WA Governor Inslee’s Final Fish and Wildlife Commission Appointments Sabotage the Incoming Administration

Governor Inslee’s decisions tarnish his environmental legacy by marginalizing Tribal input, representative government, and the independent oversight of wildlife management.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 12, 2025

 

Contact: Dan Wilson, Co-Chair Washington Chapter, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

509-434-4523 | [email protected]

 

Olympia, Washington— In the last days of his 12-year term, Governor Jay Inslee has taken a final step to undermine the public trust in Washington’s wildlife management system. By pushing through last-minute appointments to the Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Governor has side-stepped feedback from Washington's conservationists, ignored critical input from Tribal co-managers, weakened the democratic process, and disregarded the very laws guiding these appointments. The decision comes after years of escalating politicization and controversy surrounding state wildlife management, often spurred by the governor’s overreach.

“The outgoing Governor’s midnight appointments have abandoned any semblance of transparency or stakeholder input,” said Dan Wilson, Co-Chair for the Washington Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA). “These actions aren’t just disappointing; they’re an affront to the very principles of accountable governance and responsible wildlife management. What Governor Inslee has done is ensure that the public, Tribes, and essential communities are ignored in these appointments - again.”

Governor Inslee’s decision making directly contradicts the recommendations of the William D. Ruckleshaus Center’s WDFW Organizational Review, which identified significant dysfunction and lack of meaningful Tribal engagement within the Commission. The review—which was issued in December 2024—highlighted the pressing need for leadership correction, including improved Tribal relations and governance improvement, including the appointment process. Instead of letting the next Governor and pending legislature address these critical issues, Governor Inslee has advanced conflict and division in wildlife management.

“The decision to push through these appointments instead of ceding the opportunity to Governor-elect Ferguson will only cultivate further controversy,” Wilson continued. “Governor Inslee held the responsibility to select Commissioners for three terms. This overreach undermines any governors’ authority and agency to course-correct the Commission through 2030.”

While Washington BHA will continue to work with all appointed commissioners who seek to advance the best interests of Washington’s wildlife, this process severely undermines both representative government and independent civilian oversight. The Washington Chapter insists that the Senate reject these last-minute appointments and allow Governor-elect Ferguson to appoint commissioners through an open, transparent, and inclusive process that honors the people, fish, and wildlife of the state in accordance with existing laws.

"The Ruckelshaus Review offered three pathways for Commission improvement, including the conversion of the Department into a cabinet agency," Wilson added. "These final actions by Governor Inslee show exactly why that’s the wrong solution. He has demonstrated why wildlife management must not be at the mercy of political pressures. What we need is a process that truly reflects the needs of state wildlife, lands, and residents. That process starts with letting the Governor-elect chart a new path through his appointments.”

About the William D. Ruckleshaus Center’s WDFW Organizational Review The Review, commissioned by the Washington State Senate and released in December 2024, identified significant issues with individual behaviors and the current governance structure of the Fish and Wildlife Commission. The review recommended three pathways: maintaining the status quo, pursuing legislative reforms, or making the Department of Fish and Wildlife a cabinet agency. The review specifically highlighted critical failures in Tribal relations and accountability, underscoring the need for legislative corrections to improve Commission efficacy. The Washington Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Co-chairs participated in the Ruckelshaus Review process.

About Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the sportsmen’s voice for our wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. With chapters across North America, BHA brings together like-minded individuals dedicated to preserving access, conserving habitat, and promoting the principles of fair chase. Learn more about our work at www.backcountryhunters.org. In 2024, BHA recognized Washington as Chapter of the Year for its actions in outreach, education, and conservation on behalf of our public lands, waters, and wildlife. For more information about the Washington Chapter of BHA, visit www.backcountryhunters.org/washington

Media Contact

Mandy Carlstrom, Communications Manager Washington Chapter, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

509-434-4523 | [email protected]

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