Meeting Minutes WASHINGTON FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091

ATTENDANCE:
Commission	Public (Cont.)
Kelly White, Chairman	Tom Bolender, Streamside Anglers
Russ Cahill, Vice Chairman	John Egler, OR Department of Fish and Wildlife
Don Heinicke	Wes Hoppler
Lisa Pelly	Paul McCracken, OR Department of Fish and Wildlife
Will Roehl	John Perry, OR Department of Fish and Wildlife
Fred Shiosaki	Gordon Barry, SW Washington Anglers
Bob Tuck	Ted Farnsworth
Van Van Gytenbeek	Frances Clark, NW Gillnetters Assn.
	Les Clark, NW Gillnetters Assn.
Commission Staff:	Steve Gray, NW Gillnetters Assn.
Debbie Nelson	Harold Tuller
	Curt Burley
Department	Chuck Voss, Salmonid Foundation
Jeff Koenings, Director	Dan Heuker
Jim Lux	James White
Bruce Crawford	Dan Ponciano
Steve Pozzanghera	Ray Beamesderfer, OR Department of Fish and Wildlife
Bill Frymire	Bruce Gipple
Bruce Bjork	Ron Soalborn
Jay Geck	Chris Bellows
Lembit Ratassepp	James Murray, Merrill and Ring
Dave Ware	Henry Barber
Rob Costello	David Stevens, buckrun PLWMA
Harriet Allen	Dan Keilwitz
Paul Mongillo	Phillip Gale, Whidbey Island Flyfishing Club
John DeVore	Allen Lidholm, Whidbey Island Flyfishing Club
Morris Barker	Allan Hollingsworth, Grays Harbor Gillnetters
Greg Bargmann	Larry Snyder, Vancouver Wildlife League
Phil Anderson	Bob Lake, Willapa Bay Gillnetters
Brian Culver	Bill Redman, Federation of Fly Fishers
Michele Robinson	Mark Cedergreen, Westport Charterboat Assn.
Dick Burge	John Thompson
Jay Odell	Craig Lynch
Other Department Staff	John Sowinski
	Rob Allen
Public	James Anderson, White Salmon Steelheaders
Bill Robinson, Trout Unlimited	Richard Kennon, Clark-Skamania Fly Fishers
Don Walker	Jim Tuggle, Trout Unlimited
Bobbie Thorniley, Washingtonians for Wildlife	John Ritter, Vancouver Wildlife League
Walter Wright	Jessica Eskow, Champion
Liz Hamilton, NW Sportfishing Industry Assn.	Pat Russell
Jim Mitby, Willapa Gillnetters	Frank Urabeck, National Marine Trade Assn.
Jim McRoberts, WA Flyfishing Club	Jim Derry, Trout Unlimited
Gary Lawson, White Salmon River Steelheaders	Preston Singletary, WFFC
Jerry Olson	A. Allan, Trout Unlimited
Mark Storaasci	Randy Mauerman
Hal Boynton	J. D. Love
Ken Smith	John Kelly, King Co. Outdoor Sports Council
Ben Dennis, Methow Valley Fly Fishers	Irv Conner, Wenatchee Valley Fly Fishers
Mary Dodsworth, Town of Steilacoom	Carl Ostberg
Bryan Gaume	Victor Stanculescu, Town of Steilacoom
Jim Hearn	Gordon Gracey
Ed Conroy	Fred Habenicht, Steelhead Trout Club
Ron Darcy, Methow Fly Club	John Evensen, Steelhead Trout Club
Tina Karlsen, Town of Steilacoom	Stefan Ostberg
Larry Swanson, SW Washington Anglers	Vikki Nelson, Town of Steilacoom
Butch Smith, ICA	Steve Watrous, CPAA
Len Gibbons, WWWC	Greg Edwards
Mark Terhorst	Kent and Irene Martin, CRFPU
	Jim Green

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10:

Chairman White called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

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.

