ELLENSBURG — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission convened for its regular meeting from Oct. 24-26, 2024, to discuss various wildlife management policies, according to a press release from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

Preceding the full Commission meeting, the Fish Committee met virtually Oct. 21 to address salmon management in the Grays Harbor Basin, coastal Dungeness crab, Lower Columbia sturgeon and coastal steelhead season planning. 

On Oct. 24, the Commission participated in tribal relations training, which was not live-streamed.  

The following day included public input sessions and updates from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind and Regional Director Mike Livingston.  

The Commission approved several land transactions, including the acquisition of 25 and 212 acres in Clallam County’s North Olympic Wildlife Area and a 3.4-acre addition in Okanogan County for the Methow Wildlife Area.  

An agreement with Cowlitz County for the management of the Silver Lake Access Area was renewed for another 25 years. 

The Commission delegated negotiations for an update to the 1998 Cooperative Management Agreement with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation to the director.  

The meeting concluded Oct. 26 with briefings on the black bear science and hunting framework and a preview of proposed 2025-2026 cougar hunting rules. 

The meeting was streamed and recorded for public access and can be found at https://bit.ly/WDFWCommision.