WDFW press release dated 10/19/20
OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider approval of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) strategic plan, land transactions and a target shooting rule update during its Oct. 22-24 virtual commission meeting.
The Commission will kick off with committee meetings at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, to discuss mineral prospecting rulemaking, fish passage, habitat grant programs, human-wildlife conflicts, an update on periodic status review of sage-grouse, hunting season planning, Willapa Bay policy and hatchery policy.
At Friday’s regular meeting WDFW Director Kelly Susewind will share with the commission this year’s WDFW volunteers of the year, organization of the year, and Director award winners. The Commission will also consider adoption of the department’s 25-year strategic plan and several land transactions, including public lands purchases of 112 acres in Thurston County near the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area and 88.5 acres in Grays Harbor County to add to the Chehalis Wildlife Area.
The Commission will also consider a decision on the department’s proposed amendments to the Washington Administrative Code pertaining to firearms and target practice on department lands. The revised target shooting rule would align WDFW rules with those of the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
The Commission will be briefed and hear comments from the public on proposed changes to its grazing policy for WDFW-managed lands. The department uses grazing to achieve management and community goals in ways that maintain healthy habitat for fish and wildlife.
The Friday meeting will conclude with a briefing from department staff and representative from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation on the status of salmon and steelhead reintroduction into the blocked area above Chief Joseph Dam and northern pike suppression on Lake Roosevelt.
On Saturday, Oct. 24, department staff will present to the Commission a summary of public comments received on the Hatchery and Fishery Reform Policy (C-3619) and the Willapa Bay Salmon Management Policy (C-3622). More information about the Willapa Bay Salmon Management Policy Comprehensive Review is available at wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/willapa-bay-policy-review. Staff will also present the draft revisions on the hatchery policy and seek Commission approval for this draft. Public comment is invited on both items.
The Commission will take also open public comment on Friday and Saturday morning. To support COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, the meeting will be available to the public through webinar or conference call. For more information and to view an agenda, visit wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings. The meeting will be recorded and posted online so people can also watch the meeting afterwards at their convenience.
The Commission is a panel appointed by the governor that sets policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). WDFW is the primary state agency tasked with preserving, protecting, and perpetuating fish and wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing and hunting opportunities.
Persons with disabilities who need to receive this information in an alternative format or who need reasonable accommodations to participate in WDFW-sponsored public meetings or other activities may contact Dolores Noyes by phone (360-902-2349), TTY (360-902-2207), or email (Title6@dfw.wa.gov). For more information, see https://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation.
WSDOT seeks public comment for proposed roundabouts on SR 20 at Discovery and Kearney roads in Port Townsend
WSDOT press release dated 10/19/20
PORT TOWNSEND – People are invited to provide comment on two proposed roundabouts along State Route 20 approaching the Washington State Ferries terminal in Jefferson County.
The roundabouts would replace outdated signal systems on SR 20 at Discovery Road and Kearney Street in Port Townsend.
The Washington State Department of Transportation has created an online open house for people to learn about the roundabouts and provide comments. Comments on the proposal will be accepted starting today, Oct. 19 through noon on Monday, Nov. 2.
The existing signals have reached the end of their useful life and a new intersection control is necessary to keep people and goods moving. After evaluating the intersections, WSDOT traffic engineers recommend compact roundabouts for improved mobility for all travelers, safety, and reduced maintenance costs year over year to taxpayers. The existing signals cost $10,000 annually on average to maintain.
“Community input is imperative to the pre-design process,” says WSDOT Multimodal Planning Manager Dennis Engel. “It helps us better understand the needs of the community, while balancing the responsibility we have to maintain these intersections for all roadway users.”
“The city appreciates working with WSDOT in advance of the public comment period to explore any potential intersection control improvements at both locations,” said Port Townsend Public Works Director Steve King.
Online open house
Information and a comment form about the proposed roundabouts will remain available through the online open house until noon on Monday, Nov. 2.
For those who wish to participate but do not have broadband service, free WiFi access is available at these area Drive-In WiFi Hotspot locations:
Port Townsend Visitor Center, 2409 Jefferson St., Port Townsend
Dove House, 1045 10th St., Port Townsend
Port Townsend Public Library, 1220 Lawrence St., Port Townsend
Port Townsend City Hall, 250 Madison St., Port Townsend
Additional WiFi hotspots can be found at the Washington State Drive-In WiFi Hotspots Location Finder
Comments will also be accepted by email, phone or letter to Debbie Clemen with WSDOT’s Olympic Region Multimodal Planning office.
Email: Debbie.Clemen@wsdot.wa.gov
Letter: P.O. Box 47440 Olympia, WA 98504-7440
Phone: 360-704-3204.
To request a digital or paper copy of the intersection evaluation report, please call: 360-570-6600.
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