November 8-9, 2013 Audio Transcripts

1. Call to Order

 Download MP3 File [4.1 MB]

1. Commissioners’ Discussion
2. Meeting Minute Approval

2. Open Public Input

 Download MP3 File [10.9 MB]

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 do not already have public input time on the agenda.

3. Director’s Report 

 Download MP3 File [33.5 MB]

The Director will brief the Commission on various items.

4. HPA Rules – Briefing

 Download MP3 File [10.7 MB]

Department staff will brief the Commission on three proposed new hydraulic code rules sections.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (500 KB)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF format (670 KB)

Staff Report: Randi Thurston, Protection Division Manager, Habitat Program

5. Proposed Land Transaction – Briefing, Public Hearing and Decision 

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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.

• Proposed Acquisition of 589 acres in Yakima County
• Proposed Acquisition of 5,497 acres in Kittitas County

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (1.8 Mb)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF format (4.4 MB)

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

PUBLIC INPUT (This item only)

6. Technical WAC Amendments and Repeal, Round 6 – Structural Improvements and Updates - Decision 

 Download MP3 File [3.8 MB]

Department staff will brief the Commission and request approval on proposed updates, technical changes, and structural improvements to rules in conjunction with the WAC Overhaul project.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (3.3 Mb)

Staff Report: Joanna Eide, Administrative Regulations Analyst, Enforcement Program

7. Batch 5 WAC Overhaul Technical Changes - Briefing and Public Hearing

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Department staff will brief the Commission and hold a public hearing on the 5th batch of WAC overhaul technical changes. These changes include repealing outdated rules, consolidating rules, correcting references, and updating language for clarity.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (2.4 Mb)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF format (840 KB)

Staff Report: Joanna Eide, Administrative Regulations Analyst and Mike Cenci, Deputy Chief, Enforcement Program

PUBLIC INPUT (This item only)

8. Dive Fishery Rules – Briefing and Public Hearing 

 Download MP3 File [6.8 MB]

Department staff will brief the Commission and hold a public hearing on proposed changes to commercial scallop, sea cucumber, and urchin dive fishery rules to reduce illegal geoduck harvest and streamline, clarify, and update rule language.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (5.9 Mb)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF format (803 KB)

Staff Report:  Mike Cenci, Deputy Chief, Enforcement Program.

PUBLIC INPUT (This item only)

9. Washington’s Reptiles and Amphibians -  Briefing 

 Download MP3 File [18.4 MB]

At the request of the Commission, Department staff will present a briefing on the current status of reptiles and amphibians in Washington.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (13 Kb)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF format (12.5 MB)

Staff Report:  Lisa Hallock, Biologist, Wildlife Program and Marc Hayes, Scientist, Habitat Program

10. WDFW’s Forest Management Strategy on Department Lands  – Briefing 

 Download MP3 File [21.9 MB]

Department staff will brief the Commission on WDFW’s forest management strategy on department lands.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (13 KB)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF format (2.5 MB)

Staff Report:  Clay Sprague, Lands Division Manager, Wildlife Program and Richard Tveten, Restoration Ecologist, Wildlife Program

11. Open Public Input 

 Download MP3 File [8.7 MB]

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 do not already have public input time on the agenda.

12. Grays Harbor Salmon Management  – Briefing & Public Hearing 

 Download MP3 File [60.0 MB]

Department staff will brief the Commission on Grays Harbor salmon fishery management and challenges, followed by a panel discussion on Grays Harbor salmon issues. Staff is seeking direction from the Commission on Grays Harbor Salmon Management Policy sideboards.

- Summary (PDF) - PDF format (78 KB)
- Presentation (PDF) - PDF format (1 MB)

Staff Report:  Ron Warren, Region 6 Fish Program Manager

PUBLIC INPUT (This item only)

13. Miscellaneous and Meeting Debrief 

 Download MP3 File [1.7 MB]

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