Officials question Fish and Wildlife view
Aug. 15—ASOTIN — Asotin County officials added their names to a list of eastern Washington counties opposed to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's draft management policy.
At Monday's commission meeting, the board signed a letter from the Eastern Washington Council of Governments that will be sent to the WDFW Commission. The draft policy is more about preservation than conservation, officials said, and west-side commission members are trying to stack the deck against hunting predators.
Commissioner Brian Shinn said the state board is dominated by people who are not worried about dwindling elk populations or deer. Instead, the majority opposes hunting bears and cougars and seem to be more concerned about predators than prey, he said.
"They're trying to get rid of hunting a lot of predators," he said. "This letter is more about the philosophical makeup of the board."
Fourteen counties on the east side of the state are standing against the proposed WDFW management policy, saying its "focus on preservation disregards the balanced approach as mandated."
In addition to Asotin, the council includes Pend Oreille, Ferry, Stevens, Okanogan, Douglas, Lincoln, Whitman, Adams, Grant, Kittitas, Franklin, Walla Walla and Columbia counties.
"Confusion over the differences of preservation and conservation regarding our wildlife and an apparent lack of transparency has resulted in further eroding of public trust," the letter states.
Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com.
