TWISP — A longtime rancher here assumed duties in December as the new president of the Washington Cattlemen’s Association.

Vic Stokes, who raises about 200 head of cattle on his ranch south of Twisp, said top issues for cattle ranchers this year are controlling predators such as wolves and new proposals for water quality management on cattle operations.

He said he’ll also keep a watch on public land issues, along with state and federal agencies that manage wildlife habitat and endangered species.

Based in Ellensburg, the nonprofit WCA promotes the beef industry through education, legislative lobbying and legal intervention, according to its website.