Commissioner Cahill requested the Department provide the Commission with copies of the tribal hunting agreements with the Quinault and Medicine Creek tribes.

BUDGET UPDATE:

Jim Lux provided a status report on the Department's current biennial budget.

ESTABLISHMENT OF REDUCED RATE COMBINATION TEMPORARY
FISHING AND SHELLFISH LICENSE:

Bruce Crawford presented the Department's recommendation of adoption of WAC 220-55-170, Reduced Rate Combination Temporary Fishing and Shellfish License. This rule would combine the existing two-consecutive day fishing license and two-consecutive day shellfish license into one $6 two-consecutive day fishing and shellfish license.

No oral testimony on the rule proposal was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Cahill moved, seconded by Commissioner Shiosaki, to adopt WAC 220-55-170, Reduced Rate Combination Temporary Fishing and Shellfish License, and establish the fee for this license at eight dollars for residents and twelve dollars for nonresidents.

Commissioner Roehl moved, seconded by Commissioner Pelly, to adopt a substitute motion to establish the fee for this license at nine dollars for both residents and nonresidents until April 1, 2001 when the fee for this license would be nine dollars for residents and twelve dollars for nonresidents. The motion carried.

AMENDMENT TO VOLUNTEER COOPERATIVE ENHANCEMENT
PROGRAM -- REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Jim Lux presented the Department's recommendation of adoption of a permanent amendment to WAC 220-130-040, Review and Selection Process, to add another funding decision deadline in order to extend the number of periods during which applications for Volunteer Cooperative grants may be accepted in even-numbered years.

No oral testimony on the proposed amendment was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Cahill moved, seconded by Commissioner Shiosaki, to adopt the permanent amendment to WAC 220-130-040, Review and Selection Process. The motion carried unanimously. (Commissioner Van Gytenbeek was absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

ADOPTION OF LICENSE REVOCATION AND PRIVILEGE SUSPENSION RULES:

Bruce Bjork and Jay Geck presented the Department's recommendation of adoption of proposed rules to provide clarity and surety in the Department's internal process for revoking and suspending license privileges and repeal of two existing rules to eliminate duplication.

No oral testimony on the proposed rules and repeals was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Roehl moved, seconded by Commissioner Tuck, to adopt the following rules:

- WAC 220-125-010, Scope of Rules--Definitions;
- WAC 220-125-020, Issuing Orders of Revocation or Suspension;
- WAC 220-125-040, Content of Order;
- WAC 220-125-050, Adjudicative Proceedings to Contest an Order of Revocation or Suspension;
- WAC 220-125-060, Grounds for Reversing or Modifying an Order of Suspension or Revocation;
- WAC 220-125-070, Orders Upon Adjudication; and
- WAC 220-125-080, Reinstatement;
To repeal the following rules:
- WAC 220-20-055, Commercial License Conditions;
- WAC 232-12-191, Suspension of Licensing Privileges--Reinstatement; and

To delegate authority to the Director to adopt permanent rules pertaining specifically to the Department's internal process of revoking or suspending license privileges. The motion carried unanimously.

APPROVAL OF TIME LINE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTION OF THE 2000-2002 HUNTING SEASON PACKAGE/ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR ADOPTION:

Dave Ware presented the proposed time line for 2000-2002 hunting seasons and alternatives to setting hunting seasons.

No oral testimony on the proposed time line was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Cahill moved, seconded by Commissioner Pelly, to approve the time line for development and adoption of the 2000-2002 hunting season package and alternative methods for adoption of future hunting seasons and quotas. The motion carried unanimously.

AMENDMENT TO BOUNDARY DESCRIPTIONS FOR GMUS AND SPECIAL
GAME AREAS:

Dave Ware and Rolf Johnson presented the Department's final recommendation of adoption of permanent amendments to numerous rules to clarify, update, and correct boundary descriptions.

