The Habitat and Wildlife committees visited wildlife crossing areas in Thurston County to learn about opportunities for habitat connectivity.

Friday’s agenda began with open public input opportunity followed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) director and Coastal Region director reports. The Commission approved lands transactions including 150 acres at the Wenas Wildlife Area and 11 acres on the Oak Creek Wildlife Area in Yakima County and a conservation easement of 67 acres in the Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area at Moss Cave in Skamania County.

The Commission approved WDFW’s requests for the 2025 legislative session (PDF) and 2025-27 operating (PDF) and capital budget proposals (PDF).

The Commission heard updates on the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) and an overview of WDFW’s Wildlife Diversity Division’s work to conserve and recover Species of Greatest Conservation Need.

The Commission also heard a briefing on proposed rules for trapping and beaver relocation. The Commission concluded Friday with a briefing on the Grays Harbor Salmon Management Policy, which will be released for public comment this week.

Saturday kicked off with an open public input opportunity. The Commission then delegated one rule making petition to the Director and delegated future petitions for rule making to the Director. 

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.