Commission to discuss land transactions, caribou periodic status review, shoreline armoring rule making

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will hear updates on a wide range of topics at a hybrid meeting Oct. 27-29 in Colville, including a briefing and public hearing regarding shoreline armoring rule making, a briefing on an estuary restoration project, and land transactions proposed by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff, among other items.

 The Commission’s work begins at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 with meetings of its Habitat, Wildlife, and Fish committees. Topics include the Washington Shrub-Steppe Restoration and Resilience Initiative, an update to the Game Management Plan, and a coastal steelhead update.

 On Friday, Oct.28, the full Commission meeting starts at 8 a.m. WDFW staff will brief the Commission on the caribou periodic status review, accept public comment, and ask the Commission for a decision on the topic. Commissioners will hear an update on the Duckabush Estuary restoration project and discuss the process to develop a Spring Bear Policy.

 On Saturday, commissioners will discuss the development of a Hatchery Workshop agenda and future meeting planning. The meeting will conclude with the Commission going into Executive Session.

 This meeting will be held in-person at the Colville campus of the Community Colleges of Spokane at 985 S. Elm Street in Colville. There is also an option to attend virtually; see the meeting page for how to tune in online, as well as how to provide comment on meeting topics both virtually (please pre-register on WDFW’s website) and in-person. This is the third Commission meeting being held in this hybrid format, and the public should be aware that technical challenges may occur as this new technology is tested.

 All members of the public are invited to share their perspective and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, or basis of disability.

 The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is a panel appointed by the governor that sets policy for the WDFW. WDFW works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

 Individuals who need to receive this information in an alternative format, language, or who need reasonable accommodations to participate in WDFW-sponsored public meetings or other activities may contact the Title VI/ADA Compliance Coordinator by phone at 360-902-2349, TTY (711), or email (Title6@dfw.wa.gov).