WDFW seeks members for new Regional Engagement Committees in North Puget Sound and North Central Washington regions

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking members for new Regional Engagement Committees (RECs) in the North Puget Sound and North Central Washington regions. These committees will represent local interests and provide input on regional conservation efforts.

Members of the public and relevant organizational representatives interested in fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation as well as fishing, hunting, wildlife watching, or other fish and wildlife-related outdoor recreation are encouraged to apply.

Applications are due by Dec. 2, 2024, and may be submitted through an online form, or by completing an application form (PDF) and submitting via email or postal mail. Members will be appointed to two-year terms. The RECs will begin quarterly meetings in 2025. Meetings will be a mix of in-person at WDFW’s regional headquarters or other locations within each region, with opportunities for hybrid meetings.

Consistent with WDFW’s 25-Year Strategic Plan, “Engage communities through recreation and stewardship” section, the Department is establishing RECs to represent the diversity of local interests and incorporate those perspectives in WDFW’s regional conservation efforts and decision making.

“We’re excited to launch WDFW’s Regional Engagement Committees to increase our engagement with the diverse communities, partners, and stakeholder groups in our regions,” said North Puget Sound Regional Director Brendan Brokes. “Abundant fish, wildlife, and habitat support our quality of life in the Puget Sound region and across Washington. The new RECs will help grow and guide our efforts to conserve Washington’s natural heritage and manage outdoor opportunities.”

"As we continue to advance our mission of conserving fish, wildlife, and habitats across Washington, these RECs will play a crucial role in incorporating regional perspectives into our decision-making processes,” said North Central Regional Director Brock Hoenes. “By bringing together community members with a shared passion for the outdoors, we can ensure that our conservation efforts are more inclusive and better reflect the needs and values of our region. We encourage everyone with an interest in these important issues to apply and join us in this collaborative effort."

To better serve Washingtonians and fish, wildlife, and habitat around the state, WDFW operates six regional offices. Each region is led by a regional director and Regional Management Team. The RECs will serve as a forum to provide diverse input to regional management on the Department’s work within each region. The Department is currently piloting the RECs in two regions, North Central (Region 2) and North Puget Sound (Region 4) and anticipate establishing the other four RECs in the 2025-2027 biennium.

The North Central Region consists of Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties including more than 290,000 residents. The North Puget Sound Region consists of Island, King, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties including more than 3.5 million residents.

The RECs and their members will help foster new relationships with diverse communities and strengthen established connections, promoting engagement and collaboration within local communities for the Department’s mission.

REC candidates may be individuals or affiliated representatives of clubs, groups, businesses, associations, or other non-governmental organizations. More information is available in the REC application form (PDF) as well as on the North Puget Sound Regional Engagement Committee and North Central Regional Engagement Committee webpages.

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 guidelines from the Office of Equity for advisory group compensation and reimbursements. 

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

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) and advisory groups and committees webpage for background information.

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.