Statement from WW1 on Gov. Ferguson’s Appointments to the Fish and Wildlife Commission

Our response to Governor Ferguson’s appointments, expressing concern over his decision to remove Dr. Tim Ragen from the Fish and Wildlife Commission. This shift undermines the Commission’s independence and tilts it towards powerful special interests. It also raises questions about the administration’s commitment to science-based wildlife policy and transparency. Read our full statement here.

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.

How is wildlife faring in the state legislature this session? 

We have been battling for Washington’s wildlife since the state legislature opened its session in January—testifying, meeting with legislators, sharing critical science, mobilizing our coalition, and amplifying the voices of our supporters. Together with our coalition and our supporters, we’ve secured major wins for wildlife, but there is more still to be done. Find the latest updates 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 >