January 6-7, 2012 Agenda

1. Executive Session
Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i), the Commission will meet in executive session to discuss with legal counsel representing the agency litigation or potential litigation to which the agency is, or is likely to become, a party. No action will be taken in executive session, and the public is not permitted to attend the executive session.

2. Call to Order

3. How the Department of Fish and Wildlife Delivers the Priority Habitats and Species Program to our Stakeholders – Briefing
Provide an overview of the program tools and how they are used to make land management decisions that protect fish, wildlife and their habitats.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (53 KB)
- Priority Habitats and Species presentation (PDF) - PDF format (6.9 MB)

Staff Report:
Katie Knight

4. Open Public Input
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 are not on the agenda for decision action.

5. Multiple Season Big Game Permits – Rule Briefing, Public Hearing & Rule Action
Department staff will brief the Commission on the proposed amendments to WAC 232-28-294 Multiple Season Big Game Permits.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (578 KB)
- Multiple Season Hunting Permits presentation (PDF) - PDF format (1.2 MB)

Staff:
Dave Ware, Game Division Manager, Wildlife Program

6. 2011 Lands 20/20  Acquisition Process – Briefing
Department staff will request that the Commission review of the list of projects approved through the 2011 Lands 20/20; the Department will seek funding for projects approved in the Lands 20/20 process.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (16 KB)
- Presentation of proposed Acquisition Grant Submittals for 2012 (PDF) - PDF format (4.5 MB)

Staff: 
Dave Brittell, Special Assistant, Director’s Office

7. Wildlife Program Overview – Briefing
At the request of the Commission, Department staff will brief the Commission with a summary of the organizational structure, staff positions and expertise, budget sources, and wildlife conservation and management priorities.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (11 KB)

Staff: 
Nate Pamplin, Assistant Director, Wildlife Program

8. Joint Law-Enforcement Agreements – Briefing
Department staff will provide the Commission with an overview of joint law enforcement agreements between the Department’s Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Program and other agencies for the protection of natural resources. This presentation will describe the terms, conditions, budget, performance and impacts of these agreements.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (96 KB)
- Contracts Overview presentation (PDF) - PDF format (2.6 MB)

Staff:
Bruce Bjork, Chief, Enforcement Program and Mike Cenci, Deputy Chief, Enforcement Program

9. Review of Lower Columbia Sturgeon Management Policy C-3001 – Briefing
Department staff to provide the annual review to the Commission on the Columbia River white sturgeon.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (339 KB)
- Lower Columbia River Sturgeon Annual Update presentation (PDF) - PDF format (572 KB)

Staff: 
Guy Norman, Region 5 Director and Pat Frazier, Region 5 Fish Program Manager

RECESS

10. Sportfishing Regulations  - Briefing/Public Hearing
Department staff to brief the Commission and receive public testimony for the proposed 2012 -2013 sportfishing season rules and regulations to ensure conservation of the fish and shellfish resource, and provide sustainable recreational fishing opportunities.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (24 MB)
- Sportfish Regulation presentation (PDF) - PDF format (290 KB)

Staff:
Craig Burley, Fish Management Division Manager, Fish Program

11. Open Public Input
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 are not on the agenda for decision action.

12. Miscellaneous and Meeting Debrief
The Commission will discuss items that arise immediately before or during the meeting and after the preliminary agenda is published.

13. Commission Committee Reports
The Commissioners will discuss recent activities of the various Commission committees.

14. Summary Commission Requests:
The Commission and Director will discuss and make updates to the current list of Commission requests to the Department and may consider new requests.