Little update :

wildlife commission investigation

Governor Bob Ferguson authorized an independent investigation into members of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission in June 2025 following allegations of collusion and violations of state transparency laws. The probe, conducted by Transformative Workplace Investigations, was extended into 2026 to review thousands of records.

Washington State Standard

Core Allegations
The investigation focuses on claims that several commissioners bypassed public meeting requirements and coordinated policy with outside advocacy groups.

Washington State Standard

Collusion Claims: A 10-page internal memo (the Knoll Memo) alleged that commissioners Lorna Smith and Melanie Rowland appeared to collude with Washington Wildlife First on policy matters, posing "serious risks" of favoritism and conflict of interest.
Transparency Violations: The Sportsmen’s Alliance obtained records through a lawsuit suggesting commissioners violated state laws regarding open meetings and records preservation.
Targeted Members: The Sportsmen's Alliance filed a petition for the removal of four commissioners: Barbara Baker, Lorna Smith, Melanie Rowland, and John Lehmkuhl.

Washington State Standard

Key Developments
Director's Request: WDFW Director Kelly Susewind formally requested the inquiry in August 2025 to clear the "cloud of uncertainty" surrounding the commission.

Commissioners' Rebuttal: The targeted commissioners have denied the allegations, calling them "false and defamatory" and stating the inquiry has had a "chilling effect" on their work.
Recent Lawsuit: In April 2026, a commissioner filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Director Susewind, alleging retaliation for criticizing his leadership.

Tensions at Meetings: Recent Commission Meetings have seen public calls for both the resignation of commissioners and the firing of the agency director.

Washington State Standard

Timeline of Events

Date Event

Nov 2022 Commission votes to end spring black bear hunting, sparking the initial controversy.

May 2025 Sportsmen's Alliance receives thousands of public records following a lawsuit.

June 2025 Gov. Ferguson hires an independent investigator.
Aug 2025 Director Susewind formally requests the investigation; Ferguson publicly acknowledges it.

Feb 2026 The "Knoll Memo" detailing alleged collusion is made public.

April 2026 Commissioner files a retaliation lawsuit against the WDFW director.