WDFW seeks applicants to help guide planning for water access lands in North Puget Sound

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking community members to serve on a new advisory group providing input on management of water access areas in WDFW’s North Puget Sound Region.

The North Puget Sound Region (Region 4) includes WDFW-managed water access properties in Island, King, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties. These counties encompass 125 water access areas providing nearly 100 boat launches and access to lakes, rivers, and Puget Sound. The region also includes 16 hatcheries and 70 miles of public fishing easements. These properties are among the longest-held and most highly visited WDFW-managed lands in the state.

Anyone interested in serving on the advisory group can apply through May 26, 2025.

The group will consist of participants from the counties listed above and represent a wide variety of visitors to WDFW-managed water access areas. The group will provide input to staff for consideration in the Department’s decision-making process and may advise on improvements to the planning process itself.

The group will meet for up to six 90-minute meetings during the anticipated 24-month planning period. The first meeting is expected to occur by July 2025 following formation of the advisory group. Most meetings are expected to be held virtually.

To qualify, applicants should be familiar with WDFW-managed lands and/or water recreation management issues in the North Puget Sound region and be able to attend virtual meetings, with in-person meetings within the region a possible option.

Applicants do not have to be affiliated with an organized group, though members of groups can also be nominated. Individuals must submit a letter of interest and a resume with the following information:

• Name, address, telephone number, and email address.
• Relevant experience and reasons for wanting to serve as a member of the planning advisory group.
• Brief description of familiarity with WDFW water access areas.
• Effectiveness in communication, including outreach and promotion.
• Examples of working with diverse community members and/or diverse user groups.
• An example of how you would strive to advocate for WDFW water access areas.

Anyone interested should submit their application by email to Shane Belson at R4WaterAccessPlan@dfw.wa.gov. 

All members of the public are invited to apply 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.

Those interested in joining are also encouraged to review the WDFW Advisory Member Handbook  (PDF) (PDF) and the advisory groups and committees webpage for background information.

WDFW manages more than a million acres of land and hundreds of water access areas throughout the state. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the Department serves as stewards for Washington’s natural ecosystems, protecting the state’s land and water for its wildlife and people.