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Minutes WASHINGTON FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091 |
Comfort Inn & Conference Center
1620 - 74th Avenue SW
Tumwater, Washington
| ATTENDANCE: | |
| Commission | Department (continued) |
| Ron Ozment, Chair | Kristi Walsh |
| Fred Shiosaki, Vice Chair | Christy Vassar |
| Ken Chew | Lori Pruess |
| Jerry Gutzwiler | Mik Mikitik |
| Conrad Mahnken | Heather Bartlett |
| Chuck Perry | Justin Secrist |
| Will Roehl | Steve Jackson |
| Shirley Solomon | Ross Fuller |
| Miranda Wecker | Other Department staff |
| Commission Staff: | |
| Susan Yeager | Public |
| Nancy Burkhart | Bill Frymire, AGO |
| Joe Shorin, AGO | |
| Department | Sheila Lynch, AGO |
| Jeff Koenings, Director | Matt Kernutt, AGO |
| Larry Peck, Deputy Director | Keith Truscott, Chelan PUD |
| Dave Brittell | Von Pope, Chelan PUD |
| Bruce Bjork | George Velazquez, Chelan PUD |
| Lew Atkins | R. W. Brown |
| Phil Anderson | Doug Fricke, Washington Trollers Assn. |
| Dennis Beich | Todd Reis |
| Dan Budd | Tony Wells |
| Bob Gibbons | Bruce Beatty |
| Bonnie Long | Betty Beatty |
| Dave Ware | Jackie Jones, WA Wildlife Coalition |
| Lembit Ratassepp | Ralph Rosa |
| Mick Cope | David Stevens |
| Mike Cenci | Mike Clancy |
| Jo Wadsworth | Hans Mak |
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8:
Chair Ozment called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Commissioner Solomon moved, seconded by Commissioner Wecker, to approve the minutes of the following:
- November 3-4, 2006, Commission meeting; and
- November 17, 2006, Commission conference call.
The motion carried unanimously.
COMMISSIONERS' DISCUSSION:
Commissioners discussed recent activities and items of general interest and provided status reports on Commission committees.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Director Koenings reviewed significant Department issues and activities.
BUDGET UPDATE:
Deputy Director Peck provided a status report on the Department's budget.
PACIFIC SALMON TREATY UPDATE - BRIEFING:
Director Koenings updated the Commission on the Pacific Salmon treaty negotiations process.
OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:
One individual provided oral testimony on issues of concern during this portion of the meeting.
PROPOSED LAND TRANSACTIONS - ACTION:
Dan Budd presented two proposed land transactions for the Commission's consideration and approval.
No oral testimony on the proposed land transactions was received during the meeting.
To allow for more stakeholder input, Commissioner Roehl moved, seconded by Commissioner Shiosaki, to continue the public hearing and action on the 44.86-acre property for the South Padilla Bay and Telegraph Slough project in Skagit County to the January 12-13, 2007, Commission meeting in Olympia. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Roehl moved, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to approve the acquisition of the 6.56-acre property in the Olympic Wildlife Area in Mason County for $40,000. The motion carried unanimously.
COMMERCIAL HARVEST PROHIBITION OF GREEN STURGEON - RULE ACTION:
Bob Gibbons presented proposed permanent rule amendments to WAC 220-20-020, General provisions-Lawful and unlawful acts-Food fish other than salmon, which would permanently prohibit the harvest of green sturgeon in Washington's commercial fisheries.
Commissioner Roehl moved, seconded by Commissioner Chew, to adopt the permanent rule amendments to WAC 220-20-020, General provisions-Lawful and unlawful acts-Food fish other than salmon, as proposed. The motion carried unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i), the Commission met in Executive Session to discuss with legal counsel representing the agency pending and/or potential litigation to which the agency is or is likely to become a party. No action was taken during the Executive Session. The public was not permitted to attend the Executive Session.
BURCH MOUNTAIN EASEMENT UPDATE / PROPOSED ENTIAT VALLEY TRANSMISSION LINE - BRIEFING:
Dennis Beich and George Velzaquez (Chelan County PUD), Keith Truscott (Chelan County PUD), and Von Pope (Chelan County PUD) provided an update on the Burch Mountain easement and a briefing on the proposed Entiat Valley transmission line.
YOUTH OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EXPO - BRIEFING:
Bonnie Long and Jackie Jones (Chair, Washington Wildlife Coalition) briefed the Commission on plans for next year's Youth Expo, which is part of the "Go Play Outside" Outdoor Recreation Partnership Initiative.
