Washington Fish & Wildlife Seeking Members for New Engagement Committees
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking members for new Regional Engagement Committees (RECs) in the North Puget Sound and North Central regions.
The committees will represent local interests, as well as provide input on regional conservation efforts.
Members of the public and relevant organizations interested in fish, wildlife and habitat conservation are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by Dec. 2 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, with committees are expected to begin quarterly meetings in 2025. Meetings are planned as to be a mix of in-person at WDFW’s regional headquarters or other locations within each region, with opportunities for hybrid (in-person and online) meetings.
“We’re excited to launch WDFW’s Regional Engagement Committees to increase our engagement with the diverse communities, partners and stakeholder groups in our regions,” North Puget Sound Regional Director Brendan Brokes said. “Abundant fish, wildlife and habitat support our quality of life in the Puget Sound region and across Washington. The new RECs will help grow and guide our efforts to conserve Washington’s natural heritage and manage outdoor opportunities.”
“As we continue to advance our mission of conserving fish, wildlife and habitats across Washington, these RECs will play a crucial role in incorporating regional perspectives into our decision-making processes,” North Central Regional Director Brock Hoenes said.
WDFW operates six regional offices, with each led by a director and management team. The RECs will serve as a forum to provide input to management on the department’s work within each region, according to the WDFW.
The department is currently piloting RECs in two regions, North Central (Region 2) and North Puget Sound (Region 4) and anticipates establishing the other four RECs in 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 Puget Sound Regional Engagement Committee and North Central Regional Engagement Committee webpages.
Those interested in joining are encouraged by Fish and Wildlife to review its Advisory Member Handbook and advisory groups and committees webpage for background information.
The handbook is available at https://tinyurl.com/2x6xz43e. An application form is available at https://tinyurl.com/2s42cpwr.
Source: https://fishermensnews.com/washington-fish-wildlife-seeking-members-for-new-engagement-committees/
