“Building Partnerships and Common Ground for the 21st Century” was the theme of the Department’s Fish and Wildlife Congress. The congress, held in January 1997 in Olympia, brought more than 500 members of hunting and fishing groups, environmental organizations and other agencies together with WDFW personnel to exchange thoughts on how to ensure the long-term health and prosperity of fish and wildlife in Washington.

Participants met with the department’s top decision makers in workshops on topics ranging from restoration of department lands to the role of enforcement in fish and wildlife protection. WDFW and constituent groups also hosted information booths and displays featuring a number of fish- and wildlife-related activities.