Washington Dept. of Natural Resources

The meeting commenced with a roll call and subsequent approval of the draft minutes from the July 18, 2018 council meeting. Key discussions included a verbal chair report concerning the difficulty in renting equipment due to wildland assessment practices and differing county assessment methodologies. An update from the DNR/WFP reported on a single large fire requiring aircraft-only suppression efforts. A significant discussion centered on recommendations being reviewed on a consensus basis, specifically concerning the authorization of Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPA's) via legislation, which resulted in a vote of 5 YES and 6 NO. A brief mention of the DNR's LEO plan implementation was also made. The committee established a solid foundation for future public action.

The Tasking Work Session focused on the Washington State Wildland Fire Protection 10-Year Strategic Plan Review. Key discussions included reviewing previous meeting points, identifying and discussing focus strategies and their corresponding metrics, and examining the relationship between the HB 1168 report and the strategic plan. Next steps established a target to have a draft of the addendum completed by the June meeting and to discuss accomplishments within that addendum. A public comment addressed the utility of having metrics filterable by district to improve buy-in.

The Habitat Conservation Plan for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources' Wild Geoduck Fishery addresses federal listings of certain fish and wildlife species under the Endangered Species Act. Developed to secure Incidental Take Permits for a 50-year duration, the plan outlines a conservation strategy focused on avoiding direct impacts to covered species and minimizing effects on their habitats. Key objectives include preventing disturbance to nesting bald eagles, tufted puffins, and Southern Resident orcas, minimizing noise disruptions, protecting the nearshore prey base and its habitats, reducing impacts from benthic sediment disturbance and turbidity, and preventing toxic spills. The plan aims to achieve these through integrating specific avoidance and minimization measures into the geoduck fishery's management structure.

This Habitat Conservation Plan outlines objectives and strategies for the minimization and mitigation of impacts on the Northern Spotted Owl across five west-side and three east-side planning units. The plan focuses on providing nesting, roosting, and foraging (NRF) habitat and dispersal habitat to support demographic stability, maintain species distribution, and facilitate dispersal. It details management approaches, habitat definitions, and projected habitat growth, transitioning towards a landscape-based conservation strategy.

The meeting included introductions, instructions for the Zoom meeting format, and a recognition of large landowners who completed their Road Maintenance and Abandonment Plan Program (RMAPS) obligations before the October 2021 deadline. The Chair reported on recent TFW principal meetings, completed dispute resolutions, and upcoming personnel changes, specifically Joe Shramek's retirement. Key discussions involved the 2023-2025 Biennial Master Project Schedule (MPS) budget and schedule compliance, including funding allocations for administration, research, and participation grants, as well as a legislative funding request. Public comment addressed funding equity and project oversight within the MPS. The Board voted to approve the MPS and associated budget, affirming substantial compliance with the 2012 settlement agreement. Presentations were given on the findings of the Type N Experimental Buffer Treatment studies for both Hard Rock Lithology Phase II and Soft Rock Lithology. General public comment focused on recent logging projects in Olympia, concerns about forest management, and the urgency of water typing system rulemaking, including decisions on Anadromous Fish Floor (AFF) alternatives. The Board moved to accept AFF alternatives A4 (7 percent) and D for analysis and requested staff prepare for formal rulemaking, with analysis pending the November meeting. Topics also covered the 2020-2021 Annual Compliance Monitoring Report, the Small Forest Landowner Buffer Width Dispute which resulted in majority/minority reports, an update on the Marbled Murrelet, and TFW Policy Committee priorities. The meeting concluded with the approval of the amended work plan.