OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will hear a briefing and take public comments on proposed spring black bear special permits during its March 11 virtual meeting.

The Commission will take open public comment on Friday, March 11 for the spring black bear special permit rule proposal. In addition to general feedback on the topic, specific items that members of the public are invited to comment on include:

• The spring black bear rulemaking CR-102 (the notice used to publish the text of the proposed rule) that was filed Feb. 1, 2022.
• Responses prepared by WDFW staff to Commissioner questions following the Black Bear Spring Special Permit Rule
• Information on the topic shared at Fish and Wildlife Commission meetings on Jan. 21, 2022 and Nov. 19, 2021.

The Commission is scheduled to make a decision on spring black bear rule-making at its March 17-19 virtual meeting. More information on the proposed rule change is available on WDFW's webpage.

All members of the public are invited to share their perspective and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, or basis of disability. Members of the public interested in providing verbal public comment can pre-register on WDFW’s website. The Interim Chair may change the amount of time allotted for each speaker depending on the number of people registered.

This meeting will be conducted online and be available to the public to watch or listen via webinar or conference call. To find more information on how to comment and to see agendas, visit WDFW’s website. The meeting will also be recorded and posted online so people can watch afterwards at their convenience. 

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is a panel appointed by the governor that sets policy for the WDFW. WDFW works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.