News release Oct. 28, 2024
Commission office, 360-902-2267
ELLENSBURG, Wash. — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission held its regular meeting in Ellensburg Oct. 24-26, 2024. Ahead of the full meeting, the Fish Committee met virtually on Oct. 21, to discuss policies related to Grays Harbor Basin salmon management (C-3621), coastal Dungeness crab (C-3604), Lower Columbia sturgeon management (C-3001), and coastal steelhead season planning.
On Thursday, Oct. 24, the full Commission participated in tribal relations training, which was not live-streamed. On Friday, Oct. 25, the meeting began with a public input opportunity and reports from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind and Regional Director Mike Livingston.
The Commission approved several proposed land transactions, including two acquisitions, 25 and 212 acres, in the North Olympic Wildlife Area in Clallam County and a 3.4-acre acquisition in Okanogan County for the Methow Wildlife Area. Additionally, the Commission renewed an agreement with Cowlitz County to manage the Silver Lake Access Area for the next 25 years.
The Commission delegated negotiating an update to the 1998 Cooperative Management Agreement with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation to the director, with an update to the Commission’s Executive Committee before ratification of the agreement.
The Commission also adopted the Grays Harbor Basin salmon management policy (C-3621) and the coastal Dungeness crab policy (C-3604). The Commission concluded Friday with briefings on the black bear science and hunting framework and a preview of proposed 2025-2026 cougar hunting rules.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, the meeting started with a public input opportunity, followed by a meeting debrief and future meeting planning. The meeting then moved into executive session.
The meeting was held in Ellensburg, and the meeting was streamed online both Friday and Saturday. The meeting was also recorded and made available on the Commission webpage for public viewing.
The Commission’s Habitat Committee will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 5, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Staff will brief the committee on 20 proposed land acquisitions under review as part of the Department’s annual Lands 20/20: A Vision for the Future process. These proposed acquisitions will be presented to the full Commission at its December meeting.
For more information on the meeting and to access the recorded sessions, visit the WDFW website.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.