The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is gearing up for a comprehensive three-day meeting set to take place in Olympia, running from Thursday to Saturday. The hybrid event, open to the public both in-person and virtually, will deliberate on wildlife management issues, including the annual wolf report, and rules concerning the season setting for cougars and black bears, among other significant items.
Held at the Natural Resources Building, the session begins with committee meetings under the 'Big Tent' of wildlife management, tackling the shrimp and crab policies, land deals in Pacific County, and other pressing concerns. Starting off the event, observers can tune into discussions revolving around budgets, lamprey updates, commercial Dungeness crab regulations, and the game management plan. Live streaming options for those preferring to attend remotely have been announced by the commission, ensuring a broad access and participation.
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website, the following day, April 4, the Commission will hear public input, receive a report from WDFW Director Kelly Susewind, and deliberate on proposed land transactions and the coastal crab fishery marking rules. A comprehensive review of the Blue Mountain calf survival, along with the crucial matters of setting hunting seasons for cougars and black bears, stands on the agenda.
The final day of the meeting, April 5, invites additional public comments and delivers a briefing on the 2024 annual wolf report. Ensuring that the matters discussed reflect the voices within the community, anyone looking to provide verbal feedback must register before the date. The WDFW has stressed its commitment to inclusivity, inviting input from all demographics and emphasizing the importance of diversity across all the provided channels for public engagement.
Meeting materials and guidelines for how to submit public comments or access the live streaming event are made readily available on the WDFW website. For those unable to attend, a recorded version of the meeting will be posted on the Commission webpage to accommodate schedule conflicts, ensuring that the proceedings are as accessible as possible to interested parties. With policies set by a governor-appointed panel, the WDFW's mission remains to protect fish, wildlife, and habitats, while supporting sustainable recreational and commercial activities.
