WDFW seeks fishing guides to serve on ad hoc fishing guide advisory committee

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is looking for fishing guides to serve on an ad hoc fishing guide advisory committee.

The committee will provide input to Department staff on industry regulations, compliance, and enforcement. Committee members must be an active or recently retired fishing guide or own a fishing guide business in Washington. Additionally, committee members must be able to commit to attending quarterly meetings on Feb. 21, April 10, June 19, and Sept. 17 from 3-5 p.m.

Advisors will be selected based on their fishery experience, willingness to engage in the management process, geographic and diverse affiliation representation, and their ability to communicate with fishery managers and other organizations.

Interested individuals may apply by submitting a letter of interest to Raquel Crosier via email at Raquel.Crosier@dfw.wa.gov by Dec. 31 with the following information:

• Candidate’s name, address, telephone number, and email.
• Relevant experience and reasons for wanting to serve as a committee member.
• Demonstrated commitment to respectful and productive dialogue and an ability to work with those with differing perspectives.

Compensation and reimbursements available

Advisory groups are a unique opportunity for people to share their knowledge and expertise with the Department. To reduce barriers for people to engage, WDFW offers compensation for advisory group members’ time and reimbursements for childcare, adult care, lodging, meals, and mileage.

WDFW is following guidance developed by the Office of Equity to provide compensation for Washington residents who self-attest to one of the following:

• A person has direct personal experience in the subject matter being addressed in the advisory group.
• Individual has income not more than 400 percent of the federal poverty level, adjusted for family size.

Washington residents who serve on advisory groups in a professional role and are otherwise compensated for their involvement are not eligible for WDFW compensation. Compensation rates range from $45 for one hour to $200 maximum per day. Reimbursement rates are available on the Office of Financial Management’s website.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.