Columbia Insight: On wildlife, Ferguson is no Inslee

Columbia Insight reports on Governor Ferguson’s concerning shift of Washington’s Commission away from wildlife policies that align with public values and science, and toward special interests. The article features WW1’s Executive Director Claire Loebs Davis, emphasizing the urgent need for public vigilance and reform. Read the full article here.

WW1 Opposes the Confirmation of Jim Anderson and Molly Linville to the Fish & Wildlife Commission

These commissioners have consistently supported policies that prioritize hunting and fishing interests at the expense of animal wellbeing, public values, and broader ecological concerns. We urge the Senate to consider public values, the intrinsic value of all wildlife, and the long-term resilience of Washington’s ecosystems in their confirmation decisions. Visit our webpage and contact your Senator.​

Wolf Population Drops by 9% in 2024, Declining for First Time Since 2008

We call for urgent action following a troubling 9% decline in the state’s wolf population and a 25% drop in breeding pairs, revealed in the newly released 2024 Annual Wolf Report. With increased wolf mortalities and ongoing threats from poaching, WW1 urges policymakers to maintain strong protections and invest in non-lethal solutions. Read more here.

A Call for Agency Reform

Washington is home to diverse wildlife, spectacular waterways, and magnificent wild spaces, which the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife holds in trust for all current and future Washingtonians.

The duty to preserve and protect these resources has never been more important than it is now, as we watch the accelerating collapse of healthy ecosystems, experience unprecedented extinction events, and experience the effects of the coming climate catastrophe.

But the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife has betrayed its solemn trust responsibilities. All too often, they prioritize reckless consumption over responsible conservation, sacrifice long-term ecological needs for short-term economic gain, and ignore the values of Washington’s citizens in order to pander to the demands of special interests.

We must demand better.

why reform?

About Washington Wildlife First

We are a small, grassroots organization founded in 2021 by a small group of wildlife advocates who for years  had been watching the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife prioritize the demands of select special interest groups over the needs of wildlife. Learn more about our small organization trying to make big changes in Washington’s wildlife management.

Reforming State Fish & Wildlife

The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife is supposed to manage wildlife in trust for all current and future Washingtonians. Instead, all too often, Department management ignores science, promotes unethical hunting, and continues practices that are out of step with Washington values. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What do we mean by “wildlife first?”

Are we opposed to hunting?

Do we want everybody to be riding bicycles, living in bamboo huts, and eating granola?

Find out the answers to these questions, and more. 

Washington Wildlife First

Washington Wildlife First is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife from a model of consumption to an ethic of conservation.

We hold the Department accountable to the law and to people they are bound to serve; reverse their attempts to ignore facts, devalue science, and sideline their scientists; and insist that they value the future of our wildlife over the whims of political expediency.

Washington’s wildlife belongs to us all.

Stand with us as we stand with wildlife, and demand that our state officials do the same.

Learn More About Us >