No oral testimony on the proposed amendments was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Pelly moved, seconded by Commissioner Roehl, to adopt the permanent amendments to the following rules, as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff:

- WAC 232-28-02201, Game Management Units (GMUs)--Special Game Areas--Boundary Descriptions--Region One;
- WAC 232-28-02202, Game Management Units (GMUs)--Special Game Area--Boundary Descriptions--Region Two;
- WAC 232-28-02203, Game Management Units (GMUs)--Special Game Area--Boundary Descriptions--Region Three;
- WAC 232-28-02204, Game Management Units (GMUs)--Special Game Areas--Boundary Descriptions--Region Four;
- WAC 232-28-02205, Game Management Units (GMUs)--Special Game Areas--Boundary Descriptions--Region Five;
- WAC 232-28-02206, Game Management Units (GMUs)--Special Game Areas--Boundary Descriptions--Region Six;
- WAC 232-28-02220, Game Management Units (GMUs)--Special Game Areas--Boundary Descriptions--Elk Area Descriptions; and
- WAC 232-28-02240, Game Management Units (GMUs)--Special Game Areas--Boundary Descriptions--Muzzleloader Area Descriptions.

Commissioner White moved, seconded by Commissioner Pelly, to amend the motion to remove Muzzleloader Area No. 912, Riverbottom (Kittitas County) from WAC 232-28-02240 and add it to WAC 232-28-02220 as Elk Area No. 036, Riverbottom (Kittitas County). The motion to amend the motion carried unanimously.

The motion, as amended, carried unanimously.

ESTABLISHMENT OF POINT-OF-SALE TRANSACTION FEE:

Bruce Crawford presented the Department's final recommendation of adoption of WAC 220-55-180, Point-of-Sale Vendor Fee, to establish a transaction fee to be used to operate an automated recreational licensing system. The transaction fee would be 10% of the value of the license transaction, and would be applied to all purchases of recreational hunting and fishing licenses and fees for second animals.

One individual provided oral testimony on the rule proposal during the meeting.

Commissioner Cahill moved, seconded by Commissioner Shiosaki, to adopt WAC 220-55-180, Point-of-Sale Transaction Fee, as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff. The motion carried.

AMENDMENT TO STATE LIST OF SENSITIVE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES--OLYMPIC MUDMINNOW, MARDON SKIPPER BUTTERFLY, AND NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG:

Harriet Allen and Paul Mongilllo presented the Department's recommendation of adoption of permanent amendments to the following rules:

- WAC 232-12-011, Wildlife Classified as Protected Shall Not Be Hunted or Fished. This amendment would add the Olympic mudminnow to protected wildlife designated as a sensitive species.

- WAC 232-12-014, Wildlife Classified as Endangered Species. This amendment would add the mardon skipper butterfly and northern leopard frog as state endangered species.

No oral testimony on the proposed amendments was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Tuck moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Gytenbeek, to adopt the permanent amendments to WAC 232-12-011, Wildlife Classified as Protected Shall Not Be Hunted or Fished; and WAC 232-12-014, Wildlife Classified as Endangered Species. The motion carried unanimously.

APPROVAL OF BUCKRUN PLWMA PLAN/ESTABLISHMENT OF 2000 PLWMA DEER AND ELK SEASONS:

Dave Ware and Rolf Johnson presented the Department's recommendation for:

- Approval of the Buckrun Limited (formerly Wilson Creek) Private Lands Wildlife Management Area Plan for 2000, 2001, and 2002; and

- Adoption of a permanent amendment to WAC 232-28-271, Private Lands Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons, Rules and Boundary Descriptions. This amendment would establish hunting seasons and permit levels for 2000 for all PLWMAs.

Five individuals provided oral testimony on the proposed plan and rule amendment during the meeting.

Commissioner Cahill moved, seconded by Commissioner Shiosaki, to approve the Buckrun Limited PLWMA Plan for 2000, 2001, and 2002; and to adopt the permanent amendment to WAC 232-28-271, Private Lands Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons, Rules and Boundary Descriptions, as filed with the Code Reviser's office and amended by staff. The motion carried unanimously.

