Commission will consider adoption of public conduct rules on WDFW lands

[Steve]

NEWS RELEASE
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
September 28, 2007
Contact: Susan Yeager, (360) 902-2267

OLYMPIA - At a public meeting here on Oct. 12-13, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is scheduled to take action on new rules for public conduct on lands managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

The commission's scheduled action follows several public meetings and a written comment period on the proposed rule changes. WDFW's proposals, which were amended to reflect public comments, are posted on the department's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/proposed_wac_232-13.htm .

The nine-member commission, which sets policy for WDFW, will convene both days at 8:30 a.m. in Room 172 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. S.E., in Olympia.

New public-conduct rules proposed by the department would address camping, dumping, vehicle use, parking, livestock, use of firearms and other activities on WDFW wildlife areas and water-access sites around the state.

"Public demands on these lands have grown along with our state's population," said Mark Quinn, WDFW lands division manager. "The new rules are designed to address emerging issues and protect both public safety and the fish and wildlife species that rely on these areas."

In other business, the commission is scheduled to take action on a measure designed to clarify rules for using decoys on WDFW lands and consider approval of several land transactions.

WDFW staff also will update the commission on efforts to redesign the department's Advanced Hunter Education Program to ensure that it addresses current needs. Enrollment in the program, which provides special hunting opportunities for those who pass the course, was suspended last spring pending a review of its goals and requirements.