Washington Wildlife First

06/22/2026

🚨 Collusion Confidential — Episode 2: An Investigation Built on Speculation 🚨

In the second episode of Collusion Confidential, we take a closer look at the now-infamous Knoll memo—the document used to justify WDFW Director Kelly Susewind’s effort to remove pro-wildlife commissioners from the Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission.

The problem? Its allegations are not grounded in evidence, but in reckless speculation, unsupported assumptions, and defamatory claims about commissioners whose real “offense” was speaking too often with the “wrong” people and expressing the “wrong” viewpoints.

Even more troubling, the Knoll memo was completed the very same day the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance petitioned Governor Ferguson to remove the same commissioners—using strikingly similar allegations and language.

The timing—and the similarities—raise important questions about the extent of cooperation between Susewind and the Sportsmen.

Check out our annotated version of the Knoll memo, so you can see the allegations—and our analysis—for yourself:https://wawildlifefirst.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026.06.22-Annotated-Knoll-Memo.pdf

Watch, share, and stay tuned for Episode 3.

Until then, keep up the fight to protect wildlife—and yes, keep colluding.

06/17/2026

UPDATE 👏 The search for the Mt. Si mother bear has officially been called off, and the trail is set to reopen.

Most importantly, the mother bear and her cubs were not found—meaning this family has, at least for now, been spared from a tragic and deeply unjust outcome.

We express our gratitude to everyone who raised their voices for this mother bear and her cubs by sharing our posts, contacting WDFW, and speaking up for coexistence and compassion. Your advocacy mattered!

Thank you for standing with this bear family—and for continuing to raise your voices for wildlife.
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🚨 ACTION ALERT: Earlier today, a hiker was seriously injured by a black bear on the Mt. Si trail in North Bend after reportedly startling a mother bear and accidentally getting too close to her cubs, prompting a defensive attack to protect her cubs.

WDFW staff have indicated they are attempting to locate the bear and are REQUIRED TO KILL HER(!), orphaning her cubs in the process. Killing a mother bear for doing exactly what evolution and motherhood prepared her to do is not sound wildlife management; it is revenge.

Please contact WDFW Director Kelly Susewind and urge him not to kill this mother bear or her cubs.

📧 [email protected]
📞 360-902-2200

When you call press “1”, to be directed to the WDFW Police, then "5" to speak with the wildlife program, and direct their comments to them. You'll be directed to an “available agent” or, if none are available, you'll be prompted to leave a voicemail.

Defensive behavior is not a justification for ex*****on. Our response cannot always be to kill the wild animal for behaving naturally. We need policies grounded in coexistence, public education, and prevention—not killing.

State wildlife officials are at the scene searching for the animal.

06/15/2026

June 12, 2026 testimony by Francisco J. Santiago-Ávila, Science & Advocacy Director, Washington Wildlife First:

Good morning Commissioners,

I’m Fran Santiago-Ávila, Science & Advocacy Director for Washington Wildlife First. Today, I want to address the clear inequities and discrimination in stakeholder engagement [by the WDFW].

Hunters comprise 2–4% of Washington’s population, yet most of you are hunters, but only one of those under investigation.

The Department’s most influential advisory groups are dominated by hunting, fishing, and industry interests, with 62% of the seats on the Budget Policy Advisory Group; while 70% of the Game Management Advisory Council, which exists to promote hunters’ views, are formally affiliated with hunting organizations. Yet no equivalent body exists for the more than three-quarters of wildlife watchers, and our organization was denied a seat on the Wildlife Diversity Advisory Council despite open seats still available.

Hunters also enjoy privileged access. The GMAC reviewed and commented on chapters of the Game Management Plan more than a year before anyone else, including you. Hunting-centric organizations like the Non-lead Partnership present to you, but independent scientists are rejected. Management openly makes personal calls to hunters to engage with you.

The Director himself has repeatedly stated that being a hunter shapes his approach to this job. He has invited some of you to help manage your non-hunting colleagues, and sought investigations into others for simply engaging with wildlife advocates—likely why some of you have told me that you “shouldn’t be talking to me,” clearly concerned about being targeted for it.

The double standard could not be clearer.

I am again asking you to individually demand an investigation into the Director’s actions against wildlife advocates and commissioners. Silence while this discrimination goes unchecked, and your colleagues are falsely abused for it, betrays your duty to oversee this Department and its leadership.

Thank you.

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission (WFWC) faced scrutiny during its most recent meeting on Friday, as public concerns were voiced about the way in which major

06/15/2026

Along with being Narrows Brewing’s Charity of the Month this June, we’re also thrilled to invite you all to a Giveback Night alongside Indivisible Tacoma on June 22nd!

Join us at the Narrows Brewing on Proctor from 5:30-8:30 pm on Monday, June 22nd and $1 from every pint of beer or glass of wine will support our mission to transform WA wildlife policy to focus on protection and wildlife well-being.

This will be a fun opportunity to connect with fellow wildlife supporters, learn about other social justice initiatives, and celebrate our power to make positive change for wild and human lives. Can’t wait to see you there🍻🦭

06/12/2026

Exciting news 🌟 Washington Wildlife First is being featured as Tacoma Narrows Brewing Charity of the month! Purchase a beer sample and proceeds support our work. 🍻 So head to either Narrows Brewing locations on the waterfront or Proctor anytime this month, enjoy their tasty beer and cheers to improving wildlife protections.