OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will hold a public meeting March 27 in Colville to discuss the potential impact of wolves on area game species such as deer and elk.

The meeting is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Colville Ag Trade Center, 317 West Astor Ave.

State and local WDFW wildlife managers will present information on monitoring efforts in northeast Washington along with population trends and harvest data for white-tailed deer, elk and moose. They'll also discuss the status of wolves in the region and the impact wolves have had on deer and elk populations in other western states.

Dave Ware, WDFW game manager, said the department has not yet documented any measureable impacts from wolves on game species in Washington, but recognizes that reports from other states have raised public concerns.

"We want to talk to people in northeast Washington about this issue, because that's the area of the state that has the largest number of wolves," Ware said. "We'd encourage area residents who have concerns to attend this meeting."