Support Accountable, Science-Based Wildlife Management

Washington State faces a pivotal moment in how it will manage its fish and wildlife. The Ruckelshaus Review has laid out three possible paths forward for our current Fish and Wildlife Commission. Among these, Option 3—reforming the Commission with meaningful accountability measures—offers the most balanced and sustainable solution. This is not just a matter for hunters or anglers. It’s about anyone who cares about our wildlife, our rural communities, our tribal partnerships, and the science that guides responsible stewardship.

Why Does This Matter?

1. A Proven Structure
   Commissions are the norm across the nation because they effectively incorporate multiple perspectives—scientists, rural residents, conservation groups, and more. In states where commissions function well, policy remains more stable and less vulnerable to the dramatic swings of changing political tides.

2. Accountability Is Missing
   The real problem in Washington isn’t the concept of a commission; it’s the lack of enforceable guardrails. When commissioners can act on personal belief rather than established science—without consequences—the entire system breaks down. We lose trust, lose valued professionals who feel ignored or bullied, and ultimately lose out on policies that benefit both people and wildlife.

3. Why Dismantling Isn’t the Answer
   Putting wildlife decisions into the hands of a single political appointee (or “cabinet agency”) would exacerbate partisan influences and leave little room for the public to voice concerns. The Ruckelshaus Review calls this a “last resort” for good reason: it strips away balanced representation and carries a higher risk of agenda-driven decisions.

4. Option 3 Is the Best Path Forward
   Reforming the Commission means installing checks and balances so commissioners follow science, respect department staff, and abide by our state’s laws. With clear guidelines and a transparent method for removing those who won’t uphold their mandate, the Commission can once again serve its intended purpose: to protect and manage fish and wildlife using unbiased, data-driven methods.

How You Can Help

• Stay Informed: Read the summaries of the Ruckelshaus Review to understand why it deems comprehensive reform (Option 3) the best course.
• Speak Up: Let others know what’s at stake—share this information with friends, family, and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Engage in Public Processes: Monitor upcoming meetings or comment periods where you can voice support for retaining and reforming the Commission.
•      TAKE ACTION BELOW! Reach key decision-makers with our action below. 

Washington’s wildlife and diverse habitats have thrived under a collaborative, science-based system in the past. We should not abandon a structure with so much proven potential. Instead, we must refine it—ensuring that commissioners, staff, and stakeholders can work together toward healthy ecosystems for all. By rallying behind Option 3, we give our natural resources the best chance to flourish now and long into the future.