WDFW seeks public input on draft Ebey Island management plan

Public invited to comment online through June 9

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is inviting public input on a draft management plan for the Ebey Island Wildlife Area Unit, located in the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area near Everett. 

The plan considers public access and outdoor recreation, habitat enhancements, educational opportunities, water control, and on-site agricultural improvements, among other elements over the next decade. The Department anticipates completing the plan in June 2023. 

“This draft benefited from robust public engagement last fall, and we look forward to any additional thoughts that will help us shape management of the Ebey Island Wildlife Area Unit for the next 10 years,” said Loren Brokaw, WDFW assistant regional wildlife program manager. “Public engagement is a critical part of this process, and we encourage those invested in Ebey Island to take the time to share their perspectives on the draft plan with us.” 

More information about the draft Ebey Island Wildlife Area Unit Management Plan is available on WDFW’s website. The public can comment online through June 9. 

This comment period follows a fall 2022 virtual meeting when WDFW took public comment to inform the plan’s development. WDFW also engaged surrounding neighbors, Diking District 1, and other partners as well as tribal governments in the development of the plan. Throughout, WDFW staff have also shared updates about the plan’s development with the Department’s Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Advisory Committee, which meets periodically with meetings open to the public. Information about the group and its meetings is available on the WDFW’s website. 

The Ebey Island unit consists of about 400 acres of forested swamp and over 800 acres of grassland habitat. Located within the Snohomish Estuary, the unit provides a matrix of wetland, agricultural, and forested habitats that benefit fish and wildlife. 

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.