Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission to decide on land transaction at May 17 virtual meeting

OLYMPIA–The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission (WDFW) will decide on a proposed land transaction in Douglas County at a virtual meeting May 17.

a report to the WDFW Director Kelly Susewind, including an update on petitions for which the Commission had previously delegated decision-making to the director will begin the meeting at 8:30 a.m. The Commission will hear a briefing and request a decision on the proposed acquisition of a 672-acre property in WDFW’s North Central Region At 8:45 a.m. Public comment will also be accepted on the land transaction proposal.

That acquisition represents the second phase of a larger, 2,180-acre acquisition; the first 1,513 acres were purchased in April 2022. Both parcels will be added to the Central Ferry Canyon unit of the Wells Wildlife Area to provide conservation of shrubsteppe habitat and species such as mule deer, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse, greater sage-grouse, and the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit.

Those interested in providing comment on the land transaction item during the meeting need to register in advance. All members of the public are invited to share their perspectives and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities.

The full meeting agenda, including information about submitting public comment and accessing the meeting online or by phone, is available on the WDFW website. The meeting will be recorded and published on the Commission webpage so the public can watch afterward at their convenience.

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.