Conserving Natural Landscapes
The Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the acquisition of Phase 3 of Violet Prairie (90 acres in Thurston County), a new unit in the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area at the March 15 meeting. 4-lands-transaction-packet-3-15-2024.pdf (wa.gov) (PDF)
The Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is hosting a public meeting on the draft Skagit Wildlife Area plan at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27 at the Burlington Public Library, located at 820 E. Washington Ave. WDFW engaged tribal governments, technical experts, key stakeholders, and members of its Skagit Wildlife Area Advisory Committee in the development of the draft plan. Once finalized, the Skagit Wildlife Area plan will guide stewardship for the 17,968-acre wildlife area for the next ten years.
Providing Education and Outreach
Lands Division staff members presented an overview of the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Plan to the Fish and Wildlife Commission on March 15.
Lands Division staff members are reviewing vendor proposals for a second pilot year for the Ambassador Program. The Ambassador Program works with nonprofit partners to train and deploy volunteer “ambassadors” at high traffic recreation sites to provide welcome and education as part of an effort to encourage responsible recreation on department-managed lands.
Conducting Business Operations and Policy
Lands Division senior staff members held a retreat in Long Beach March 11 through March 13. They had a productive and in-depth reflection and strategic planning session that will inform our future work. Follow-up work to write up, share, and refine an annual calendar and the Strategic Priorities will continue over the next month.