Washington’s Fish and Wildlife Commission continues to be at the forefront of controversy.  The commissioners have passed committee votes as “do confirm” and will head to the Senate floor for a full vote.  This is the last hurdle before their appointment to the Commission.  Many sportsmen vocally oppose these nominations.  The State Senate floor vote is not scheduled, but is imminent. 

The Commission no longer shows balance in its composition.  As required by RCW 77.040, the governor shall seek to maintain a balance reflecting all aspects of fish and wildlife, including representation recommended by organized groups representing sportfishers, commercial fishers, hunters, private landowners, and environmentalists.  The acting commissioners have already cast votes that clearly reveal their perspectives have skewed the Commission.  These members represent the environmental contingency at the cost of other legitimate perspectives.

These commissioners continue to ignore the best available science when making decisions on wildlife management.  They have ignored the collapse of the Blue Mountain elk herd by refusing to follow science based recommendations.  They refuse to maximize opportunity or consider the economic well being of regions affected by the loss of opportunity.  Timber companies suffer damage from bears that cannot be mitigated by spring bear hunts. The mandate of the Department and Commission is “to maximize the public recreational game fishing and hunting opportunities of all citizens, including juveniles, the disabled, and senior citizens.”  Clearly this is not embraced by these commissioners.

Lack of action by these commissioners to follow recommendations by WDFW staff IS reducing recreational hunting and fishing opportunities. State law 1987 c 506 states in part that wildlife management in the state of Washington shall not cause a reduction of recreational opportunity for hunting and fishing activities.  Lack of action and direct opposition to traditional hunting and fishing pursuits disqualifies them as commissioners.

READ:  Fish And Wildlife Commissioners Baker, Smith Go Before Senators

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CONTACT:  The Washington State Senate below with your thoughts on Lorna Smith, Barbara Baker, Melanie Rowland, John Lehmkuhl, & Tim Ragan as WDFW commissioners.

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