HUNTER EDUCATION FUNDING - BRIEFING:
At the request of the Commission, Dave Ware, Lembit Ratassepp, and Mik Mikitik briefed the Commission on the Federal Pittman-Robertson funding allocation to the Department's Hunter Education Program.
DEER AND ELK AREA DESCRIPTIONS - RULE ACTION:
Dave Ware presented proposed permanent rule amendments to WAC 232-28-337, Deer and elk area descriptions, which would provide recreational opportunity for citizens, help reduce wildlife damage, and protect deer and elk from over-harvest.
Commissioner Roehl moved, seconded by Commissioner Mahnken, to adopt the permanent rule amendments to WAC 232-28-337, Deer and elk area descriptions, as proposed. The motion carried unanimously.
PRIVATE LANDS ACCESS PROGRAM - BRIEFING:
Dave Ware and Mick Cope briefed the Commission on the Private Lands Access Program.
LANDOWNER HUNTING PERMITS - RULE ACTION:
Dave Ware presented proposed permanent rule amendments to WAC 232-28-295, Landowner hunting permits, which would help address elk damage problems and provide hunter access to private lands.
Commissioner Solomon moved, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to adopt the permanent rule amendments to WAC 232-28-295, Landowner hunting permits, as proposed. The motion carried unanimously.
GAME FARM LICENSING PROVISIONS - RULE ACTION:
Dave Ware presented proposed permanent rule amendments to WAC 232-12-027, Game farm license provisions, which would integrate Department-licensed game farms into the overall avian influenza monitoring program.
Commissioner Chew moved, seconded by Commissioner Shiosaki, moved to adopt the permanent rule amendments to WAC 232-12-027, Game farm license provisions, as proposed. The motion carried unanimously.
2007, 2008, AND 2009 SPRING BLACK BEAR SEASONS AND REGULATIONS - RULE ACTION:
Dave Ware presented proposed permanent rule amendments to WAC 232-28-286, 2007, 2008, and 2009 Spring black bear seasons and regulations, and repeal of WAC 232-28-275, 2003 Black bear special permit seasons and quotas, which would minimize damage to trees by reducing bear populations to a lower but sustainable level.
Commissioner Mahnken moved, seconded by Commissioner Chew, to adopt the permanent rule amendments to WAC 232-28-286, 2007, 2008, and 2009 Spring black bear seasons and regulations, and to repeal WAC 232-28-275, 2003 Black bear special permit seasons and quotas. The motion carried unanimously.
BIG GAME AND WILD TURKEY AUCTION, RAFFLE, AND SPECIAL INCENTIVE PERMITS - RULE ACTION:
Dave Ware presented proposed permanent rule amendments to WAC 232-28-282, Big game and wild turkey auction, raffle, and special incentive permits, which would maximize revenue for species-specific management consistent with the long-term sustainability of wildlife populations.
Commissioner Roehl moved, seconded by Commissioner Shiosaki, to adopt the permanent rule amendments to WAC 232-28-282, Big game and wild turkey auction, raffle, and special incentive permits. The motion carried unanimously.
During break, Commissioners observed a demonstration, by the Enforcement Program, on visibility during legal hunting hours.
MARINE FISH CULTURE POLICY REVIEW - BRIEFING:
At the request of the Commission, Phil Anderson reviewed the Commission's Marine Fish Culture Policy (POL-C3611) and procedures.
Commissioner Mahnken moved, seconded by Commissioner Wecker, to direct the Department draft new language relative to the Commission's Marine Fish Culture Policy that would enable the Department and its partners to conduct scientific research utilizing cultured fish as a potential method of rebuilding depressed marine fish species. The Department is to come back to the Commission with the new language at the Commission's February 2-3, 2007, meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:
One individual provided oral testimony on issues of concern during this portion of the meeting.
Chair Ozment recessed the meeting at 5:47 p.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9:
Chair Ozment called the meeting back to order at 8:32 a.m.
OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:
No oral testimony on issues of concern was received during this portion of the meeting.
CATCH ACCOUNTABILITY AND COMPATIBILITY WITH FEDERAL RULES GOVERNING PACIFIC OCEAN FISHERIES - RULE ACTION:
Captain Mike Cenci presented proposed permanent rule amendments that would provide regulatory intent to parallel federal rules and add clarity of rules for fishers and processors:
- WAC 220-20-010, General provisions-Lawful and unlawful acts-Salmon, other fish and shellfish;
- WAC 220-20-021, Sale of commercial caught sturgeon, bottomfish, and halibut;
- WAC 220-69-230, Description of Washington state nontreaty fish receiving tickets;
- WAC 220-69-234, Description of treaty Indian fish receiving ticket;
- WAC 220-69-240, Duties of commercial purchasers and receivers;
- WAC 220-69-250, Required information on nontreaty fish receiving tickets;
- WAC 220-69-254, Required information on treaty Indian fish receiving tickets; and
- WAC 220-69-280, Fish receiving ticket accountability.
