Join Our Zoom next Monday to prepare for the August Wildlife Commission meeting!
Register HERE
Greetings!
The Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission will meet August 13–15 in Long Beach, and if you’ve been thinking about speaking up for wildlife, we’d love to help you prepare.
Please join Washington Wildlife First and the Northwest Animal Rights Network (NARN) for a free virtual workshop on Monday, August 10, from 6:00–7:00 p.m., where we’ll cover everything you need to know to participate in the Commission meeting (registration required). Whether you plan to testify in person or via Zoom—or are simply curious about how the process works—we’ll explain how to register, offer practical tips for delivering effective testimony, and answer any questions you may have.
One of the biggest challenges facing wildlife at Commission meetings isn’t simply disagreement—it’s that the Commission often hears repeatedly from the same interests demanding more exploitation of wildlife, while the many Washingtonians who value wildlife protection remain underrepresented. Public testimony helps ensure the Commission hears from people who care about coexistence, conservation, and responsible wildlife stewardship. Every new voice helps paint a more complete picture of the values Washingtonians want reflected in wildlife policy.
Fish & Wildlife Commission Testimony Prep Workshop
Monday, August 10, 6:00–7:00 p.m. (Zoom)
This month’s Commission meeting is expected to include discussion of proposed changes to the rule governing the killing of wolves attacking domestic animals and Washington’s endangered, threatened, and sensitive species classifications; as well as a commission decision on the protected classification for the state-endangered streaked horned lark. We’ll discuss these and other topics during the workshop and provide attendees with talking points to help prepare their testimony.
If you’ve testified before, we hope you’ll consider joining us as well. Your experience and advice can be incredibly valuable to people preparing to testify for the first time. And if you’re still undecided about speaking at the August meeting, the workshop is a great opportunity to learn more about the Commission, connect with fellow wildlife advocates, and discover new ways to get involved.
We’ll also send another email this Friday, when we expect the Commission agenda to be released, with additional information about the meeting, our talking points, and opportunities to participate.
We hope you’ll join us on August 10 and help ensure wildlife has a stronger voice at the Commission table.
For wild lives,
Francisco J. Santiago-Ávila, PhD
Science & Advocacy Director
Washington Wildlife First
Additional information about the Fish & Wildlife Commission and how to get involved:
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is the citizen-led body that sets policy and provides oversight for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. These decisions shape how wild animals are treated across the state—from wolves and cougars to salmon and habitat.
The Commission meets regularly throughout the year, and during these meetings, there are dedicated periods for open public comment—typically held Friday and Saturday around 8:00–9:30 a.m.—where anyone can speak on any wildlife-related issue. This is one of the most direct and impactful ways to engage in wildlife policy and ensure your values, perspective, and concerns are heard by decision-makers.
Registration to testify usually opens about a week before the meeting and fills quickly. Please save the date now if you’re interested in speaking or showing up in solidarity for wildlife—we’ll send a follow-up as soon as sign-ups open.
Washington Wildlife First is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our EIN is 87-170857
If you would prefer to donate by check, you can mail it to P.O. Box 760, Copalis Crossing, WA 98536—and let us know at info@wawildlifefirst.org that it is on its way so it can count toward the match. If you prefer to donate gifts of securities, property, or through your estate planning, please contact us at info@wawildlifefirst.org or (509) 309-8175.