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OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will host a virtual public meeting on Aug. 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. to discuss the update to the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP).
This public meeting is part of the process of revising and updating Washington’s SWAP every 10 years and will introduce the timeline for the 2025 SWAP revision to the public and opportunities for public participation during the year-long process. This meeting is one of three public meetings that will be offered over the next year for revision participation.
WDFW staff will present general information on the SWAP, its purpose in conservation in Washington and the U.S., and an overview of the revision.
The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. The webinar will include a brief presentation on the SWAP revision process and time for participants to ask questions. A survey will be available online following the meeting, open until Sept. 30, 2024. All members of the public are welcome to attend.
Washington’s SWAP is a comprehensive plan for conserving the state’s fish and wildlife and the natural habitats on which they depend. It is part of a nationwide effort by all 50 states and five U.S. territories to develop conservation actions, guide conservation funding including State Wildlife Grants (SWG), and engage others in important conservation work. The purpose of the SWG funding is to support state actions that broadly benefit wildlife and habitats, but particularly “Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN)” as identified by each state.
The Department completed its first SWAP in 2005, at the time called the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS). WDFW last updated the plan in 2015. The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service requires these plans be updated every 10 years to remain eligible for SWG funding.
The 2025 SWAP revision will include changes to the Species of Greatest Conservation Need list, important habitats and landscapes, and new and emerging threats and conservation actions. It objectively assesses the status of the state’s wildlife and habitats, identifies key problems they face, and outlines the actions needed to conserve them over the long term.
For information about the SWAP, and to learn about public meetings discussing the 2025 revision, please visit the SWAP webpage.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.
