OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking information from the public about Washington wildlife to inform species status reports the Department is developing.
WDFW is currently seeking information about the burrowing owl, Mount Rainier white-tailed ptarmigan, island marble butterfly, and wolverine. WDFW is specifically looking for information about the species’ demographics, current habitat conditions, threats and trends to populations, and existing conservation measures that have benefitted the species.
“We are interested in getting information from the public, including non-governmental organizations, universities, private researchers, and naturalists, about each of these species,” said Taylor Cotten, WDFW conservation assessment section manager. “Such groups and individuals could have valuable data about these species, such as annual population counts or privately developed habitat management plans.”
The public may submit written comments via email or by mailing Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ATTN: Taylor Cotten, P.O. Box 43141, Olympia, WA 98504. Further public comment opportunities will be available during the development of each individual status report.
All members of the public are invited to share their perspectives and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability.
The current comment opportunity is part of a process to assess the conservation status of each species and develop foundational information to guide further recovery and conservation actions. After developing each status report, Department staff will brief the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission on each species’ status and the Department’s classification recommendation. Any changes to a species’ classification are subject to the public rule making process.
Department staff will post updated status reports to WDFW’s website as they are completed.
WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.