In brief: Wildlife commission could be axed

Outdoors: The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is on the chopping block in Gov. Chris Gregoire’s Tuesday proposal announced to consolidate state agencies and eliminate boards and commissions to save nearly $30 million.

Among other mergers, a new Department of Conservation and Recreation would be formed by combining the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Recreation and Conservation Office and the law enforcement unit of the Department of Natural Resources.

Traditionally, fish and wildlife management policy has been set by the commission, a panel of nine members appointed by the governor. The commission has had the power to hire and fire the Fish and Wildlife Department director.

Under the new system, the Conservation and Recreation director would be part of the governor’s staff.

“It’s hard on my ego to say I don’t think we need smart guys like me to write policy,” said George Orr, Fish and Wildlife commissioner from Spokane. “But the governor’s trying to make ends meet in tough times. For now, it probably makes sense.”

Fish and Wildlife commissioners are volunteers. The budget is nearly $150,000 a year.

Rich Landers

Lee’s contract revealed

Baseball: Cliff Lee starts off his $120 million, five-year contract with the Phillies with a relatively modest $11 million salary next season.

Including an option for 2016, the deal could be worth $135 million for six seasons, according to contract information obtained by the AP.

His pay escalates to $21.5 million in 2012 and increases to $25 million in each of the following three seasons.

There is an option for 2016 for $27.5 million with a $12.5 million buyout.

Associated Press

M’s sign four free agents

Baseball: The Seattle Mariners signed four minor league free agents, including outfielder Ryan Langerhans, and invited them to spring training.

The others were right-handed pitcher Denny Bautista, catcher Chris Gimenez and left-hander Royce Ring.

Seattle Times