The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission convened for a series of meetings from Sept. 26-28 in Spokane, focusing on a range of issues pertinent to the state's natural resources. Over the course of three days, the Commission discussed policies and regulations affecting various species and their habitats, and provided opportunities for public input.
Key agenda items included a Cooperative Management Agreement with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, updates on both Coastal Dungeness crab and Grays Harbor salmon management policies, and strategies to address chronic wasting disease, a concern for the region's deer populations. The Commission, which is comprised of individuals appointed by the governor to guide the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), also approved rules surrounding the trapping of red foxes and the relocation of beavers.
During the initial meetings last Thursday, reported by the WDFW news release, the Commission engaged with topics such as Conservation and Science policy development, structured decision making, and the Non-lead Partnership. They also reviewed the wolf-livestock protocol, which is a critical component in managing interactions between the wilderness and livestock operations.
Last Friday's assembly commenced with public commentary and featured reports from WDFW Director Kelly Susewind and Eastern Region 1 Director Mike Kuttel, Jr. "The Commission heard a briefing on the legislatively directed Cooperative Management Agreement," as per the WDFW news release. This agreement involves a partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, aimed at jointly managing fish, wildlife, and notably, the gray wolf in areas originally part of the Colville reservation in the 1800s. Moreover, the Commission sanctioned a forest restoration project on the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area's 4-O Ranch unit.
To conclude the meetings, Saturday included another public input session before an executive session where the Commission outlined plans for its upcoming meetings. All sessions were recorded and made available for public viewing on the Commission's webpage, promoting transparency and accessibility for stakeholders and the broader community. The Commission's work emphasizes its commitment to conservation and the sustainable management of the state's diverse ecosystems.
