A draft policy that outlines how the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will use science in their decision-making process is currently open for public review. Known as the Best Available Science Policy, the document is available until May 24 as announced in a news release by the commission.
The two-page policy includes various bullet points that outline how the commission and Department of Fish and Wildlife should approach and incorporate science into their work. This includes avoiding bias in interpreting studies, utilizing social science to inform decisions, and addressing situations where there are conflicting interpretations or studies.
Commissioners have been working on this policy for a while now, with John Lehmkuhl, a commissioner and chair of the Big Tent Committee, emphasizing the importance of public feedback in improving the policy to ensure that the best available science is used in their decision-making processes.
Those interested in reading the full policy can find it on the WDFW website. Public comments on the policy can be submitted online or via email to bestavailablescience@publicinput.com. This engagement will help shape the final policy that will guide the commission and department in their use of science in decision-making.
