Members of new advisory committees will engage with regional management teams and provide input on fish, wildlife, and habitat topics in their area.
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has extended the deadline for applications to become a member of newly piloted Regional Engagement Committees (RECs) in the North Central Washington and North Puget Sound regions through Dec. 31.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31 and may be submitted through an online form, or by completing an application form and submitting via email or postal mail. Members will be appointed to two-year terms.
The extension is intended to give prospective applicants more time to apply. Members of the public and representatives of organizations or businesses interested in fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation as well as fishing, hunting, wildlife watching, or other fish and wildlife-related outdoor recreation are encouraged to apply.
“Establishing Regional Engagement Committees is an opportunity for WDFW to enhance collaboration at the grassroots level, both with established stakeholders and underrepresented communities,” said Director Kelly Susewind. “We’re excited to launch these committees in the North Puget Sound and North Central regions, and welcome applications from Washingtonians eager to provide input on local fish and wildlife issues.”
Topics the RECs will discuss and provide feedback on with regional management may include local conservation, habitat restoration, and public access projects; sharing space between user groups on WDFW-managed lands; living with wildlife; opportunities for impactful environmental education and youth engagement; recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters, anglers, and wildlife watchers; and supporting public awareness and understanding of Department regulations.
The RECs will begin quarterly meetings in 2025. Meetings will be held at WDFW’s regional headquarters or other locations within each region, with opportunities for hybrid meetings. More background information is available in the Department’s October news release (también disponible en español).
Consistent with WDFW’s 25-Year Strategic Plan, “Engage communities through recreation and stewardship” section, the Department is establishing RECs to represent the diversity of local interests and incorporate those perspectives in WDFW’s regional conservation efforts and decision making. The Department is planning to establish RECs in WDFW’s other four regions during the 2025-2027 biennium.
REC candidates may be individuals or affiliated representatives of clubs, groups, businesses, associations, or other non-governmental organizations. More information is available in the REC application form as well as on the North Central Regional Engagement Committee and North Puget Sound Regional Engagement Committee webpages.
Compensation and reimbursements available
Advisory groups are a unique opportunity for people to share their knowledge and expertise with the Department. To reduce barriers for people to engage, WDFW offers compensation for advisory group members’ time and reimbursements for childcare, adult care, lodging, meals, and mileage. WDFW is following guidelines from the Office of Equity for advisory group compensation and reimbursements.
Washington residents who serve on advisory groups in a professional role and are otherwise compensated for their involvement are not eligible for compensation. Reimbursement rates are available on the Office of Financial Management’s website. Compensation rates range from $45 for one hour to $200 maximum per day.
All members of the public are invited to apply 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.
Those interested in joining are also encouraged to review the WDFW Advisory Member Handbook (PDF) and advisory groups and committees webpage for background information.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.