OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is opening a public comment period on its draft Conservation Policy through June 30, 2023.
The draft Conservation Policy directs the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to preserve and protect Washington’s fish and wildlife and their habitats by proactively addressing current and emerging conservation challenges.
“If adopted, this policy will serve as overarching guidance to inform a variety of Department decisions relative to budget development, setting priorities, and the management of fish and wildlife,” said Barbara Baker, Commission Chair. “With a rapidly developing world and a changing climate, we need to be more responsive to these emerging issues and take a holistic approach to wildlife conservation. We need your feedback to inform the policy’s direction and help us improve this initial lens that we will look through when approaching solutions to a myriad of conservation challenges and providing opportunity.”
The public is invited to comment on the draft policy by submitting written comments at publicinput.com/draftconservationpolicy, via email, or by leaving a voicemail message at 855-925-2801 and entering project code 4262. A link to the full policy is available on WDFW’s website.
The public is also invited to provide comments during a session at the Commission’s hybrid meeting on June 22-24 in Seattle.
All members of the public are invited to share their diverse perspectives 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, status as a veteran, 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.