CLE ELUM, Wash. – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission met in Cle Elum Dec. 12-14 to decide on its 2025 meeting schedule, pygmy rabbit status, land transactions, draft language for cougar and black bear hunting rules, and delegation of rule making to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) director. The Commission was also briefed on the Department’s Lands 20/20 process and northern spotted owls.
On Dec. 11, commissioners visited the Cle Elum Hatchery for a tour hosted by the Yakama Nation.
On Thursday, Dec. 12, the Commission held Big Tent, Fish, and Wildlife committee meetings. Agenda topics included updates on the Public Trust Doctrine, several fishery management policies, and cougar and black bear draft rule language options.
On Friday, Dec. 13, the meeting kicked off with an open public input opportunity, followed by a report from WDFW Director Kelly Susewind and a South Central region update from Regional Director Mike Livingston.
The Commission then adopted its 2025 meeting schedule and approved WDFW’s proposed recommendation to keep Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits on Washington’s endangered species list.
The Commission approved WDFW’s acquisition of 15 acres of wetland habitat to be added to the Milltown Island Unit of the Skagit Wildlife Area in Skagit County and approved the Washington State Department of Natural Resources land-use agreement for the Highland Fire Camp area.
The Commission received a briefing on 20 proposed land acquisitions under consideration as part of the Department’s Lands 20/20 process. The proposed acquisitions cover about 13,749 acres across 10 Washington counties.
The Commission then heard a briefing on northern spotted owl recovery in Washington.
The Commission also approved draft rule making language for cougar and black bear hunting seasons. WDFW will open public comment periods for the draft rules in January 2025.
To close the meeting Friday, the Commission approved delegating the 2025-2026 hunting season setting rule making, except for the 2025-2026 black bear and cougar season setting, to the WDFW director.
Saturday, Dec. 14’s agenda began with an open public input opportunity, followed by a meeting debrief and future meeting planning.
The meeting was held in Cle Elum and was streamed online. More information and meeting recordings are available on the Commission webpage.
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is a panel appointed by the governor that sets policy for WDFW. WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.