The Sportsmen’s Alliance has learned that the Washington state senate is expected to call for a confirmation vote for nine unconfirmed fish and game commissioners before the legislative body adjourns sine die on April 23, and likely beginning as early as today.
The governor-appointed commission consists of nine citizens that are supposed to be confirmed via Senate committee hearings and a floor vote. However, not a single commissioner has been confirmed in the last five years, the last being Commissioner Barbara Baker in 2017.
“Unfortunately, Washington allows unconfirmed commissioners to craft years of policy by unvetted individuals, which has contributed to wildlife management being thrown into complete disarray,” said Todd Adkins, vice president of government affairs for Sportsmen’s Alliance. “Some of the current commissioners have completely ignored recommendations from state biologists and boldly stated a belief that their individual opinions trump the fish and game commission’s legal mandate.”
A group of new commissioners is pushing an extremist view of fish and wildlife management in the Evergreen State that runs counter to the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Their adamant preservationist and protectionist attitudes, especially towards predators, has resulted in the cancellation of the spring black bear hunt, the discussion of an extreme new game management plan, and other initiatives to destabilize traditional management approaches and systems in the state.
This is the last chance for sportsmen to go on the record with their Senators in opposition to the confirmation of commissioner-elect Barbara Baker, Lorna Smith, Melanie Rowland, John Lehmkuhl, and Tim Ragen. Please use our Take Action button to ensure your state Senator receives your email opposing the confirmation of Barbara Baker, Lorna Smith, Melanie Rowland, John Lehmkuhl and Tim Ragen.
Don’t forget to share this important alert with your family, friends, and fellow sportsmen and ask them to contact the Senate and oppose these appointments.
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
