Fish and Wildlife Planner
Good stewardship of Washington’s diverse fish and wildlife resources is a complex process. It involves good science and a clear line of communication among all stakeholders. In past years, WDFW circulated a newsletter called Wildlife Planner, to inform citizens about planning efforts that affected Washington’s fish and wildlife habitat. It also was used to distribute technical information to aid in local and regional planning.

This was a great way to exchange information with our conservation planning partners. We have decided to bring this newsletter back and rename it the Fish and Wildlife Planner. This newsletter will be used to review and explain WDFW’s recent management efforts, addressing activities such as our Regional Assessment Initiative and our involvement in activities related to the Growth Management Act. It will also identify sources of current scientific information, such as WDFW’s Priority Habitat and Species maps and publications. The newsletter will direct readers to those who can best answer certain planning questions, and it will provide information on successful conservation planning efforts occurring at the local and regional level.

We hope you find the Fish and Wildlife Planner valuable, and we would greatly appreciate comments and suggestions for future discussion topics. We also would like to hear reactions to subjects discussed in the newsletter. Please send all comments or suggestions to Jeff Azerrad at azerrjma@dfw.wa.gov.

Spring 2007
Grassroots group advances conservation of biodiversity in Gig Harbor; WDFW looking for local government input in Habitat Conservation Planning; Status of Priority Habitat and Species data; Grant opportunities; Conferences, workshops & training; WDFW contacts for fish and wildlife planning

Winter 2006
DNR's Aquatic Lands HCP: A New Resource for Planners; Call for planners to participate in a short online survey to improve PHS tool; New PHS/GMA Coordinator for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; WDFW looking for your feedback to help update the Priority Habitat and Species List; Conferences, workshops, & training; Grant Opportunities; WDFW Contacts for Fish and Wildlife Planning

Summer 2006
Economic value of the natural environment: Understanding Washington's critical areas; Perspective on habitat fragmentation in developing landscapes; Off-site mitigation of urban white oak woodlands; Conferences, workshops, and training; Grant opportunities and WDFW contacts for fish and wildlife planning

Spring 2006
Funding Available to Private Landowners to Fix Fish Barriers, Cedar Creek Dam Removal, Assistance for Peninsula Communities, Priority Habitat & Species Data Updates, New Bald Eagle Resources, Conferences, Workshops & Training, Grants

Winter 2005
Landowner Incentive Program, Low Impact Development Guidelines, Local Habitat Assessments,Conservation Strategy,Conferences and Workshops, Grants, Agency Planning Contacts

Summer 2005
Ecoregional Assessments, AgencyGMA website, Synthesis of literature and guidance on wetlands, Status of Priority Habitat and Species (PHS), Nearshore examples can help local planners, Fish and Wildlife Q & A, Statewide Educational and Grant Opportunities, Agency Planning Contacts

Spring 2005
Wildlife Conservation Strategy, Pierce County Biodiversity Network, Aquatic Habitat Guidelines, PHS Single Pagers, Statewide Educational Opportunities, Agency Planning Contacts

Winter 2004
Bird Management Recommendation, PHS Data Update, Survey of Planners, Recent Happenings, Agency Planning Contacts