Comments due January 7, 2022

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is in great need of reform. It has been dominated by people who serve only hunters, fisherman, and commercial special interests. But the Fish and Wildlife Commission should instead have members that reflect the values and interests of all Washingtonians. Washingtonians value fish, wildlife, and ecosystems for more than their commercial value, and Governor Inslee must appoint pro-wildlife Commissioners that reflect these values.

There are three seats available, and the Governor must act now to appoint new commissioners. One seat has been vacant for one year, since December 21, 2020. A second seat became vacant with the untimely resignation of pro-wildlife Commissioner Fred Koontz who resigned on December 13, 2021. The third seat is currently being filled by Chairman Larry Carpenter whose term expired more than one year ago on Octover 31, 2020.

We need your help to demand that Governor Inslee appoint three new Commissioners that reflect the conservation, science, and ethical values of Washingtonians now.

Write to Governor Inslee’s office by emailing his Senior Policy Advisor for Natural Resources, JT Austin (jt.austin@gov.wa.gov); with a cc to his Policy Director Keith Phillips (keith.phillips@gov.wa.gov) and the Director of Board and Commissions Ambar Algera (ambar.algera@gov.wa.gov) and tell then that the Governor needs to appoint three new Commissioners that:

● Serve the interests of all Washingtonians, not just the small number that hunt and fish. More than 90 percent of Washingtonians neither hunt nor fish while only 2 percent hunt and 8 percent fish. Millions of Washingtonians enjoy wildlife and wild places through hiking, wildlife watching, photography, and camping. It is necessary that any new Commissioner can represent these interests rather than maintaining the mindset that hunters and fisherman are the only “paying customers” and thus should control WDFW. In reality nearly two-thirds of WDFW’s budget comes from the general fund. We need Commissioners who understand this and are dedicated to representing all Washingtonians.

● Prioritize science in the management of wildlife and preservation of healthy ecosystems. Understanding science is the basis to sound decision making on the Fish and Wildlife Commission. There have been numerous reports including responses to a 2020 survey, the 2021 state auditor report, and a statement from a former WDFW biologist showcasing the lack of science in major decisions. In the 2020 survey, only 20 percent of WDFW’s professional staff said upper management regularly makes decisions based on science. We need Commissioners who can understand the science and objectively evaluate the assertions made by WDFW management.

● Prioritize the reform of WDFW, to correct a toxic workplace that prevents employees from doing their best work. The 2021 state auditor report described a toxic work culture at WDFW where illegal behavior and workplace bullying was commonplace. In fact, 71 percent of employees responded in a negative way to questions about their wellbeing at the workplace; 20 percent of employees had experienced workplace bullying and intimidation while 30 percent of employees had witnessed it. We need Commissioners who are dedicated to reforming this culture so that employees dedicated to conservation, wildlife protection, and ecosystems can have a positive work experience, thus contributing to a WDFW that makes better, more ethical conservation decisions.

● Are dedicated to conservation as well as humane and ethical wildlife management. Governor Inslee is dedicated to addressing climate change and improving the environmental health of Washington. By appointing Commissioners who are in line with these values, Governor Inslee can cement his legacy. The proposed budget includes an increase in fish and wildlife conservation, and thus it is key to have Commissioners who are pro-wildlife and dedicated to conservation. WDFW management has repeatedly espoused anti-predator perspectives despite ample science showcasing their benefits on the landscape. With key votes on the wolf-livestock conflict rulemaking fast approaching, it is essential that the Fish and Wildlife Commission have Commissioners that prioritize conservation and wildlife over private profit on public lands.

WWP recently had the pleasure of sitting down with a candidate for a position on the Fish and Wildlife Commission and we believe that he would make an excellent addition to the Fish and Wildlife Commission. Along with your letters asking for immediate appointment of three Commissioners that meet the above qualifications, please also recommend Toby Cooper directly. Toby has decades of experience with wildlife conservation and wildlife policy making. He is level headed and eager to represent the majority of Washingtonians that wish to see healthy, thriving populations of fish and wildlife managed thoughtfully, ethically, and with future generations in mind.

You can submit recommendations for Toby Cooper by visiting the recommendation portal here: https://www.governor.wa.gov/boards-commissions/boards-commissions/recommend-applicant

Submit your letters and your recommendations before the end of the week for consideration!

Please reach out to Jocelyn Leroux at jocelyn@westernwatersheds.org with any questions.