You know your not in Kansas anymore when your fish and wildlife department is asking for pubic comment on it’s beaver relocation policy. Is it humane enough? Should more training be required of beaver handlers?

Sheesh…

WDFW opens public comment period for beaver relocation rule making

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has filed a proposed rule to create a program that permits qualified individuals to relocate beavers involved in human-wildlife conflict as an alternative to lethal removal. The public is invited to submit comments about the proposed rule though Dec. 18.

If adopted, the proposal would revise Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 220-450 to create a beaver relocation permit program that identifies which beavers could be relocated, specifies the requirements for permittees, release sites, and conditions during temporary beaver captivity during relocation; and identifies any conditions under which the permit may be revoked.

A copy of the rule making proposal is available on WDFW’s website. The public can submit comments via web form, by email, by phone (855-925-2801, project code 2514), or by mailing written comments to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ATTN: Wildlife Program, PO Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504.

I’m thinking this is specifically for comments from the peanut gallery like me who complain that beaver relocation is too hard on the beavers and doesn’t work anyway. Nice to leave a space for me on the ark.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission will accept public comments on the proposed rule change at a public hearing scheduled during the Dec. 14-16 Commission meeting. Information on how to register to provide comments during the meeting will be made available on the Commission Meeting webpage. A decision is tentatively scheduled for the January 2024 meeting.

All members of the public are invited to share their perspectives and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

I don’t know. I’m thinking of the rule about how many miles up and down stream you need public approval to relocate beaver. I think you should change that rule to reflect how many miles up and down stream you need to ask for permission to REMOVE a beaver.

That always seemed fair to me.