The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is on the lookout for individuals ready to serve the environment and community. They are currently inviting applications for a new working group aimed at guiding a habitat restoration project within the Shillapoo Wildlife Area in Clark County. This team will be crucial in planning the reconnection of the Columbia River to the floodplain wetlands, articulated on the shores of Vancouver, Wash.
The myriad of objectives includes facilitating the return of anadromous fish, curtailing invasive vegetation, fostering native plant life, and bolstering habitats for various species like waterfowl and sandhill cranes. According to WDFW's release, interested parties must submit their applications by the deadline of 5 p.m., Sept. 30, 2025. The selected members will reflect a range of experiences, from waterfowl hunting and outdoor recreation to agriculture and conservation. Their role is to engage constructively, disseminate information effectively, and remain in tune with the needs of the Shillapoo Wildlife Area.
"We're in the early planning stages of this project and look forward to collaborating closely with the community," WDFW's restoration coordination manager, Laura Brown, elaborated. "The working group will play a key role in the developing a restoration effort that reflects diverse perspectives and supports key habitat for fish and wildlife." The group's insights will inform project design and alternative solutions, striving for a consensus that encapsulates the shared visions of the different stakeholders.
Prospective members can acquire further insights about the project on the project's webpage or by viewing a recorded public meeting from July 28 available on YouTube. Participants are not required to be affiliated with any organization, and those needing reasonable accommodations to partake as working group members are encouraged to apply.
Engagement in the group mandates attending approximately six in-person meetings from January 2026 through March 2027 at the WDFW Southwest Regional Office in Ridgefield. While additional sessions may crop up, the labor between meetings will generally involve scrutinizing relevant materials. By Nov. 15, 2025, applicants will be notified if they have been chosen to join the assembly, which will consist of 12 to 15 individuals.
Addressing potential barriers to participation, WDFW offers compensations for time, along with reimbursements for childcare, adult care, accommodation, meals, and travel for advisory group members, adhering to the guidelines from the Office of Equity. Those serving in a professional capacity and otherwise compensated are exempted from this remuneration scheme. The rates of these entitlements can be found on the website of the Office of Financial Management.
WDFW encourages an inclusive approach, urging all community members, irrespective of their race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, or disability, to apply. Additional background information for interested applicants can be reviewed in the WDFW Advisory Member Handbook and on the advisory groups and committees webpage. This initiative is part of WDFW's broader remit to preserve and perpetuate the region's fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while ensuring sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities.
