Wildlife commission facing budget cuts

OLYMPIA – The state Fish and Wildlife Commission will discuss $30.8 million in proposed state Department of Fish and Wildlife budget cuts and agency legislative requests for the 2021 state legislative session during its July 30 to Aug. 1 online meeting.

The commission will begin with wildlife and fish committee meetings at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday, July 30, to discuss target shooting rules and coronavirus-related fisheries assistance, as well as hatchery policy language, non-native gamefish and fisheries policy, and an update on Willapa Bay.

During the regular meeting starting at 8:30 a.m. July 31, the commission will consider proposed budget cuts for the 2021-23 biennium in preparation for an anticipated $9 billion budget shortfall.

In addition to proposed budget reductions, the commission will also discuss legislative priorities and new budget proposals. The commission will make final decisions Aug. 21.

The commission will also hear public comment on proposed amendments to the Washington Administrative Code pertaining to firearms and target practicing and the status of Mazama Pocket Gopher recovery.

Commissioners will also discuss Columbia River Basin Salmon Management Policy C-3620.

On Saturday, Aug. 1, they will be briefed on proposed hunting contest rule changes and cougar safety issues. Staff will also brief commissioners on proposed draft policy language revisions for Hatchery Policy C-3619.

Commissioners will take open public comment Friday starting at 9 a.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m.

The meeting will be available to the public through webinar or conference call. For more information and to view an agenda, call 360-902-2267 or log onto wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings.