Heard from some folks in WDFW that rumours of Phil's retirement were pre-mature. He'll be working NOF.

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

In what capacity ???? Can't have 2 WDFW directors !!!!!! I wonder who made this call?????

weird...I thought the legislature made the retire-rehire thing illegal a few years back. Maybe there was just a certain provision that required employees to separate for a month or two before they could rehire someone. Double-dipping state employees....thought an out-of-state director would discourage some of this type of behavior.

Would not surprise me.

If true, I suspect he'll serve an advisory "hand-holding" role to help the new guy thru his first NOF.

A bit of institutional memory certainly can't hurt when passing the baton off in the midst of such a contentious process.

My understanding is that Pat Patillo will also be back to help out.

Make no mistake about it, these are keen minds that can only facilitate the policy discussions.

Those same sharp minds can help to maintain the status quo. Will depend on the new Director's leadership.

Yes, Phil said he wanted to step away after January 31, but agreed to stay on board during the transition to the new director. eyeFISH is pretty much spot on. And he is correct about Mr. Patillo.

Here is the NOF schedules for Grays Harbor & Willapa.

Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay North of Falcon Meetings

• February 18: Grays Harbor Advisor Orientation, 6-8 pm, WDFW Regional Office in Montesano.
• February 25: Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay Forecast Meeting, Montesano City Hall 6-9 pm
• March 5: Grays Harbor Advisor Meeting with Public Comment – Region 6 office tentative, looking for a larger venue. 6-9 pm.
• March 11: Grays Harbor Public Workshop – Montesano City Hall. 6-9 pm.
• March 17: Set Aside for Potential Grays Harbor Advisor Meeting with Public Comment, Location TBD, 6-9 pm.
• March 24: Willapa Bay Advisor Meeting with Public Comment – Raymond High School Library. 6-9 pm.
• March 26: Grays Harbor Public Workshop – Montesano City Hall. 6-9 pm.
• March 30: Willapa Bay Public Workshop – Raymond High School. 6-9 pm.
• April 6: Set Aside for Potential Willapa Bay Advisor Meeting with Public Comment, Location TBD, 5-8 pm.
• April 7 Willapa Bay Public Workshop – Raymond High School. 6-9 pm.

Little edit: I did not think to read Steve's e mail all the way .......... ah completely? Anyway this is preliminary AND ( most likely will ) have changes made to it so think of the schedule posted as preliminary peak with final to come.