Commissioners requested the Commission's Wildlife Committee review the Private Lands Wildlife Management Area (PLWMA) Program to determine if the Department should be promoting PLWMAs.

ESTABLISHMENT OF 2001 BIG GAME AND WILD TURKEY AUCTION PERMITS AND RAFFLE SEASONS:

Dave Ware presented the Department's recommendation of adoption of WAC 232-28-277, 2001 Big Game and Wild Turkey Auction Permits and Raffles.

Two individuals provided oral testimony on the proposed rule during the meeting.

Commissioner Pelly moved, seconded by Commissioner Cahill, to adopt WAC 232-28-277, 2001 Big Game and Wild Turkey Auction Permits and Raffles. The motion carried.

ESTABLISHMENT OF 2000 BLACK BEAR SPECIAL PERMIT SEASON AND QUOTAS:

Steve Pozzanghera presented the Department's recommendation of adoption of a permanent amendment to WAC 232-28-275, 1999 Black Bear Special Permit Season and Quotas. This amendment would establish 2000 spring permit season and quotas for black bear in the Blue Mountains.

No oral testimony on the proposed amendment was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Shiosaki moved, seconded by Commissioner Roehl, to adopt the permanent amendment to WAC 232-28-275, 1999 Black Bear Special Permit Seasons and Quotas. The motion carried.

AMENDMENT TO 2000 SPECIAL LATE CANADA GOOSE SEASON--YOUTH HUNTER PARTICIPATION:

Dave Ware presented the Department's final recommendation of adoption of a permanent amendment to WAC 232-28-423, 1999-2000 Migratory Waterfowl Seasons and Regulations. This amendment would allow youth hunters to accompany an AHE hunter during the 2000 special late Canada goose season in Western Washington Goose Management Area 2.

No oral testimony on the proposed amendment was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Roehl moved, seconded by Commissioner Shiosaki, to adopt the permanent amendment to WAC 232-28-423, 1999-2000 Migratory Waterfowl Seasons and Regulations, as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff. The motion carried unanimously.

REPEAL OF MISCELLANEOUS HUNTING SEASON RULES:

Dave Ware presented the Department's recommendation of repeal of numerous existing rules.

No oral testimony on the proposed repeals was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Roehl moved, seconded by Fred Shiosaki, to repeal the following rules:

- WAC 232-28-24102, 1995-96 and 1996-97 Official Hunting Hours for Migratory Game Birds and 1995-96 and 1996-97 Official Hunting Hours for Other Game Species;

- WAC 232-28-255, 1996 Auction Permits;

- WAC 232-28-261, 1997 Elk and Other Big Game Auction Permits;

- WAC 232-28-262, 1997 Bighorn Sheep Auction Permits;

- WAC 232-28-263, 1997 Raffle Permits;

- WAC 232-28-269, 1998 Elk, Bighorn Sheep, and Other Big Game Auction Permits; and

- WAC 232-28-270, 1998 Raffle Permits.

The motion carried unanimously.

AMENDMENT TO MARINE PROTECTED AREA RULES:

Morris Barker presented the Department's final recommendation of adoption of permanent amendments to simplify existing marine protected area regulations and maintain existing closures.

No oral testimony on the proposed amendments was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Shiosaki moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Gytenbeek, to adopt the permanent amendments to the following rules, as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff:

- WAC 220-16-480, Sund Rock Marine Preserve Area;

- WAC 220-16-720, Brackett's Landing Shoreline Sanctuary Conservation Area;

- WAC 220-20-020, General Provisions--Lawful and Unlawful Acts--Food Fish Other Than Salmon; and

- WAC 220-56-191, Puget Sound Salmon--Saltwater Seasons and Daily Limits.

The motion carried unanimously.

