Commission hears updates on cougar season, native trout policy and purple urchin co‑management

Commissioners received multiple staff presentations on wildlife management. The Fish Committee reported a staff update on the native resident trout policy implementation and a report on purple urchin state–tribal co‑management work in the Strait of Juan de Fuca; the Wildlife Committee summarized the first season under newly adopted cougar rules and ongoing efforts to reduce conflict removals.

Commissioner Woody Myers described preseason herd composition surveys and drought and fire impacts on habitat; committee members flagged the need for more targeted data for cougar density and conflict decisions. Rachel Heyman, a public commenter, praised staff for analysis showing that recent cougar rules have stabilized mortality near intrinsic growth rates and urged focused interventions in units with above‑average mortalities. Staff noted continued emphasis on nonlethal deterrents and landowner assistance programs to reduce removal rates.