March/April Director’s Bulletin
The signs of spring in Washington are boundless — we’re seeing more bird species, the flowers are blooming, and we’re all enjoying more hours of daylight. Whether you’re getting outdoors turkey hunting, shellfish harvesting, wildlife watching, or visiting a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)-managed water access area or wildlife area, it’s no stretch to say that Washington’s great outdoors offer something for everyone.
The end of April brought us Earth Day and another reminder about just how special Washington is. We highlighted our natural landscapes with a roughly two-minute video montage featuring WDFW-managed wildlife areas statewide. If you need a moment of relaxation, you can find the video on our YouTube page. We also joined alongside partner state agencies to reflect on all the ways we’re working together to support habitat, fish, and wildlife — and public services here in Washington state.
As our planet faces increasing threats from climate change, biodiversity loss, and habitat conversion, it’s more important than ever to preserve, protect, and perpetuate Washington’s fish, wildlife, and the habitats they depend on. At WDFW, our conservation efforts make a significant investment in the Earth and our natural heritage every day.
Washington is the smallest western state with the second highest human population. With nine terrestrial ecoregions, we cannot take for granted the incredible biodiversity we enjoy here in the Evergreen State. We continue to work toward increasing the scope and scale of biodiversity recovery in Washington, preventing the need for future Endangered Species Act listings and providing scientific guidance to influence habitat protection and restoration and recovery efforts. (Refer to our website for more information).
Protecting ecosystems increases the long-term viability of our wild spaces for plants, wildlife — and even for the benefit and enjoyment of people. Getting outdoors in Washington isn’t just good for you (it supports a suite of mental and physical health benefits) — it’s also good for the economy.
A 2022 survey showed that approximately 290,000 people went hunting, 1.2 million people went fishing, and 6.2 million people watched wildlife in Washington in 2022. Participants spent more than $9 billion dollars on equipment and trip-related expenses across all activities during this timeframe. In 2022, 4.4 million Washingtonians — 72% of the state’s population — participated in wildlife-related recreation, and 2.5 million traveled at least a mile from their homes to do so. Refer to our Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation in Washington report for more information.
So, while Earth Day is a single day that rolls around year-to-year, it’s obvious that here in Washington, whether simply enjoying the outdoors or giving back to our wild spaces, we celebrate Earth Day year-round. Our state’s biodiversity, wild spaces, and the fish, wildlife, and people who enjoy them deserve nothing less.
Sincerely,
Kelly Susewind, Director
Annual North of Falcon season setting process update
WDFW adopted the tentative 2025–2026 Washington recreational salmon fishing seasons at the conclusion of the Pacific Fishery Management Council meetings in San Jose, California, on April 15. As part of the salmon season setting process (commonly known as North of Falcon), WDFW hosted a series of public meetings beginning late February and accepted public input on salmon fisheries across the state. This is an important part of the process to develop the annual fishery plan. We heard feedback from a diverse group of anglers and aim to create fishing seasons that best serve the wide array of interested participants and balance those opportunities with conservation outcomes.
As part of the proposed package, anglers can expect a similar fishing season as last year, along with some bonus opportunities in Puget Sound for an expected strong pink salmon return of 7.76 million later this summer — which is predicted to be the third largest total return on record — up from a 2023 forecast of 3.95 million and an actual return of 7.22 million. Anglers will also have a chance to catch salmon across many other parts of the state both in the marine and freshwater areas.
The next steps of the process include final rule making, including an additional opportunity for public comment. A link to provide public comment will be posted soon on the WDFW North of Falcon webpage. Salmon fishing regulations should be adopted by mid-June. To keep the public better informed, we will continue to update the The Salmon Fishing Current blog with salmon fishery-related topics and issues, along with any in-season management changes.
What to do if you encounter common wildlife babies this spring
Every spring, WDFW and permitted wildlife rehabilitators receive calls from concerned members of the public who find young wildlife alone, with no adult in sight. Has the baby animal been abandoned? What do you do? Should you intervene?
Just because wildlife babies are alone does not mean they need help! Always contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator before attempting to rescue any wildlife, and follow the tips in this blog for what to do if you encounter common young wildlife this spring.
Trout Derby kicks off in over 100 lakes statewide
The WDFW Trout Derby kicked off on April 26 and continues through Oct. 31. This year marks the 10th anniversary and features the largest pool of donated prizes to date. Tagged rainbow trout representing nearly 1,100 prizes worth over a total of $54,000 have been planted in over 100 lakes statewide. A photo contest using #WATroutDerby took place via Instagram over the first weekend of the derby.
This annual event continues to grow each year.Lakes list, donor list, and prize redemption information is available on the derby website.
Washington Gray Wolf Conservation and Management 2024 Annual Report published
The number of gray wolf packs in Washington increased slightly in 2024, according to the Washington Gray Wolf Conservation and Management 2024 Annual Report, while the state’s wolf count declined overall. Based on wolf biology and long-term population trajectory, WDFW wolf biologists do not believe wolf recovery is threatened at this time. As of Dec. 31, 2024, WDFW and partnering tribes counted 230 wolves (a 9% decrease from 2023) in 43 packs in Washington. Eighteen packs were successful breeding pairs. These numbers compare with 2023’s count of 254 wolves in 42 packs and 24 breeding pairs. WDFW counts wolves annually through activities like track, aerial, and camera surveys. As in past years, survey results represent minimum counts of wolves plus 12.5% for lone wolves and dispersers, due to the difficulty of counting every animal.