AMENDMENT TO DRIVING/RIDING ON RAZOR CLAM BEDS--INFRACTION:

Morris Barker presented the Department's final recommendation of adoption of a permanent amendment to WAC 220-20-025, General Provisions--Shellfish. This amendment would make it an infraction to drive or operate a motor-propelled vehicle, land an airline, or ride or lead a horse on razor clam beds.

One individual provided oral testimony on the proposed amendment during the meeting.

Commissioner Pelly moved, seconded by Commissioner Cahill, to adopt the permanent amendment to WAC 220-20-025, General Provisions--Shellfish, as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff. The motion carried unanimously.

ADOPTION OF PUGET SOUND SHRIMP FISHERIES TRANSITION TO LIMITED ENTRY FISHERIES:

Morris Barker presented the Department's recommendation of adoption of a permanent rule amendment to convert Puget Sound shrimp fisheries from emerging fishery status to limited entry fishery status, and repeal of several rules.

One individual provided oral testimony on the proposed amendment and repeals during the meeting.

Commissioner Cahill moved, seconded by Commissioner Roehl, to adopt the permanent amendment to WAC 220-52-051, Shrimp Fishery--Puget Sound; and to repeal the following rules:

- WAC 220-88A-010, Emerging Commercial Fishery--Puget Sound Shrimp--Purpose;

- WAC 220-88A-020, Designation of Puget Sound Shrimp Pot and Puget Sound Shrimp Trawl as Emerging Commercial Fisheries;

- WAC 220-88A-030, Emerging Commercial Fishery--Eligibility for Puget Sound Shrimp Pot Experimental Fishery Permit;

- WAC 220-88A-040, Emerging Commercial Fishery--Eligibility for Puget Sound Shrimp Trawl Experimental Fishery Permit;

- WAC 220-88A-050, Emerging Commercial Fishery--Puget Sound Shrimp Experimental Fishery Permits--Nontransferability--Primary Operator Participation Requirement--Single Alternate Operator--Medical Exception;

- WAC 220-88A-060, Emerging Commercial Fishery--Puget Sound Shrimp--Shrimp Districts;

- WAC 220-88A-070, Emerging Commercial Fishery--Puget Sound Shrimp Pot Experimental Fishery--Seasons and Gear--Spot Prawn Restriction; and

- WAC 220-88A-080, Emerging Commercial Fishery--Puget Sound Shrimp Beam Trawl Experimental Fishery--Seasons and Gear.

The motion carried unanimously.

AMENDMENT TO SEA URCHIN/SEA CUCUMBER DIVE FISHERIES LICENSE REGULATIONS:

Morris Barker presented the Department's recommendation of adoption of permanent amendments to sea urchin and sea cucumber rules to allow license "stacking."

No oral testimony on the proposed amendments was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Pelly moved, seconded by Commissioner Shiosaki, to adopt the permanent amendments to WAC 220-52-071, Sea Cucumbers; and WAC 220-52-073, Sea Urchins. The motion carried unanimously.

AMENDMENT TO SHELLFISH HARVEST LOG BOOK REQUIREMENTS:

Morris Barker presented the Department's recommendation of adoption of a permanent amendment to WAC 220-52-075, Shellfish Harvest Logs, to ensure accurate harvest reporting of sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and shrimp.

No oral testimony on the proposed amendment was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Roehl expressed concern with the proposal to require commercial harvesters to record latitude/longitude for each harvest site. He suggested the Commission table consideration of adoption to allow time for the Department to determine if harvest site information is confidential or if it can be protected. If it cannot be protected, then the Department should develop another method for harvest reporting that does not disclose proprietary information.

Commissioner Roehl moved, seconded by Commissioner Cahill, to table consideration of adoption of the permanent amendment to WAC 220-52-075, Shellfish Harvest Logs, until the February 4-5, 2000 Commission meeting. The motion carried unanimously.

