New commissioners

[Ghost Hunter]

Good or bad?

https://nwsportsmanmag.com/retired-fisheries-deer-biologists-named-to-wdfw-commission/?fbclid=IwAR0UphGdJj1xmCqzjKF98LZA6zsUYGJ2NPOXW1DtSOm7IoaGpk79wrO2kZs

[bigtex]

Woody good for sure.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

[Sundance]

I was just about to start a thread on this. I received an email notification a little while ago that I was not selected to the commission. I haven’t had time to research any of the names, but from a quick glance it looks like that Baker is back in and Thorburn is out.

[Ghost Hunter]

NEWS RELEASE
Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission
1111 Washington St. SE Olympia, WA 98501
https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission

 
March 1, 2023
Contact: Commission office, 360-902-2267
Governor Inslee's media office: media@gov.wa.gov, 360-902-4136

Two new members appointed, Baker re-appointed to Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission

OLYMPIA – Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed three members to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission.

The Commission is a nine-person citizen panel appointed by the governor to set policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The Commission is comprised of three members from western Washington, three from eastern Washington, and three "at-large" members who may reside anywhere in the state. No two Commission members can reside in the same county.

Steve Parker is appointed to an eastern Washington position. He is a retired fisheries biologist who spent much of his 45-year career with the Yakama Nation and lives in Yakima County.

"I am excited to serve in this position," Parker said. "I've devoted my professional career to fish and wildlife conservation and it is an honor to continue to do so in this new role and apply my experience to new issues."

Woodrow "Woody" Myers, Jr. is appointed to an at-large Washington position. He lives in Spokane County and retired from WDFW as an ungulate research biologist where he worked for 40 years.

"The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is a pivotal player in activities that affect the quality of life of Washingtonians," Myers said. "It is truly a privilege to be appointed, and I am eager to get started on the critical work of the Commission. I look forward to furthering the use of science to set policy directing fish and wildlife management in our state."

In addition, Barbara Baker was re-appointed to the Commission to a western Washington position. Baker was first appointed to an at-large position to the Commission in January 2017. She is an attorney who lives in Thurston County who retired from a long career in the state Legislature to devote time and energy to fulfill the requirements of this important appointment. She served as Vice Chair of the Commission from January 2019 to March 2022 and Chair since 2022.

"I greatly appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve on the Fish and Wildlife Commission," Baker said. "I am honored to continue working with the people of Washington to conserve fish and wildlife species for generations to come. I also want to personally welcome the new commissioners — we have an important job, and I am thrilled to have a whole Commission to move us into the new year."

"Our Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission shoulders many complex and sometimes controversial issues, and as the climate changes, their responsibilities only increase," Gov. Jay Inslee said. "I am proud to welcome these three commissioners who will work hard to help our state protect and sustain its unique and cherished fish and wildlife."

The two seats were previously filled by Dr. Don McIsaac who served as the Fish Committee Chair and held a western Washington position, and Dr. Kim Thorburn, who served as the Wildlife Committee Chair and held an eastern Washington position. Both outgoing commissioners have served on the Fish and Wildlife Commission since 2017.

"I would like to thank Don McIsaac and Kim Thorburn for their professionalism and service these past years," Baker said. "I know I and my fellow commissioners have appreciated their perspectives and in-depth knowledge of fish and wildlife issues across the state. We will miss working with them."

Commissioners are appointed to six-year terms; appointees are subject to confirmation by the state Senate, which is currently in session. However, members are official upon appointment and serve as voting members on the Commission while awaiting Senate confirmation.

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.

[hunter399]

Seem ok 

[hunter399]

Isn't baker the ring leader against hunter.
I can't remember.

[TriggerMike]

Bummer we lost Thorburn.

Even if both these new commissioners are pro hunting, we're still outnumbered. I'd imagine Inslee isn't doing that by accident, keeping it just skewed to the antis. Now when he goes to fight the new lawsuit he can just say he appointed two pro conservation commissioners and doesn't understand why he's being sued.

