OLYMPIA - North central Washington residents will have an opportunity to discuss fish and wildlife issues with state Department of Fish and Wildlife director Jeff Koenings and regional staff members during a public meeting Sept. 25 in Pateros.
     The meeting is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. at the Pateros School Library
     Topics will include the state's draft wolf conservation and management plan that will undergo public review early next year and an update on the status of Washington's first wolf pack in more than 70 years.
     The pack recently was found in the Methow Valley.
     Department staff also will answer questions and take comments about fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, habitat protection, enforcement and other issues related to fish and wildlife resources, according to the announcement.
     "I encourage anyone with an interest in our state's fish and wildlife to take the time to attend this discussion," said Dennis Beich, the department's north central regional director. "This will be an excellent forum to informally discuss issues in depth, and to become better acquainted with department personnel."
     Beich said the upcoming session is the seventh annual public roundtable that Koenings and department staff have held in Pateros.