June 13, 2014 meeting transcript

1. Call to Order

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1. Commissioners' Discussion
2. Meeting Minute Approval

2. 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.

3. Director's Report 

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The Director will brief the Commission on various items.

4. 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) - PDF Format (2 Mb)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF Format (3 Mb)

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

PUBLIC INPUT (This item only)

5. Regional Fish Enhancement Groups - Briefing

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Staff from the Regional Fishery Enhancement Groups (RFEGs) will present information on the RFEG program, showcasing a variety of projects and programs from around the state. The briefing will cover the program in general, community involvement, funding, leveraging, and take a closer look at project and program accomplishments in several different groups.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF Format (96 Kb)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF Format (3 Mb)

Staff Report: Dave Price, Restoration Division Manager, Habitat Program
Guest: Colleen Thompson, Managing Director, Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group Coalition

6. Cowiche Land Presentation - Briefing

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Department staff will brief the Commission on the planned acquisition of 2900 acres in the Cowiche watershed in Yakima County and explain the unique partnership we have created to protect this shrub-steppe parcel.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF Format (17 Kb) 
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF Format (4 Mb)

Staff Report:  Mike Livingston, Region 3 Director

7. Update on the Biological Status of the Pinto Abalone - Briefing

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Department staff will provide the Commission with a briefing on the status of Pinto Abalone in regards to hatchery recovery program, population assessment, reasons for population decline, and ramifications of petition to list as a threatened or endangered species.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF Format (910 Kb)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF Format (3 Mb)

Staff Report:  Bob Sizemore, Research Scientist, Fish Program; Josh Bouma and Betsy Peabody, Puget Sound Restoration Fund; and Scott Rumsey, NOAA

8. Puget Sound Smelt Fishery Regulation Proposals - Decision

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The Commission will consider the three options for recreational and commercial smelt fishing regulations in Puget Sound for Commission action.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF Format (10 Mb)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF Format (501 Kb)

Staff Report:  Craig Burley, Manager, Fish Management Division and Dayv Lowry, Research Scientist

9. Puget Sound Rockfish Conservation Plan - Briefing

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Department staff will provide the Commission with an evaluation of the implementation status for the Puget Sound Rockfish Conservation Plan.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF Format (567 Kb)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF Format (1 Mb)

Staff Report: Dayv Lowry, Research Scientist and Dr. Theresa Tsou, Research Scientist

11. 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.

12. Strategic Priorities - Discussion & 13. 2015 Performance Agreement - Discussion

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The Director and Commissioners will discuss the Department's strategic priorities for 2015. Committee chairs will canvass members for priorities.The Director and Commissioners will discuss the proposed 2015 Performance Agreement Expectations and how to incorporate strategic priorities into the new agreement.

14. 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.