February 7, 2014 meeting transcript

2. Call to Order

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1. Commissioners' Discussion
2. Meeting Minute Approval

3. Open Public Input

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The Commission is a direct link between citizens of Washington and the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  Comments on Department programs and topics of concern are welcome during this portion of the meeting.

NOTE: During this portion of the meeting, the public is encouraged to comment on issues that do not already have public input time on the agenda.

4. Director's Report 

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The Director will brief the Commission on various items.

5. HPA Rules - Briefing

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Department staff will brief the Commission on the following proposed additions and changes to the hydraulic code rules:

• Changes to 220-110-070 Water crossing structures (proposed 220-110-190)
• New section 220-110-200 Fish passage improvement structures
• New section 220-110-230 Beaver dam management

- Summary (PDF) 
- Presentation (PDF)

Staff Report: Randi Thurston, Protection Division Manager and Dave Price, Restoration Division Manager

6. Proposed Land Transactions - Briefing, Public Hearing and Decision

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The Commission will consider approval of various land transactions recommended by the Department for the protection of critical fish and wildlife habitat, enhancement of public recreation opportunities.

- Summary (PDF) 
- Presentation (PDF)

Staff Report: Dan Budd, Real Estate Section Manager, Wildlife Program

PUBLIC INPUT (This item only)

7. Federal Fund Updates - Briefing

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Department staff will provide an informational briefing on the federal budget and the potential impacts of federal budget cuts as they relate to the department. Staff will also discuss priority federal initiatives that pertain to projects, policies and funding, which requires coordination with the State's congressional delegation and/or Federal Agencies.

- Summary (PDF)
- Presentation (PDF)

Staff Report: Director Anderson and Jennifer Quan, Special Assistant to the Director

8. Puget Sound Clam and Oyster Seasons - Briefing and Public Hearing

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Department staff will brief the Commission on proposed season changes to 20 public beaches.

- Summary (PDF) 
- Presentation (PDF)

Staff Report:  Rich Childers, Puget Sound Shellfish Manager

PUBLIC INPUT (This item only)

9. Oyster Drill Location Designation - Briefing and Public Hearing

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Department staff will brief the Commission on designating tideland areas infested with Japanese Oyster drills.

- Summary (PDF) 
- Presentation (PDF)

Staff Report:  Rich Childers, Puget Sound Shellfish Manager

PUBLIC INPUT (This item only)

10. Review of Lower Columbia River Sturgeon Management Policy C-3001 - Decision

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The Commission will consider approval of the updated Policy C-3001 setting guidelines for management of the Lower Columbia River white sturgeon population and fisheries through December 31, 2018.

- Summary (PDF) 
- Presentation (PDF)

Staff Report: Cindy Le Fleur, Region 5 Fish Program Manager and Brad James, Fish Biologist

11. Columbia River Spring Chinook Recreational Fishery Allocation - Briefing and Public Hearing 

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Department staff will brief the Commission on allocation and management strategies discussed with the Spring Chinook Citizens Recreational Advisory Group, and through the coordinated efforts of department staff and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

- Summary (PDF) 
- Presentation (PDF)

Staff Report: Guy Norman, Region 5 Director and Ron Roler, Columbia River Policy Coordinator

PUBLIC INPUT (This item only)

12. Columbia River Emerging Purse Seine and Beach Seine Fishery - Briefing and Public Hearing

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Department staff will brief the Commission on the implementation of pilot commercial seine fisheries, including results from discussions with the Commercial Emerging Fisheries Advisors Group, the commercial industry, as well as coordination with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

- Summary  (PDF)
- Presentation (PDF)

Staff Report: Ron Roler, Columbia River Policy Coordinator

PUBLIC INPUT (This item only)

13. Open Public Input

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The Commission is a direct link between citizens of Washington and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Comments on Department programs and topics of concern are welcome during this portion of the meeting.

NOTE: During this portion of the meeting, the public is encouraged to comment on issues that do not already have public input time on the agenda.

14. Grays Harbor Salmon Management- Decision 

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The Commission will consider approval of the new Grays Harbor salmon-management policy, designed to enhance conservation and clarify management objectives for recreational and commercial fisheries throughout the Grays Harbor Basin.

- Summary  (PDF)
- Presentation (PDF) 
- Grays Harbor Basin Salmon Management Policy (PDF) 
- Summary of public comment regarding draft Grays Harbor Salmon Management Policy (PDF) 
 

Staff Report: Ron Warren, Deputy Assistant Director Intergovernmental Salmon Management

15. Miscellaneous and Meeting Debrief

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The Commission will discuss items that arise immediately before or during the meeting and after the preliminary agenda is published.