Updates from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)

Most recreation opportunities offered by WDFW have reopened, and license sales have rebounded and even exceeded the previous year sales to date. (WDFW offices, hatcheries, and some campgrounds remain closed, though staff is to assist the public by telephone.)

Still, COVID-19 re-emergence remains a serious threat. The department asks you to continue physical distancing, stay close to home until communities enter Phase 3, wash hands frequently, bring along a face covering, and only head out when you are well.

The WDFW would like to thank our partners for their support in sharing these practices. Staff has worked hard to ensure that the COVID-19 challenge does not create new barriers to enjoying outside opportunities. The public’s willingness to continue following these guidelines is key to continued access to nature and its resources.

All hands-on deck to reopen lands and waters

Leading into the reopening of state lands, WDFW crews cleaned and prepared hundreds of public boat launches and facilities in wildlife areas, many of which were still closed since last fall. This included disinfecting restrooms from top to bottom, cleaning debris from trails, picking up trash, and opening widely dispersed gates. With more than one million acres managed by WDFW in Washington, this was no small task.