Local News

WDFW offers online, interactive webinars on wolf post-recovery planning

Sep 11, 2019

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has scheduled three online, interactive webinars this September and October to discuss planning and management for wolf populations once they are no longer listed as endangered in the state.

“We know that wolves are a huge topic of interest to the public and we want to hear everyone’s input, in a respectful and productive way, on how to manage them,” said WDFW Director Kelly Susewind. “These digital open houses will allow anyone who is interested to learn about Washington’s wolves, ask questions, and find out how to provide feedback on the topic.”

While public comment won’t be accepted during the webinars, the goal is to both educate about wolves and share ways that people can voice their thoughts to WDFW concerning wolf management. This input will help to inform the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) process that will be used to develop a post-recovery plan for wolves.

The dates for the interactive webinars are:

Everyone is welcome to take part in these webinars. They can be accessed by either clicking the links above or going to the home page of the WDFW website at wdfw.wa.gov and clicking on a link there.

There are other ways to participate in WDFW’s scoping process as well; WDFW is accepting comments via an online survey, online commenting, and in writing by mailing to Lisa Wood, WDFW – Wolf Post-Recovery Plan Scoping, PO Box 43200, Olympia WA 98504-3200.

“This is an important topic that many people are passionate about and we want ideas on how to find a balance where wolves can coexist with people, livestock, and other wildlife,” Susewind added.

The public scoping comment period remains open until Nov. 1. The Department’s work to develop this plan is a multi-year effort and, as wolf management options begin to take shape, there will be further opportunities to engage with agency staff.

More information on wolves in Washington and wolf post-recovery planning can be found at wdfw.wa.gov/wolves-post-recovery