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OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has extended the deadline for applications to become a member of newly piloted Regional Engagement Committees (RECs) in the North Central Washington and North Puget Sound regions through Dec. 31.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31 and may be submitted through an online form, or by completing an application form and submitting via email or postal mail. Members will be appointed to two-year terms.
The extension is intended to give prospective applicants more time to apply. Members of the public and representatives of organizations or businesses interested in fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation as well as fishing, hunting, wildlife watching, or other fish and wildlife-related outdoor recreation are encouraged to apply.
“Establishing Regional Engagement Committees is an opportunity for WDFW to enhance collaboration at the grassroots level, both with established stakeholders and underrepresented communities,” Director Kelly Susewind said. “We’re excited to launch these committees in the North Puget Sound and North Central regions, and welcome applications from Washingtonians eager to provide input on local fish and wildlife issues.” Topics the RECs will discuss and provide feedback on with regional management may include local conservation, habitat restoration, and public access projects; sharing space between user groups on WDFW- managed lands; living with wildlife; opportunities for impactful environmental education and youth engagement; recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters, anglers, and wildlife watchers; and supporting public awareness and understanding of Department regulations.
The RECs will begin quarterly meetings in 2025. Meetings will be held at WDFW’s regional headquarters or other locations within each region, with opportunities for hybrid meetings.
REC candidates may be individuals or affiliated representatives of clubs, groups, businesses, associations, or other non-governmental organizations. Reimbursement rates are available on the Office of Financial Management’s website. Compensation rates range from $45 for one hour to $200 maximum per day.
