WDFW seeks public’s input on developing values, priorities

Washington residents are being asked to share their views on the values and priorities that should drive the state Department of Fish and Wildlife during the next several years.

THE PROJECT

This is part of the department’s new multiyear initiative “Washington’s Wild Future: A Partnership for Fish and Wildlife.” It is an effort to improve relationships with communities, increase support for conservation and outdoor recreation, and ensure the agency’s programs and services are meeting the public’s needs.

WHAT THE DIRECTOR SAID

“We face major management challenges over the next several years, and for us to be successful we need the public’s support and assistance,” department director Jim Unsworth said in a prepared statement. “That can only happen if the department has strong relationships with anglers, hunters, outdoor recreation groups, and others interested in fish and wildlife in Washington.”

PUBLIC MEETINGS

The meetings will run from 6-8 p.m. at the following dates and locations:

Oct. 6: WDFW Mill Creek Office, 16018 Mill Creek Blvd., Mill Creek.

Oct. 8: Saint Martin’s University, Norman Worthington Conference Center, 5300 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey.

Other meetings will be held Oct. 14 in Vancouver, Washington, and Oct. 20 in Wenatchee. There already were sessions in Selah and Spokane Valley.

Each meeting will include a brief presentation about the importance of fish and wildlife management to the state’s quality of life and the economies of local communities. Participants will then meet in small groups and talk with representatives of the department’s fish, wildlife, enforcement, licensing and habitat programs, as well as the director and his staff.

NEXT STEP

Later this year, department staff will summarize the comments and suggestions from the public, as well as input from outdoor organizations, advisory groups, tribes, and state and local elected officials. That information will be used to identify potential changes in department operations and services, and to develop future policy, budget and fee proposals.

GET INVOLVED

Learn more: More information about the department can be found at wdfw.wa.gov.

Comments: They will be accepted through Oct. 31 at wdfw.wa.gov/wildfuture or by sending an email to WildFuture@dfw.wa.gov. People also take part through the agency’s Facebook page at facebook.com/WashingtonFishWildlife.

This story was originally published September 25, 2015 at 8:00 PM with the headline "WDFW seeks public’s input on developing values, priorities."