June 15– Hunters and the general public can help shape the state’s game management plan for 2015-21 during a series of meetings this month or online.
Once adopted, the plan will guide the state Department of Fish and Wildlife as it develops hunting seasons and other management policies in future years, said Dave Ware, game program manager.
“Hunters and members of the public have a real stake in the direction set by the next game management plan,” he said in a news release. “We want to hear people’s concerns, especially those that address significant conservation or management issues.”
Key issues in the draft plan include recruiting and retaining new hunters, improving hunter access to timberlands and possible new rules requiring the use of nontoxic shot. The department also will consider new proposals for managing predator/prey relationships and developing a plan to manage wolves after they are no longer classified as an endangered species.
Comments received at the public meetings that began Tuesday, and from an online survey, will be used to develop additional recommendations, which will be available for further review.
Final recommendations will be presented to the Fish and Wildlife Commission for a public hearing in August and adoption in September.
to Get involved
Comment online: The public can also comment on the plan via an online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/gmpobjectives. Comments can be made through July 18.
Meetings: They are set to run from 7-9 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
Tuesday: Red Lion Inn Wenatchee, 1225 N. Wenatchee Ave., Wenatchee
Wednesday: Red Lion Inn Kennewick, N. 1101 Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick
Thursday: DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City Center, 322 N. Spokane Falls Court, Spokane
June 24: Heathman Lodge, 7801 NE Greenwood Drive, Vancouver, Washington
June 25: Lynnwood Convention Center, 3711 196th St. SW, Lynnwood
June 26: Red Lion Olympia, 2300 Evergreen Park Dr. SW, Olympia