Wildlife in Washington is at grave risk. Governor Ferguson recently reappointed Commissioners Jim Anderson and Molly Linville to six‑year terms on the Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission, despite their troubling record of consistently voting against wildlife protections, to expand hunting quotas, reinstate spring bear hunts opposed by 80% of the public, prematurely downlist endangered wolves, and weaken protections for wild salmon and Southern Resident killer whales—all while failing to hold Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) management accountable for unsafe and toxic working conditions that have led to two employee deaths and multiple “willful serious” safety citations.
Meanwhile, Governor Ferguson abruptly dismissed Dr. Tim Ragen—former Executive Director of the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission and one of the most qualified commissioners the state has ever had—and Lynn O’Connor, a dedicated conservationist with deep rural roots. Dr. Ragen’s career has been defined by science‑based efforts to recover threatened and endangered species, and he was widely endorsed by scientists and orca advocates as essential to saving salmon and orcas. (Read our full Statement on Ferguson’s Appointments).
Now, the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee has scheduled a rushed confirmation hearing for these controversial appointments on Wednesday, April 23rd at 8am, with an executive session to recommend them to the full Senate on Friday, April 25th at 8am. Washingtonians have been given less than two days’ notice—evidence of a rushed process designed to limit public input when so much is at stake.
We need to act now to let Senators in the Ag Committee know how damaging these confirmations would be for Washington’s wildlife.
Why We Must Oppose Anderson & Linville
Below is a brief summary of the reasons why Anderson and Linville would be so damaging to wild lives, worker safety and public trust in the WDFW. You can also check out our talking points for a deep dive into these and many other reasons and evidence to oppose both appointments.
Commission Balance
These appointments reverse the progress we have made over the past few years toward an independent commission that prioritizes the protection of wildlife, returning it to the control of exploitative special interests.
Roll‑Back of Conservation Progress
Anderson and Linville have never once opposed a Department recommendation—voting in favor of proposals like expanded cougar quotas, spring bear hunts (despite 80% public opposition), premature wolf down‑listing, and lax hatchery policies that endanger wild salmon and Southern Resident orcas.
Special Interests Over Public Values
A 2023 poll shows 69% of Washingtonians believe wildlife has intrinsic value, and 90% care moderately or deeply about wildlife. Confirming Anderson and Linville prioritizes narrow, often out‑of‑state, hunting and commercial lobbies over the broad interests and values of current and future generations.
Gutting Agency Oversight & Worker Safety
The Commission holds the power to oversee the WDFW director and safeguard field staff. Under Anderson and Linville, two employees have died on the job—both without life jackets or hazard training—yet neither commissioner has demanded accountability. Multiple L&I citations for “willful serious” violations also remain unaddressed.
Endangered Species at Stake
Anderson and Linville supported the Hatchery Co‑Manager Policy (October 2023), which removed protections for wild salmon—a critical food source for orcas—and voted against stricter whale‑watching limits (2020). Confirming them jeopardizes the future of Southern Resident killer whales, wild salmon, and scores of at‑risk species.
Legal Conflicts & Dysfunction
Ms. Linville serves simultaneously on her local school board, violating RCW 77.04.040, which disqualifies any commissioner from holding another elective office. Moreover, both nominees have contributed to the “dysfunction” identified by the Ruckelshaus Report, yet refuse to reform governance or increase accountability and transparency.
Call to Action
Washington’s wildlife depends on a Commission led by independent, ethical and science‑driven commissioners—not special‑interest proxies. Please take action to oppose these two appointments today (or before Friday, April 25th):
- Send your personalized letter now:
Use our action tool to send a personalizable letter to select Senators. It takes just two minutes and will automatically deliver your letter to the Senate Ag & Natural Resources Committee and Senate leadership. - Call or email your Senator directly:
If you live in one of these districts (find your district/Senator here), ask them to oppose these appointments. Use our talking points to help you craft your message.- Mike Chapman (D‑24): mike.chapman@leg.wa.gov / 360‑786‑7646
- Deborah Krishnadasan (D‑6): deborah.krishnadasan@leg.wa.gov / 360‑786‑7650
- Shelly Short (R‑7): shelly.short@leg.wa.gov / 360‑786‑7612
- Marko Liias (D‑21): marko.liias@leg.wa.gov / 360‑786‑7640
- Ron Muzzall (R‑10): ron.muzzall@leg.wa.gov / 360‑786‑7618
- Rebecca Saldaña (D‑37): rebecca.saldana@leg.wa.gov / 360‑786‑7688
- Mark Schoesler (R‑9): mark.schoesler@leg.wa.gov / 360‑786‑7620
- Sharon Shewmake (D‑42): sharon.shewmake@leg.wa.gov / 360‑786‑1909
- Keith Wagoner (R‑39): keith.wagoner@leg.wa.gov / 360‑786‑7676
- Jamie Pedersen (D‑43): jamie.pedersen@leg.wa.gov / 360‑786‑7628
- Marcus Riccelli (D‑3): marcus.riccelli@leg.wa.gov / 360‑786‑7604
Additional Resources
- Ask Gov. Ferguson to Reappoint Qualified Fish & Wildlife Commissioners Who Reflect Washington Values
- Reasons to Oppose the Reappointment of Molly Linville and Jim Anderson to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission
- Statement from Washington Wildlife First on Governor Ferguson’s Appointments to the Fish and Wildlife Commission
Thank You for Taking Action!
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