Reports from the field: Washington Fish and Wildlife Police launches body cam program

From the employee reports

Starting next month, game wardens in Washington will begin wearing body cameras.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced this week that its law enforcement division will launch a body-worn camera program in September.

Each of the division's 152 police officers will wear the cameras.

WDFW Police Chief Steve Bear said in the press release that the camera program will help the agency better serve the public.

“Equipping our officers with body-worn cameras will help us build trust and relationships with all communities in Washington,” Bear said.

The program is funded with $915,000 appropriated by the Washington State Legislature.

Changes to fishing rules proposed for lakes in Chelan and Grant counties

A change in the catch limit and an extension of the season are planned for some lakes in Chelan and Grant counties.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife proposes eliminating the bass fishing quota at Fish Lake in Chelan County.

The limit is 25, and WDFW wants to lift it to give anglers more opportunities to take home bass. Officials also hope that a higher bass catch would improve the size of the fish in the lake.

In Grant County, WDFW is proposing to extend the fishing season on Park, Blue and Deep lakes through October 31. The season on all of these lakes ends on September 30.

WDFW is accepting public comments on the proposals and will hold a virtual public meeting on September 10 from 6 to 8 p.m.

A decision on the regulations from the WDFW director is expected in September. If approved, they would go into effect after they are filed with the state Code Office.

Citizens can view the proposals and submit public comments online at publicinput.com/2024lakepetitions.