AMENDMENT TO FISH RECEIVING TICKET REPORTING RULES:

Morris Barker presented the Department's final recommendation of adoption of permanent amendments to fish receiving ticket reporting rules to clarify dealer reporting requirements.

No oral testimony on the proposed amendments was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Roehl moved, seconded by Commissioner Shiosaki, to adopt the permanent amendments to the following rules, as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff:

- WAC 220-69-210, Purpose;

- WAC 220-69-220, Definition of Terms;

- WAC 220-69-230, Description of Washington State Nontreaty Fish Receiving Tickets;

- WAC 220-69-234, Description of Treaty Indian Fish Receiving Ticket;

- WAC 220-69-23402, Description of Aquatic Farm Production Report;

- WAC 220-69-240, Duties of Commercial Purchasers and Receivers;

- WAC 220-69-241, Duties of Commercial Fisherman;

- WAC 220-69-250, Required Information on Nontreaty Fish Receiving Tickets;

- WAC 220-69-254, Required Information on Treaty Indian Fish Receiving Tickets;

- WAC 220-69-260, Distribution of Copies of Puget Sound and Troll Fish Receiving Ticket;

- WAC 220-69-262, Distribution of Copies of Marine and Utility Fish Receiving Ticket;

- WAC 220-69-264, Distribution of Copies of Treaty Indian Fish Receiving Tickets;

- WAC 220-69-26401, Distribution of Copies of Shellfish Receiving Ticket;

- WAC 220-69-271, Dealer and Buyer Plates;

- WAC 220-69-273, Imprinters;

- WAC 220-69-280, Fish Receiving Ticket Accountability;

- WAC 220-69-290, Annual Production Report; and

- WAC 220-69-300, Commercial Food Fish and Shellfish Transportation Ticket.

The motion carried unanimously.

OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:

Six individuals provided oral testimony on issues of concern.

Chairman White recessed the meeting at 5:45 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11:

Chairman White called the meeting back to order at 8:30 a.m.

The proposed amendments to Puget Sound commercial dogfish rules were not considered at this meeting. Public input on and Commission consideration of adoption of the proposed amendments will occur at the February 4-5, 2000 Commission meeting.

OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:

No individuals provided oral testimony on issues of concern.

AMENDMENT TO LIVE FISH FISHERY REGULATIONS:

Greg Bargmann presented the Department's recommendation of adoption of a permanent amendment to WAC 220-20-010, General Provisions--Lawful and Unlawful Acts--Salmon, Other Food Fish and Shellfish, to prohibit the sale of live fish intended for human consumption.

Two individuals provided oral testimony on the proposed amendment during the meeting.

Commissioner Heinicke moved, seconded by Commissioner Cahill, to adopt the permanent amendment to WAC 220-20-010, General Provisions--Lawful and Unlawful Acts--Salmon, Other Food Fish and Shellfish, as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff. The motion carried unanimously.

2000 NORTH OF FALCON STATUS UPDATE:

Phil Anderson and Rich Lincoln briefed the Commission on the proposed process and schedule for development and Commission adoption of the 2000 North of Falcon Policy. A status report on development of salmon management plans for Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, and Lower Columbia River was provided.

PACIFIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL BRIEFING:

Phil Anderson, Brian Culver, and Michele Robinson briefed the Commission on the recent and upcoming actions of the Pacific Fishery Management Council regarding resource management, groundfish fisheries, and status of stocks and marine reserves.

REVISED PUGET SOUND DUNGENESS CRAB AND SHRIMP POLICIES STATUS UPDATE:

Dick Burge provided a status report on development of revised policies for Puget Sound Dungeness crab and shrimp fisheries, and a draft budget proposal for doing surveys on Dungeness crab and shrimp in Puget Sound.

The Department requested the Commission table consideration of adoption of the policies until a later meeting to allow time for Department staff to hold additional meetings with the advisory groups and other industry members regarding the proposed changes to the policies.

