2nd SWAP Meeting Scheduled For Early May

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is updating the State Wildlife Action Plan, and they want to hear from you.  WDFW will host its second virtual public meeting to discuss the 2025 update on Monday, May 5th, 6-7:30 p.m.  The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. All members of the public are welcome to attend.  Meeting materials will be available on WDFW’s website and event webpage on April 28nd, before the meeting.  

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) list, important habitat concepts, conservation themes that will be considered in the SWAP revision, and the timeline for public draft reviews this summer.  Washington's SWAP is a comprehensive plan for conserving the state's fish and wildlife and the natural habitats they depend on. It is part of a nationwide effort by all 50 states and five U.S. territories to develop conservation action plans and participate in the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants (SWG) Program.

In 2005, the Department completed its first SWAP called the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS). The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service requires these plans be updated every 10 years to remain eligible for SWG funding. The plan was last updated in 2015.  The 2025 SWAP will be a complete revision of the 2015 SWAP with a revised SGCN list; new frameworks for habitats, threats, and conservation actions; and organization by ecoregions. The SWAP presents information about the status of the state's wildlife and habitats, identifies key problems they face, and outlines the actions needed to conserve biodiversity over the long term.  

For information about the SWAP, and to learn about additional public meetings discussing the 2025 revision check out the WDFW's Website.

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