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MEDICAL LAKE – State-planted trout are competing with goldfish for food in the four West Medical Lake ponds. As a result, state officials want use Rotenone in the ponds to eradicate the goldfish population. Although goldfish are the “target species” of the “naturally occurring” poison, Rotenone is highly toxic to all “gill-breathing organisms, state documents on its use show. Before poisoning the ponds – formed with the water level in West Medical Lake declines in warmer months – the state Department of Fish and Wildlife wa...
SPOKANE–The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will reopen most of its facilities to the public starting Monday, March 21. “When we closed our offices and hatcheries to the public in March 2020 due to the pandemic, I hoped we’d reopen a few months later; obviously that didn’t happen,” Director Kelly Susewind said Monday, March 14. “Here we are two years later, having adapted to provide our services virtually, and we are so excited to be able to serve you in person again.” Staff is being required to w...
POMEROY – A kill order has been issued for wolves in the Grouse Flats pack following repeated attacks on cattle. State Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind authorized killing wolves in the pack this morning, Sept. 24. The order goes into effect eight court hours after issuance, officials said, noting state sharpshooters will use "humane lethal removal methods consistent with state and federal laws." State officials say the Grouse Flats pack is responsible f... Full story
OLYMPIA — Most state Department of Fish and Wildlife employees will be furloughed Friday, July 17, to reduce agency expenses in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The furlough day is the third of four planned — the fourth occurs Friday, July 24. According to agency officials, game wardens will remain on patrol, but most other services will be shuttered for the day. Some hatchery operations employees will also remain on the job. Agency Director Kelly Susewind said Fish and Wildlife will operate at only 80% staffing thi...
Earlier this month, state Department of Fish and Wildlife Director officials said they needed an additional $26 million to effectively manage its existing lands and programs. They said that if they didn’t receive additional money from the Legislature this coming session, they will have to reduce staffing and services. Agency Director Kelley Susewind himself said it would be “pretty catastrophic” if his agency doesn’t get more money. Why then is the agency simultaneously pushin... Full story
Unintended consequence or bureaucratic power grab? Given the things being ordered behind locked doors of government offices, I’ll take the latter. Tonight, March 25, when the clock strikes midnight, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife is banning all fishing and boating statewide. This closure comes on the heels of a previous order to ban all camping on publicly owned, state-managed lands. The closures, Department of Fish and Wildlife officials say, is in keeping with G... Full story
FOUR LAKES – Fishing will resume here and on other lakes and rivers statewide beginning May 5. Following two weeks of growing protests over the state’s ban on fishing, Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday, April 27, announced that outdoor recreation is allowed to resume May 5. “Based on the data we have now received, we are close to the point where we can enjoy the outdoors again,” Inslee said during a press conference announcing the reopening. “This includes fishing, hunting and the a...
RICHLAND — Under the watchful eye of a city park ranger, hundreds of protesters from across Eastern Washington launched boats and filled Columbia Point Park today calling on Gov. Jay Inslee to end the ban on boating and fishing. Statewide, fishing, boating, camping and some hunting were shut down by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife until at least May 4, in accordance with the governor's quarantine due to the coronavirus outbreak. More than 100 boats were visible on t...
RICHLAND — Cracks are growing in Gov. Jay Inslee’s “stay home, stay safe” quarantine east of the Cascades. And the Tri-City area — the second most populous area east in Eastern Washington— is at the center of the uprising to lift “unconstitutional” mandates that restrict the ability to assemble, practice religion, access publicly owned lands and water, and more. The governor has ordered Washington state residents to "stay home" until at least May 4 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Richland resident Lisa Thomas has star...
OLYMPIA – The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking applicants to serve on the agency’s Waterfowl Advisory Group. The board advises the department on waterfowl management issues. Director Kelly Susewind will appoint members to the Waterfowl Advisory Group for three-year terms beginning Feb.1. Members meet at least one day annually. “We’re looking for several new candidates, with diverse backgrounds, who can effectively present their views on waterfowl management to WDFW and the public,” agency Waterfowl Section Man...