[bearpaw]

  that is unfortunate

I have spoken with Woody in person numerous times, he was an eastern WA WDFW biologist. He did an interesting study on mule deer in an area I hunt, what he told me about that study made 100% sense, I think he did a very good objective study. I've also talked whitetail deer with him, he has a very good understanding of ungulates in eastern WA. He also worked for WDFW when we had hound hunting but I don't remember if any of his work or recommendations were in that arena. I do not know his position on predator hunting or wolves, it seems he worked in our area before wolves were an issue. I think he's a good guy and it is a huge plus to have an experienced ungulate biologist on the commission. I don't know how independent he can be from the current direction of the commission and the governor, but he certainly has the potential to have a very positive impact for hunters in Washington.

[pianoman9701]

Bummer we lost Thorburn.

Even if both these new commissioners are pro hunting, we're still outnumbered. I'd imagine Inslee isn't doing that by accident, keeping it just skewed to the antis. Now when he goes to fight the new lawsuit he can just say he appointed two pro conservation commissioners and doesn't understand why he's being sued.

It's quite clear why he's being sued and the reason is still in play - the commission is not balanced. Replacing one or two pro-sporting commissioners with two more doesn't change the imbalance.

[The100Road]

Bummer we lost Thorburn.

Even if both these new commissioners are pro hunting, we're still outnumbered. I'd imagine Inslee isn't doing that by accident, keeping it just skewed to the antis. Now when he goes to fight the new lawsuit he can just say he appointed two pro conservation commissioners and doesn't understand why he's being sued.

It's quite clear why he's being sued and the reason is still in play - the commission is not balanced. Replacing one or two pro-sporting commissioners with two more doesn't change the imbalance.

Exactly. Replacing thornburn and mcisaac with these two doesn’t change anything.

[Jake Dogfish]

The two most pro hunting and fishing commissioners, have been replaced.
End of story. 

[Fishmaker57]

Having sat in numerous meetings with Steve Parker over the years, one can only hope he is more objective than when he worked for the Tribe. I can tell you he did his job well, advocating for ever increasing harvest opportunities for the Yakama Tribe, and all treaty tribes. Conservation wasn't a high priority, but harvest certainly was.

He does have a wealth of knowledge on Columbia River fisheries issues, and maybe that will be beneficial in the long run, unless of course the Tribe pressured Dimsly into nominating him?

Time will tell......

[pickardjw]

Well the HHC endorsed Parker and it sounds like Woody will be a pro-hunting/fishing guy. The quote from Woody's application is a little troubling...hopefully just buzz words to up his chances at being selected?

I am a retired wildlife biologist, having worked for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for nearly 40 years. It is, in my opinion, a crucial time for the state’s fish and wildlife resources as the impacts from a growing human population, climate change, and other factors continue to reduce habitat quality upon which these resources depend. The decisions that are made today will affect these resources far into the future. Thus, it is important that the Fish and Wildlife Commission be staffed with knowledgeable people who will make science-based decisions to help ensure these resources and their habitats continue for future generations. My experience in wildlife science would help this decision-making process.
As a lifelong hunter and fisher, I realize the value of connecting to fish and wildlife through recreation. I also realize that most citizens of the state do not hunt or fish but do appreciate and value wildlife in other ways. It is important that future management decisions be made that respect all of these values. My experience both as a recreationalist and a scientist who worked with various interest groups could help the Fish and Wildlife Commission make those respectful decisions.

–FROM WOODY MYERS’ FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION APPOINTMENT APPLICATION

[Rainier10]

Good that we didn’t lose any ground although thornburn and mcisaac were great commissioners. Hopefully those two will get appointed next time.

[Special T]

Time will tell but I think we lost 2 of our strongest advocates, and are being replaced with others. I hope these 2 are rock stars but they have big shoes to fill.