HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - BOCC (003)EASTERN WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
Chairman, Wes McCart, Stevens County
Vice- Chairman, Art Swannack, Whitman County
Secretary, Michael Heath, Ferry County
Treasurer, Jo Gilchrist, Lincoln County Commissioner
August 7, 2023
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission
P.O. Box 43200
Olympia, WA 98504-3200
Re: Fish and Wildlife Commission's Proposed Draft Management Policy
The Eastern Washington Council of Governments (EWCOG) is a coalition of 14 Eastern
Washington Counties Commissioners. These counties are Pend Oreille, Stevens, Ferry,
Okanogan, Douglas, Lincoln, Whitman, Adams, Grant, Kittitas, Franklin, Walla Walla,
Columbia and Asotin.
EWCOG is against the Fish and Wildlife Commission's proposed Draft Management Policy.
Being more about preservation then conservation, it violates the Department's legal mandate
established by RCW 77.04.012. Confusion over the differences of preservation and conservation
regarding our wildlife and an apparent lack of transparency has resulted in further eroding of
public trust. This was pointed out in the first and second of four objections to the proposed
policy the Washington Forest Protection Association made in their letter of June 22, 2023. In a
paper by the Sportsmen's Alliance they made the point that, "This is not merely an argument
over semantics," and, "This incredible word jungle of subjective phrases and undefined words
could be used to justify any policy action whatsoever."
Expressed also, was the fear that focusing on preservation could undo conservation efforts and
disregard the importance of sustainable management and use of natural resources.
Borderline Bassin Contenders, Northeast Washington Wildlife Group, Backcountry Hunters and
Anglers, former Commissioners Kim Thorburn and Gary Douvia, along with many other
organizations and individuals have expressed these and other fears if this policy is enacted.
The Washington State Legislature with RCW 77.04.012 set the mission for the WDFW to
preserve, perpetuate, protect and manage fish, wildlife, and ecosystems for both conservation and
hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities. This proposed policy's focus on
preservation disregards the balanced approach as mandated.
As Sportsmen's Alliance said in their objective piece, "It is not the job of a wildlife Commission
to creatively find ways around established law. But ... without a doubt, that the draft
Conservation Policy is exactly that, a crafty work -around to implement policies that violate
RCW 77.04.012."
EWCOG's fourteen counties stand firmly against this.
Signature page to the Eastern Washington Council of Governments (EWCoG) Letter Re:
Fish and Wildlife Commission's Proposed Draft Management Policy
IN WITNESS whereof the parties hereto have signed this letter in opposition to the Draft
Management Policy.
ATTEST:
Ba a ara J. Vas4kz..
Clerk of the Board
BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
GRANT COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Rob Jones, Chair
4
Cindy Carter, Vice -Chair
f
Danny E/.Stone, Member