Gent Welsh

This annual report assesses statewide emergency preparedness, highlighting increasing disaster risks, funding instability, and expanding responsibilities. It identifies critical issues such as sustainable emergency management funding, state disaster recovery capability, wildfire risk, Cascadia Subduction Zone preparedness, climate-driven disasters, cybersecurity threats, and malicious UAS activity. The report provides recommendations to modernize and strengthen Washington's emergency management system through sustained investment, enhanced state capability, stronger local and Tribal partnerships, improved resilience planning, and more reliable recovery mechanisms to address future challenges.

The board discussed reciprocal certification challenge test logistics for out-of-state lateral dispatchers, reviewed potential curriculum development for a college-based pre-certification pathway, and analyzed continuing education credit hour calculation and reporting practices. Additionally, the board approved initial certification applications and received an update regarding the future credentialing system initiative, which includes the development of a Request for Proposal for a new system to improve certification and recertification tracking.

The Council discussed the recent winter season and coordination efforts for large-scale events, as well as the response to recent flood events. Updates were provided regarding FEMA regional activities, state legislative session progress on disaster recovery, and federal funding concerns related to the Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, the Council approved the Legislative Planning and Action Subcommittee charter, membership, and 2026 Action Plan, confirmed the 2026 meeting calendar, appointed a new Vice Chair, and reviewed a case study on critical infrastructure and radio synchronization. Preliminary planning discussions were also held regarding the upcoming annual report to the Governor and Legislature.

The agenda includes opening remarks and information sharing from FEMA Region 10. Council members will prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session and receive a status update on federal grant litigation. Work sessions are scheduled to review state disaster assistance programs and hazardous chemical emergency response planning. Additionally, the council will vote on the final draft of the annual report, followed by an open public forum for community comments.

This Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) for Camp Murray aims to manage natural resources while protecting and enhancing military training operations in accordance with the Sikes Act. The plan outlines goals to improve coordination with Joint Base Lewis McChord on shared resources, enhance rearing and spawning habitats for kokanee salmon and trout in Murray Creek, maintain healthy vegetated communities by controlling invasive species and promoting native flora, and protect existing habitats for bald eagles and other raptors. Additionally, it focuses on ensuring biological resources are inventoried and managed, fostering community involvement, safeguarding water quality, and promoting pollinator conservation and their associated ecosystems.