OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking nominations to citizen advisory groups that advise the department on wildlife management issues affecting game and non-game species.

WDFW Director Phil Anderson will appoint 25 members to its Game Management Advisory Council (GMAC), which advises the department on issues such as hunter access, resource allocation and research projects.

Anderson will also appoint 17 members to its Wildlife Diversity Advisory Council (WDAC), which makes management recommendations on non-game species ranging from frogs to killer whales.
Members of both advisory groups will be appointed to three-year terms beginning July 1. Current appointments to the WDAC have expired and current appointments to the GMAC will expire June 30.
Anderson encourages current advisory group members to reapply, but said the department is also looking for new candidates with varied backgrounds who can effectively present their views on wildlife management to WDFW and the public.

"The department carefully considers recommendations received from these advisory groups," Anderson said. "We value the experience that long-standing members bring to the table, but we also want each council to represent the diversity of interests that the public has about wildlife management across the state."

WDFW will consider all nominations received by July 15 at 5 p.m. Nominations must be submitted in writing and include the following information:

The name of the advisory group.
Nominee's name, address, telephone number and email address.
Relevant experience and reasons for wanting to serve as a member of the advisory group.
Nominee's effectiveness in communication.
Name and contact information for any individual or organization submitting a nomination.

Nominations can be submitted to:

GMAC: Send nomination to Dave Ware, WDFW Game Division Manager, at David.Ware@dfw.wa.gov or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 600 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501-1091. For more information, contact Dave Ware at (360) 902-2509.

WDAC: Send nomination to Eric Gardner, Wildlife Diversity Division Manager, at Eric.Gardner@dfw.wa.gov or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 600 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501-1091. For more information, contact Eric Gardner at (360) 902-2509.

The GMAC holds at least three one-day meetings each year, and the WDAC holds at least two meetings per year. Special meetings may be called when special issues/topics arise. Council members are eligible to be reimbursed by WDFW for travel expenses to attend meetings.