Why It Matters: During the 2023 legislative session, the Washington Legislature commissioned a $300,000 study to review the governance, climate adaptability, and the mandate of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The results of that study have led some legislators to consider sweeping revisions to the WDFW governance structure. One of the seven sisters of conservation through the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation mandates that wildlife harvest be allocated by law and encourages public input throughout the rulemaking process. This has led most states across the nation to develop some form of fish and wildlife commissions (whether regulatory or advisory) to inform season establishment, rulemaking, and management directives for their states utilizing a public process. Changing the current structure of WDFW’s governance would have direct impacts on the public’s access to future rulemaking processes.
Highlights:
- The Ruckelshaus Center Report commissioned by the WA Legislature found the WDFW Commission to be “dysfunctional”.
- The report offered three recommendations for reform of the Commission, including dissolving the governing body and instead creating a cabinet agency.
- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) will continue to advocate for the North American Model and sportsmen/women throughout this process.
During the 2023 legislative session, the Washington State Legislature approved a $23 million biodiversity funding package to assist with WDFW’s State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). Also included in that package was a $300,000 grant awarded to the Ruckelshaus Center. This grant asked Ruckelshaus to review WDFW’s governance structure, funding, climate adaptability and their mandate. The Ruckelshaus Center published a 76-page review in late December 2024 which found the WDFW Commission to be “dysfunctional” based on the input received from over 150 study participants. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation was one of the groups selected to participate in the study where we stressed the importance of the North American Model of Wildlife Management and accountability measures that could improve the current commission process. The Ruckelshaus Center proposed three options to legislators based on their findings:
- Maintain the status quo
- It was noted that this option would not fully address issues raised during the study.
- Establish WDFW as a Cabinet Agency
- This option would create a loss in some elements of representation to multiple constituencies, potentially conflicting with the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.
- Maintain the Commission, but address the issues and create comprehensive, simultaneous reforms (including but not limited to:)
- Reform and simplify rules of procedure.
- Implement policies and protocols that establish accountability to tribes and tribal interests.
- Strengthen criteria for the makeup of the commission to avoid representing special interests.
- Change the commission appointment process.
- Establish accountability mechanisms.
The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is held strong by its seven pillars, colloquially referred to as the seven sisters of conservation. Represented in the pillars is guidance on governance and rulemaking and requirements that wildlife harvest be allocated by law with public opportunities for shaping and commenting on wildlife management policies. States across the nation have found the commission structure to be a preferred method of connecting department science with public opinion as they craft durable rules for wildlife management. A swift, seemingly kneejerk change from a long-standing commission to a cabinet agency with one main representative would have immediate and lasting impacts on public involvement during wildlife management rulemaking in Washington State.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation is a strong proponent of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. We will continue engaging with legislators in Washington State and with our coalition partners to ensure that wildlife management continues to follow all seven tenets of the North American Model, protecting the sportsmen’s voice so that our heritage is reflected in management decisions.