Wildlife commission to hire director, discuss Columbia sturgeon retention

TUMWATER — Briefings and public hearings on several lower Columbia River fisheries issues — including the potential resumption of sturgeon retention — are scheduled Friday when the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission meets.

The citizen panel will meet Friday and Saturday at the Comfort Inn and Conference Center, 1620 74th Ave., S.W., Tumwater.

The tentative schedule calls for a decision on 2015-16 Columbia River Basin sport-fishing regulations at about 11 a.m. Friday.

A review of the Columbia River fishery management policy and a public hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. At 3:30 p.m., a briefing and public hearing on new Columbia River commercial catch areas are scheduled.

A sturgeon management briefing and public hearing is on the agenda beginning at 4 p.m. Friday

On Saturday, the commission is scheduled at 8 a.m. to consider hiring a new director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Phil Anderson, current director, has resigned, but is staying in the position until his successor is in place.

The commission has interviewed eight candidates and narrow the choice to four finalists.