Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
OLYMPIA — Washington Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Commissioner Fred Koontz resigned bring the total of open positions to two.
Koontz sent a letter today to Gov. Jay Inslee resigning his at-large position of the Fish and Wildlife Commission. Koontz was appointed on Jan. 5, 2021, to a six-year term that expires on Dec. 31, 2026.
“We appreciate Fred’s engagement and curious mind on the commission,” said Fish and Wildlife Commission Chair Larry Carpenter. “He encouraged us to be bold in our mission and we enjoyed his passion for biodiversity conservation.”
The commission is comprised of nine commissioners, including three members from west of the Cascade Mountains, three members from Eastern Washington, and three at-large members who may reside anywhere in the state. No two Commission members may reside in the same county.
There are now two vacancies on the commission. Inslee plans to appoint commissioners for the open at-large position and an Eastern Washington position.
Commission appointees are subject to confirmation by the state Senate, which reconvenes in January. Members are official upon appointment and serve as voting members on the commission while awaiting confirmation.
The commission is a panel appointed by the governor. They set policy for WDFW. The state agency works to “preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.”
Bill Stevenson is the former editor of the Whitman County Gazette, Colfax Daily Bulletin and Franklin Connection. He has nearly 30 years of journalism experience covering news in Eastern Washington.
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