Meeting set on public lands

YAKIMA — The Department of Fish and Wildlife will host an online meeting on the role of public lands for people and wildlife in Yakima, Kittitas, Franklin and Benton counties from 7-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28.

Agency Director Kelly Susewind, South-Central Regional Director Mike Livingston and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Senior Lands Manager Bill Richardson and Director of Lands Jennifer Doherty, and plus Forterra's Lands Manager Collette MacLean and CEO Michelle Connor will participate.

The not-for-profit Forterra is trying to obtain the right to oversee public along the South Fork Cowiche Creek in Yakima County.

"Our south-Central region is a popular area for hunting, hiking and fishing, and it has unique conservation opportunities," Susewind said.

"The land we are working for is more than a stunning stretch of stream, steppe and forest," Connor added. "It's a puzzle piece that connects critical habitat. In the face of climate change, species like the elk and butterfly found here will rely more and more on un-fragmented ecosystems like this one. It's important for us to work together on behalf of this place, for generations to come."

The public can participate online at https://zoom.us/j/92362051075.