Watchable Wildlife grant funding available
WDFW is accepting applications for the 2025 Watchable Wildlife Grant to enhance wildlife viewing in Washington. Wildlife viewing is a recreational activity of observing fish or wildlife or signs of them in their habitats (e.g. tracks, nests, scat). This includes exploring habitat in person or online to better understand fish and wildlife.
Funded by the Wild on Washington bald eagle license plate, the program offers $30,000 in total, with grants starting at $5,000. Applications are open through May 30.
Razor clamming and shellfishing opportunities abound this spring
We’re digging the many shellfish harvesting opportunities throughout the coast and Puget Sound!
Coastal razor clam digs are tentatively scheduled through May 15, depending on marine toxin test results. Not all beaches are open for every dig, so WDFW encourages diggers to make sure their intended destination is open before heading out. Please avoid disturbing endangered snowy plovers by staying out of the dunes and posted areas, keeping pets leashed, and not leaving leftover food or trash on the beach and picnic areas. Review our latest news release for more on upcoming razor clam digs and regulations.
Clam, oyster, and mussel gathering is also ongoing on public tidelands, with state seasons varying by beach. Oysters are typically in prime condition during the spring, and clamming should be optimal through September. Refer to the WDFW website for regulations, season and tide charts, a shellfish identification guide, and more. Before heading out, review the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) shellfish safety map for biotoxin-related closures and other advisories. Happy digging, everyone!
Wild Washington curriculum workshops for educators
WDFW hosting a series of curriculum workshops throughout the spring to provide teachers with resources for teaching WDFW’s Wild Washington Curriculum Units.
The March curriculum workshop, “Wild Washington: Ignite Bilingual Language Development with the Power of Science”, was co-created and facilitated with Pacific Education Institute and Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Multilingual Education Department. This workshop incorporated science standards and language development standards and explored strategies for multilingual education in the context of science learning. One teacher reflected: “I used to think science was its own language. Now I think that I can implement language standards into science standards.”
Lower Columbia River fishery management
Balancing fishing opportunities with conservation is a complex challenge across Washington’s waters — particularly in the Lower Columbia River (LCR) and its tributaries, where fish populations listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) are present.
To better address this challenge, WDFW fishery managers and scientists are using a Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) process for the first time. This process uses advanced modeling tools to simulate different fishery management strategies and assess their potential impacts on ESA-listed fish populations.
A recent WDFW blog post outlines how the MSE process is being used to inform potential updates to the Lower Columbia River Tributary Fishery Management and Evaluation Plan (FME). Last updated in 2003, the FMEP is required by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to set fishing seasons for ESA listed salmon and steelhead in LCR tributaries.
As part of this work, WDFW hosted a public webinar on April 1 to share preliminary MSE results and discuss management strategy options. After the webinar, WDFW released an online survey to gather input from anglers on conservation priorities, fishing opportunities, and strategy preferences.
Celebrating Bring your Kids to Work Day
On April 16, WDFW joined forces with fellow state natural resource agencies to host the annual Bring Your Kids to Work Day at the Natural Resources Building in Olympia. Staff from WDFW, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, the Washington State Department of Agriculture, and the Recreation and Conservation Office welcomed 266 kids for a day dedicated to exploration, learning, and celebrating the shared belief that everyone belongs outdoors.
The event featured interactive stations designed to spark curiosity about the natural world and introduce potential career pathways in conservation and resource management. WDFW led engaging stations on Southern Resident killer whale and bat conservation, hunter education, Enforcement careers, and more. Thank you to all of the staff who supported this event and made it possible.
Public invited to learn about 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan revision
We will host our second virtual public meeting to discuss the 2025 update to the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) on Monday, May 5, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This meeting is part of the process of revising and updating Washington’s SWAP every 10 years. WDFW’s SWAP Coordinator will present information from the 2024 survey that followed the last round of engagement, updating the draft Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) (PDF) list, important habitat concepts, conservation themes that will be considered in the SWAP revision, and the timeline for public draft reviews this summer. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. All members of the public are welcome to attend. Meeting materials are available on WDFW’s event webpage.
Jim Fitzgerald Recognized with Hunter Education’s Highest Award
Each year, one volunteer certified hunter education instructor is recognized with the Terry Hoffer Memorial Firearm Safety Award. The award honors Wildlife Agent Terry Hoffer who was fatally wounded in 1984 by a hunter who accidentally discharged his firearm. The award recognizes a hunter education instructor for their outstanding commitment and teaching excellence during the previous year, and who clearly exemplifies exceptional performance.
The 2024 Terry Hoffer Memorial Firearm Safety Award recipient is Jim Fitzgerald, whose achievements and contributions to hunter education and the agency were truly exemplary.
Jim played a crucially important role in starting the hunter education program within the Skokomish Indian Tribe, with their first class being held next month for 30 tribal youth.
Jim also actively recruits and mentors new hunter education instructors and assists WDFW with pre-service trainings to certify new instructors and in-service trainings for existing instructors. Jim is an active member of WDFW’s Hunter Education Instructor Advisory Committee and has volunteered at the agency’s National Hunting and Fishing Day public event.
Thank you to Jim for his “above and beyond” commitment to the people of Washington and to the continuation of the state’s safe hunting heritage.
