WDFW Regional Engagement Committees

[PKC]

https://wdfw.wa.gov/newsroom/news-release/wdfw-seeks-members-new-regional-engagement-committees-north-puget-sound-and-north-central-washington

My assumption with these Regional Engagement Committees is that WDFW is trying to dilute hunter and angler representation and increase animal rights/non-consumptive input into decision making. 
Quote from website: "Consistent with WDFW’s 25-Year Strategic Plan, “Engage communities through recreation and stewardship” section, the Department is establishing RECs to represent the diversity of local interests and incorporate those perspectives in WDFW’s regional conservation efforts and decision making."
My fear is that these committees get packed with people who think bear meat is inedible, wolves are friendly, and call their pets fur babies.  I don't know what kind of 'power' these committees will have, but I would just like to encourage every forum member to think about applying. 

[Rainier10]

Interesting. Thanks for posting.

[Russ McDonald]

This is open to anyone that lives in these regions.  If you feel this way and live in the region apply.  I don't live in the region but if one opens in this area I will apply.  WDFW has reached out to NWTF Chapter president's to pass this on and get hunters on board in the that region.  I agree with the OP's comments but comments are just that.  We can't sit and wait for the fight we need to start bringing the fight to them.  Take action, join this committee.  Be a voice for that region.  Not all of WDFW is anti hunting.  There are a lot of good people that work for WDFW and are on our side and trying to fight that fight.  We need to have their backs.  Keep in mind that the wildlife commission is not employed for appointed by WDFW.  They are appointed by our governor so the 2 are pretty much speprate from each other.  Also you have seen that the commission blatantly ignores what WDFW tells or advises them.    I am not saying there might be some bad apples in WDFW but I haven't met or worked with any so far and I have been around quite a few in the last 8 plus years.  Thank you to the OP for posting this.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk