Wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists take note: the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is calling for public involvement in the upcoming revision of the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). The department will be hosting a virtual meeting on August 28 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to kick off the revision process for the 2025 SWAP and introduce the public to the year-long timeline. This is one of three meetings planned to encourage public input over the next twelve months.
The SWAP, a critical document for wildlife conservation in Washington and across the U.S, is updated every decade to adjust strategies and actions to best preserve the state's diverse fauna and flora. According to a recent WDFW news release, the webinar will include a presentation about the SWAP's importance and an overview of upcoming revisions. Interested parties will get the chance to pose questions and a survey will be open post-meeting until September 30, for additional feedback.
Washington’s SWAP operates within a national framework, with all 50 states and five U.S. territories endeavoring to identify conservation needs and prioritize actions for Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). The SWAP guides the allocation of State Wildlife Grants (SWG), funneling resources into initiatives that provide broad benefits to wildlife and habitats. The last update was in 2015, following the original plan established in 2005, then named the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS).
For those looking to take part or wanting further information, details can be found on the SWAP webpage.
