OLYMPIA - The public has until May 30 to comment on a draft supplemental environmental impact statement (recently issued for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife's six-year game management plan.
     The draft SEIS includes updates to the current plan, developed in 2003 to guide the department’s management of the state's game species.
     Public comments on the draft will be used to prepare a final SEIS, which will be reviewed in August by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, according to a department announcement. Once finalized and approved, the department will incorporate changes into the new 2009-2015 plan.
     The SEIS, which was developed after a public scoping period, addresses issues that have emerged since the original plan was approved six years ago, said Dave Ware, game division manager.
     "The plan we've had in place since 2003 has served us well in managing the state's game species," Ware said. "Now, with new input from the public and department staff along with ongoing research, we'll be able to incorporate new strategies and priorities."
     The draft SEIS and comment form are available at www.wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/management/2009-2015, or at department regional offices.