Larry Carpenter, Sportfishing Advocate, Named To WA FWC

After nearly a year with only seven of its seats filled, the Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission is back up to full strength.

Two new commissioners have been appointed by Governor Christine Gregoire, including Larry Carpenter, the owner of Master Marine in Mount Vernon and long-time sportfishing advocate, and that should make for some interesting times on the citizen panel.

“I’ve known Larry and fished with him for the last 30 years. He knows fish and wildlife issues and will be an outstanding representative for people who are passionate about the natural world. He also has a great sense for the value and economics of the fishing industry and I fully expect him to bring that experience, with passion, to the Fish and Wildlife Commission table," says Tony Floor, fishing affairs director of the Northwest Marine Trade Association and a retired Department of Fish & Wildlife staffer.

Carpenter also serves on the Southern Panel of the Pacific Salmon Commission, has been active in the North of Falcon salmon-season-setting process, and has been a member of NMTA.

He fills the Western Washington position that has been vacant since the end of Ken Chew's term last December. His term is for six years.

Now living in Mount Vernon, the former San Diego State University defensive lineman transitioned from chasing quarterbacks to San Juan Islands salmon with equal vigor.

Jokes Floor in his latest newsletter, "Get in his way when he sees a salmon bite, between the helm position on his boat and his rod, and you’ll ricochet off Mt. Constitution, Mt. Baker, the Space Needle and into Rosario Strait. Yeah, he gets excited when he sees a bite."

Carpenter also occasionally hunts with WDFW Director Phil Anderson.

While there can be little doubt about his passion for sport fishing, Floor also terms him "a very open minded person."

The other appointee is Jay Kehne who takes over the Eastern Washington seat formerly held by George Orr until the end of his term last year.

Blogs Rich Landers of the Spokane Spokesman Review, "Kehne likely falls in the category of wolf advocate, considering he’s the Okanogan outreach coordinator for Conservation Northwest, but he has a well-rounded resume of credentials." He also gets props from Scott Sandsberry of the Yakima Herald-Republic, but raises suspicion on Hunting Washington.

Kehne's previously worked in various North-central Washington counties for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, collaborated on land issues in Okanogan County -- home to numerous working ranches and the state's largest migratory mule deer herd -- and is a member of the Mule Deer Foundation and RMEF. He lives in Omak, according to the Fish & Wildlife Commission.

"We're extremely pleased to welcome these great additions to the commission," said chairwoman Miranda Wecker in a press release. "These are two strong individuals and we are looking forward to seeing their perspectives brought to the table."

The group sets policy for the Department of Fish & Wildlife; by rule, three members must live east of the Cascades, three on the Westside and three anywhere in the state. Commissioners are also subject to being confirmed by the state Senate.

Gregoire's appointments come just days after the commission's momentous wolf management and recovery plan vote last weekend. Their next scheduled meeting is Jan. 6-7.