June 1-2, 2012 Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. 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.

3. Director's Report
The Director will brief the Commission on various items.

Staff Report: Phil Anderson, Director

4. Regional Fish Enhancement Groups
Staff from various Regional Fishery Enhancement Groups (RFEGs) will present the history of the RFEG program, highlighting ties to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife & the Fish and Wildlife Commission as well as showcasing a variety of projects and programs from around the state.  The briefing will cover the program in general, community involvement, funding, leveraging, and take a closer look at project and program accomplishments in several different regions.

Staff:
Dave Price, Restoration Division Manager, Habitat Program
Guest:  Joe Williams, Coalition President

5. Public Records Rules Updates – Briefing & Public Hearing
Department staff will brief the Commission on the proposed Public Records Rules update that was filed on March 21, 2012 in conjunction with the WAC overhaul project.

Staff:
Joanna Eide, Administrative Regulations Analyst, Enforcement Program
Carol Turcotte, Public Affairs Office

6. Stewardship of WDFW Lands - Briefing
Staff will provide a briefing to the Commission outlining the current status of operations and maintenance of the Department’s lands.

Staff Report:
Jennifer Quan, Lands Division Manager, Wildlife Program

7. Proposed Land Transactions - Decision
The Commission will consider approval of various land transactions recommended by the Department for the protection of critical fish and wildlife habitat, enhancement of public recreation opportunities and responsible property management:

Staff Report: 
Dan Budd, Real Estate Section Manager, Wildlife Program

8. Energy/Major Projects - Briefing
Staff will brief the Commission on the Habitat Energy/Major Projects Program and provide an overview of work that has been accomplished through a collaborative approach involving the project proponent and in consultation with tribal, federal, state and local experts.

Staff: 
Travis Nelson, Energy/Major Projects Section Manager, Habitat Program

9. Dangerous Wildlife Interaction & the Karelian Bear Dog Program - Briefing
Staff will provide the Commission with an overview of the Karelian Bear Dog Program and describe the history and structure of the program as well as the accomplishments, future needs and what is being done in regards to public outreach. 

Staff Report:
Captains Hebner & Whorton, Enforcement Program

10. Commercial Sea Cucumbers/Sea Urchins - Rule Briefing & Public Hearing
Staff will brief the Commission on the commercial license buy-back program for the sea cucumber and sea urchin fishery and the recommendation to increase the maximum bid prices for permits.

Staff Report: 
Rich Childers, Shellfish Policy Manager, Fish Program

11. Comprehensive Review of Puget Sound Shrimp Fishery & Commission Policy - Briefing
In response to a Commission request Staff will provide an overview of the Puget Sound shrimp fishery management.

Staff Report: 
Rich Childers, Shellfish Policy Manager, Fish Program

RECESS

12. 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.

13. Puyallup Trout Hatchery Partnership - ITEM REMOVED FROM AGENDA

14. Wolf Plan Implementation and Follow-up
Staff will provide the Commission with updates on current and planned activities regarding the Wolf Plan Implementation.

Staff Report:
Phil Anderson, Director
Dave Ware, Game Division Manager, Wildlife Program

15. Strategic Plan - Briefing
Staff will provide a briefing on the process and the framework being used for the strategic plan model.

Staff Report: 
Joe Stohr, Deputy Director
Jair Reitsma, Performance and Accountability Manager

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

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

• Colville Trout Hatchery Partnership – Briefing