Kristen Kuykendall

This strategic plan, focusing on the 23-25 Biennium Proviso, outlines the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's approach to effective protection and ecological improvement. Key pillars include protecting current ecosystem function, defining and implementing ecological improvements, and administering an ecological improvement framework, while continuing recovery and restoration efforts. The plan details next steps for developing an ecological improvement program with specific indicators and mechanisms, alongside enhancing the protection of existing resources through improved standards, compliance, and enforcement. The initiative emphasizes leveraging science capacity, updated data, and staff development to achieve its ecological goals.

The commission reviewed two land transactions. The first involved the acquisition of approximately 40 acres in Pacific County for the North Willapa Bay Estuaries and Shoreline Project to protect critical wetland and riparian habitats. The second involved the disposal of an undeveloped portion of a public fishing easement along Dreamz Road in Asotin County, following legislative budget provisions that conditioned the future development of the site.

The meeting included reports from Commissioners on various activities, including habitat recovery, fish and wildlife management, and engagement with stakeholders. The Big Tent Committee discussed budget challenges and the need to promote the mission to the public. Other committees reviewed connectivity corridors, Pacific Salmon Commission briefings, and wildlife habitat agreements. The Director provided updates on North of Falcon negotiations, the Skagit River Relicensing Settlement Agreement, and pending petitions. The Commission approved multiple land transactions, Livestock Compensation rulemaking, and commercial non-spot shrimp pot license conversion. Additionally, the commission received briefings on the Pacific Salmon Treaty and the 2025 Annual Wolf Report, followed by planning for future meeting locations.

The commission reviewed the Periodic Status of the lynx population in Washington. The discussion highlighted that the resident lynx population remains restricted to specific counties with estimated numbers between 40 and 100 individuals. Various threats were identified, including habitat fragmentation, climate change, and competition from other species. The staff recommended maintaining the status of the lynx as endangered wildlife in Washington, a proposal that would continue existing messaging and protection efforts.

The Commission addressed various items including land transaction approvals, the North of Falcon Policy, and rules regarding charter stamps and King Crab importation. Research priorities were presented, and periodic status reviews for several state-listed species were approved. The Commission also discussed the conservation of fish and wildlife resources, received updates on forage fish and commercial smelt fisheries, and approved 2017-18 sportfishing regulations. Other agenda topics included the Pacific Salmon Treaty, a proposed budget policy, and the performance of fisheries managed under the Columbia River Basin Salmon Management Policy. Finally, requests were made for future briefings on department land maintenance costs and the application of government transparency laws to fisheries negotiations.