Daniel Conowitch

The meeting focused on the 5-Year Review of the Columbia River Salmon Fishery Management Policy 3630. Key discussions included the background of various regulatory frameworks impacting fisheries, such as the Pacific Salmon Treaty and U.S. vs. Oregon Management Agreement. The review analyzed mainstem fisheries statistics from 2021-2025 for Spring Chinook, Summer Chinook, Sockeye, Fall Chinook, Coho, and Chum, detailing allocation of allowable ESA impacts between recreational and commercial fisheries. The presentation also covered concurrency issues between Oregon and Washington policies, the development and implementation of alternative commercial gear like the Emerging Commercial Fishery (ECF), scientific monitoring methods, and a request for Director Delegation to allow the WDFW Director to work towards concurrent fishing regulations with the ODFW Director for 2026.

The Game Management Plan (GMP) is a guiding document designed to assist WDFW in managing hunted wildlife populations with the objective of ensuring their perpetuation. The plan encompasses guiding principles for hunting and dedicated chapters for various species or groups of species, detailing information on population, habitat, research, and other management goals. It serves as a framework to support hunting opportunities through responsible population management, with future actions subject to established rulemaking and review processes.

This document outlines the Game Management Plan, serving as a guidance document for the management of hunted species and future rulemaking. The plan is structured with an overarching chapter detailing general information and guiding principles, complemented by 16 species and guilds chapters. These chapters provide background, address habitat considerations including climate change implications, outline monitoring and research efforts, reference updated literature, and detail hunting opportunities and guidelines, alongside other contemporary issues. It is designed as a living document, subject to amendment as new information and scientific understanding emerge.

This document outlines a roadmap for continuous improvement of the Fish and Wildlife Commission, based on strategies and actions identified in the 2025 Commission Retreat. The plan focuses on enhancing collaboration and working relationships, optimizing the use of Commission time, maintaining adherence to Rules of Procedure, and fostering effective conversations and meetings. Key initiatives include conducting annual retreats, adopting ground rules, utilizing communication models, and improving processes for receiving public input to ensure efficient operations and strong public engagement.

The meeting included reports from Commissioners regarding wolf deterrence technology, monitoring of a small creek, and updates on previous advisory roles. The Deputy Director recognized enforcement officers for their service and flood relief efforts, and the Chair reported on attending the WAFWA Executive Leadership Conference and a ride-along with a Sergeant. Key committee discussions covered the Game Management Plan public comments and scheduling, legislative and budget processes, an update to the Rules of Procedure, consideration of the Conservation Policy, and the decision to proceed with rulemaking on the wolf petition following a gubernatorial directive. The Commission also commenced the Director's evaluation process. A decision was made regarding appointments to the Americans with Disabilities Act Advisory Committee, and a briefing was provided on the Game Management Plan process.