TIGER MUSKIE PROGRAM MAINTENANCE - BRIEFING:
Ross Fuller and Steve Jackson briefed the Commission on issues related to the maintenance of the tiger muskie program.
OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:
Two individuals provided oral testimony on issues of concern during this portion of the meeting.
SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUESTS:
Commissioner Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Solomon, to request the Department brief the Commission at the February 2-3, 2007, meeting on federal, state, and other sources of acquisition of habitat; the statutes that authorize appropriations; and the ranking methodology used. The briefing is to include the joint venture and IAC processes. The motion carried unanimously.
MISCELLANEOUS AND MEETING DEBRIEF:
The Commission discussed items that arose immediately before or during the meeting and after the preliminary agenda was published.
Chair Ozment adjourned the meeting at 11:23 a.m.
| Approval of Minutes |
- Motion by Solomon, second by Wecker, to approve the minutes of the following: - November 3-4, 2006, Commission meeting; andThe motion carried unanimously. |
|---|---|
| Land Transactions |
Motion by Roehl, second by Shiosaki, to continue the public hearing and rule action on the 44.86-acre property for the South Padilla Bay and Telegraph Slough project in Skagit County to the January 12-13, 2007, Commission meeting in Olympia. The motion carried unanimously. - Motion by Roehl, second by Perry, to approve the acquisition of the 6.56-acre property in the Olympic Wildlife Area in Mason County for $40,000. The motion carried unanimously. |
| Approval of Commercial Harvest Prohibition of Green Sturgeon Rules |
Motion by Roehl, second by Chew, to adopt the permanent rule amendments to WAC 220-20-020, General provisions-Lawful and unlawful acts-Food fish other than salmon, as proposed. The motion carried unanimously. |
| Approval of Deer and Elk Area Descriptions Rules |
Motion by Roehl, second by Mahnken, to adopt the permanent rule amendments to WAC 232-28-337, Deer and elk area descriptions, as proposed. The motion carried unanimously. |
| Approval of Landowner Hunting Permits Rules |
Motion by Solomon, second by Perry, to adopt the permanent rule amendments to WAC 232-28-295, Landowner hunting permits, as proposed. The motion carried unanimously. |
| Approval of Game Farm Licensing Provisions Rules |
Motion by Chew, second by Shiosaki, to adopt the permanent rule amendments to WAC 232-12-027, Game farm license provisions, as proposed. The motion carried unanimously. |
| Approval of 2007, 2008, and 2009 Spring Black Bear Seasons and Regulations Rules |
Motion by Mahnken, second by Chew, to adopt the permanent rule amendments to WAC 232-28-286, 2007, 2008, and 2009 Spring black bear seasons and regulations, and to repeal WAC 232-28-275, 2003 Black bear special permit seasons and quotas. The motion carried unanimously. |
| Approval of Big Game and Wild Turkey Auction, Raffle, and Special Incentive Permits Rules |
Motion by Roehl, second by Shiosaki, to adopt th epermanent rule amendments to WAC 232-28-282, Big game and wild turkey auction, raffle, and special incentive permits. The motion carried unanimously. |
| Marine Fish Culture Policy Review |
Motion by Mahnken, second by Wecker, to direct the Department draft new language relative to the Commission's Marine Fish Culture Policy that would enable the Department and its partners to conduct scientific research utilizing cultured fish as a potential method of rebuilding depressed marine fish species. The Department is to come back to the Commission with the new language at the Commission's February 2-3, 2007, meeting. The motion carried unanimously. |
| Catch Accountability and Compatibility with Federal Rules Governing Pacific Ocean Fisheries Rules |
Motion by Wecker, second by Perry, to continue the public hearing and action on the proposed rule amendments to the January 12-13, 2007, Commission meeting in Olympia. The motion carried unanimously. |
| Commission Requests to the Department |
Motion by Wecker, second by Solomon, to request the Department brief the Commission at the February 2-3, 2007, meeting on federal, state, and other sources of acquisition of habitat; the statutes that authorize appropriations; and the ranking methodology used. The briefing is to include the joint venture and IAC processes. The motion carried unanimously. |
Commissioners in Attendance:
Ron Ozment, Chair
Fred Shiosaki, Vice Chair
Ken Chew
Jerry Gutzwiler
Conrad Mahnken
Chuck Perry
Will Roehl
Shirley Solomon
Miranda Wecker
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