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There will be more Regulating to come as our wildlife department strays from its reason to even exist one our dime (Dollars) as public opinion will be the master of their policies....Washington Department of Fish and WildlifeAugust 24, 2023Media contact: Jennifer Becar, 564-669-0850WDFW opens public comment period for proposed western gray squirrel uplistingOLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has filed a proposed rule to change the state listing status of the western gray squirrel from “threatened” to “endangered” based on the recommendation and information summarized in a recent periodic status review and public comments received on the document. The public is invited to submit comments about the proposed rule change through Oct. 2.The proposal, if adopted, reclassifies the western gray squirrel as a Washington state endangered species, communicating a higher level of conservation concern for the species, their conservation needs, and recovery actions with partners and the public. The uplisting would also bring an increased penalty for unlawfully harming or killing a western gray squirrel, per state rule.A copy of the rule making proposal is available on WDFW’s website. The comment period is open through Oct. 2, and the public can submit comments via web form, by email, or by phone (855-925-2801, project code 6483). The public may also mail written comments to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ATTN: Wildlife Program, PO Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504.The Fish and Wildlife Commission will accept in-person and virtual public comments on the proposed rule change at a public hearing during their Sept. 28-30 meeting in Yakima. Those interested in providing comments during the meeting should pre-register online. Information on how to pre-register will be made available on the Commission Meeting webpage. A decision is tentatively scheduled for the October 2023 meeting.All members of the public are invited to share their perspectives 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, status as a veteran, or basis of disability.The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
The worry is if they classify it as endangered, potentially they could use the new classification to affect public recreation. No off leash dogs, no public access, set up sanctuary zones where people can't remove sheds cause squirrels chew them.. etc
Quote from: 85yota on August 25, 2023, 09:19:40 AMThe worry is if they classify it as endangered, potentially they could use the new classification to affect public recreation. No off leash dogs, no public access, set up sanctuary zones where people can't remove sheds cause squirrels chew them.. etcThis. With the group in there now you ALWAYS need to be looking at the backdoor plan.
I think a people in the Klickitat area could confuse the threatened native gray squirrel with the invasive gray diggers. It's a very easy mistake to make and they occupy much of the same territory. If you ask any person in the county about gray diggers, the conversation will be about shooting as many as possible. The gray squirrels live in the same scrub oaks eating the same acorns. I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if they're getting shot by mistake.