Commissioner Pelly moved, seconded by Commissioner Tuck, to further table consideration of adoption of the Puget Sound Dungeness Crab Fishery Policy and the Puget Sound Shrimp Fishery Policy until the February 4-5, 2000 Commission meeting. The motion carried unanimously.

2000-2001 SPORTFISH RULE PROPOSALS:

Ross Fuller, Pat Michael, Bob Gibbons, and Morris Barker briefed the Commission and the public on 2000-2001 sportfish rule proposal highlights.

Forty-seven individuals provided oral testimony on the rule proposals during the meeting.

Commissioner Cahill moved, seconded by Commissioner Shiosaki, to table consideration of adoption of the 2000-2001 sportfish rule proposals until the February 4-5, 2000 Commission meeting. The motion carried unanimously.

Commissioners requested they be provided as soon as possible with copies of the summary of public input received on the rule proposals.

Commissioner Van Gytenbeek moved, seconded by Commissioner Tuck, to request that the Department study the anticipated biological effects of implementing a statewide wild steelhead release rule and report back to the Commission prior to the November 2000 workshop. The motion carried unanimously.

2000-2002 COLUMBIA RIVER STURGEON MANAGEMENT:

John DeVore presented the Department's recommendation of consideration of the following actions: - Adoption of the lower Columbia River sturgeon management objectives for 2000-2002;

- Establishment of guidelines for recreational and commercial harvest allocation;

- Adoption of a management scheme for managing coastal sturgeon fisheries consistent with lower Columbia management objectives; and

- Delegation of authority to the Director for deriving a consensus decision with the state of Oregon and for adopting the 2000-2002 regulatory package for Columbia River sturgeon.

Twelve individuals provided oral testimony on the proposed actions during the meeting.

Commissioner Pelly moved, seconded by Commissioner Roehl, to adopt the revised Lower Columbia Sturgeon Management Policy. The motion carried unanimously. (Commissioner Shiosaki was absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

Commissioner Roehl moved, seconded by Commissioner Cahill, that the Commission base its 2000-2002 Lower Columbia white sturgeon allocation decision on Harvest Strategy One (roll over 1999 fisheries) and adopt an allocation option for Lower Columbia River fisheries that provides approximately a 20 percent commercial harvest share.

Commissioner Cahill moved, seconded by Commissioner Pelly, to amend the motion and remove the word "approximately." The motion to amend the motion carried. (Commissioner Shiosaki was absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

The motion, as amended, carried unanimously. (Commissioner Shiosaki was absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

Commissioner Roehl moved, seconded by Commissioner Tuck, to delegate to the Director the authority to:

- Negotiate and adopt a Lower Columbia Sturgeon Management Plan with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife;

- Adopt sturgeon management measures for fisheries outside the mainstem Lower Columbia River; and

- Adopt the 2000-2002 regulatory package for Columbia River sturgeon.

Commissioner Pelly moved to amend the motion to require that the negotiation and adoption of the Lower Columbia Sturgeon Management Plan be conducted in a public setting. The motion to amend the motion died due to lack of a second.

The motion carried unanimously. (Commissioner Shiosaki was absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:

Six individuals provided oral testimony on issues of concern.

MISCELLANEOUS AND MEETING DEBRIEF:

Commissioner Tuck moved, seconded by Commissioner Pelly, to request that the Department brief the Commission at the January 14-15 workshop on the status and impacts of proposed Columbia River dredging on fish and fisheries habitat. The motion carried unanimously. (Commissioner Shiosaki was absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

Chairman White adjourned the meeting at 4:32 p.m.

* Commissioner Van Gytenbeek was absent during discussion and vote on the motion.

** Commissioner Shiosaki was absent during discussion and vote on the motion.

Commissioners in Attendance:

Kelly White, Chairman

Russ Cahill, Vice Chairman

Don Heinicke

Lisa Pelly

Will Roehl

Fred Shiosaki

Bob Tuck

Van Van Gytenbeek

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