Issues
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Conservation Partnership is a coalition that represents a diverse collection of fish and wildlife organizations, and our topics of interest are equally diverse. Below are some of the issues that Partnership members have engaged in recently.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission issues:
- The conservation policy proposed by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission aims to clarify the definition of conservation along with strategies on applying the Commission’s conservation goals when making policy decisions.
- In response to a petition filed by environmental organizations, the Fish and Wildlife Commission is proposing changes to the current cougar hunting seasons. Changes include:
- Counting all human-caused mortality towards harvest quotas.
- Closing seasons immediately once quotas are reached (eliminating the September 1-December 31 early season structure).
- Some Population Management Units (PMUs) may not open for hunting seasons as a result of conflict removals.
- As a result of the Gray Wolf Periodic Status Review (PSR), WDFW has proposed downlisting grey wolves from state endangered to state threatened. This proposal is in direct response to WDFW’s studies that have shown that, “Washington’s wolf population has grown at an average rate of 23% since wolves were first documented in the state.”
Fish Hatcheries
- Hatcheries throughout Washington play a vital role in salmon and steelhead conservation and recovery efforts while also creating sustainable fishing opportunities. Hatchery review efforts illustrate the need for better management of state, federal and tribal hatchery programs to fulfill these important roles. We support efforts that will lead to increased hatchery production, increased survival rates and increased recreational fishing opportunity.
Washington State Legislature Bills that the Partnership followed during the 2024 Legislative Session:
Fish & Wildlife Commission enhancement – to improve how Commissioners are appointed though the establishment of a diverse nominations committee; establishes science-based and other standards and qualifications for Commissioners; requires Senate confirmation of Commissioners and more timely appointments.
- SB 5675 – introduced
Fish & Wildlife Commission – to eliminate the WDFW commission.
- HB 2434 – introduced, hearing held
Hunting & Fishing licenses for nonresident college students – To reduce the cost of hunting and fishing licenses for college students to the resident rate.
- SB 5862 – introduced
Fur Products – Prohibiting the unlawful trade of fur products by eliminating the retail sale of fur products with the skin attached, with a few exemptions. Impacts on the trapping, fur trade, and fly fishing supplies.
- SB 6294 – introduced, hearing held
Fur Products – Prohibiting the unlawful trade of fur products by eliminating the retail sale of fur products with the skin attached, with a few exemptions. Impacts on the trapping, fur trade, and fly fishing supplies.
- SB 6294 – introduced, hearing held
Firearms – Establishes new security and other requirements on all FFL businesses, including video and audio recording capabilities.
- ESHB 2118 – passed with amendments
- ESHB 2118 will go into effect in July 1, 2025 and will place heavy security restrictions on all FFL businesses. Requirements include video and audio recordings at all entrances and places of sale along with retention requirements for those recordings.
