Action Alert - Action needed on Jennings replacement

[Hunter4Life]

There was no way that we were going to be able to remove Kehne and Jennings from the Commission.  Kehne when it comes to issues other than wolves is not a bad commissioner.  He has been solid behind the hunting community on non-wolf related issues.  David Jennings may have been the worst wildlife commissioner in the country.  Here is what one eco group said about Jennings.

David Jennings was appointed to the WA Fish & Wildlife Commission by Governor Gregoire in 2009. The nine-member Commission’s role is to establish policy and direction for fish and wildlife management in the state, and to monitor WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife’s implementation of those policies. During that time, David has been the voice of Washington's many citizens who value passive recreation and wildlife protection. He is a strong proponent of watchable wildlife, fish and wildlife conservation, increasing the relevancy of the Department of Fish and Wildlife to more than just the hunters and fishers, and protecting the privilege of future generations to enjoy Washington’s diverse fish and wildlife

David has been a longtime supporter of Wild Fish Conservancy and our efforts here in the Northwest. He has been especially influential as an advocate for bringing the science of conservation ecology to the Fish & Wildlife Commission.

"Increasing relevancy of the Department to more than just the hunters and fishers" says it all.  Now is the time to take action.  We need to support Jim Cook as Jennings replacement.  Cook is an avid hunter, a SCI member, and a rancher.  With Cook's background, he will be able to gather the support of the ranchers and the agricultural communities.  Cook has been endorsed by both the Hunters Heritage Council and Washingtonians for Wildlife Conservation.  He is close friends with Senate Natural Resources Chairman Kirk Pearson.  He also has the backing of some pro-hunting Democrats.  Cook has a solid background to get an appointment by the governor, and the political support from enough groups to pass state senate confirmation.  We as hunters need to send emails to the governor's office.  The person to send them to is JT Austin.  She has been great to work with and been very fair and open.  Her email address is:  jt.austin@gov.wa.gov.

[pianoman9701]

This should be moved to the WDFW and Conservation Board.

I wrote an email to JT:

Dear JT,

I'm writing to endorse Jim Cook as the replacement for the newly vacated seat on the WA Wildlife Commission. Mr. Cook has been a hunter, fisherman, and conservationist for most of his life. He also has the unique perspective of a cattleman, an industry which experiences many effects of the commission's rules and plans.

I'm a master hunter and Hunter Education instructor for our great state and believe as most people do that responsible and ethical hunting is perhaps the greatest tool of our Department of Fish & Wildlife to manage wildlife and the conservation of our resources. I've volunteered many days of time to habitat restoration, I've studied conservation, and I'm intimately involved with the wildlife and wildlife management of our state. It is my humble opinion that Mr. Cook would be a perfect candidate for the commission. I believe it's important to have hunter/conservationists on the commission, as hunters and fishers pay so many of the state's wildlife bills through their licenses, the Discover Pass, and through voluntary taxes paid into the federal Pittman Robertson fund, which comes back to us in the form of grants for habitat restoration and other hunting-related concerns, such as Hunter Education.

Thanks so much for your consideration of my thoughts. I look forward to hearing back from you on our Governor's choice to fill this seat.

--
Most Sincerely,
John W

[Hunter4Life]

Thank you for a great letter.  It is very well-worded, forceful, but extremely polite.   

[huntrights]

The Governor’s office has received many emails in support of Jim Cook and has graciously requested that we stop sending the emails.  They have received a clear message from Washington hunters, fishermen, and ranchers that Jim Cook is a preferred candidate for the position.

Please let others on your contact lists that no further emails on this matter are needed.

Thanks to all that took action to make our voices heard.


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The Commissioners who make up the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission are important to all hunters and anglers; their decisions affect all of us.  It is extremely important that the Commissioners who are appointed to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission be knowledgeable and supportive of hunting and fishing with an understanding the valuable contributions that hunting and fishing bring to this state and its wildlife. 

Please write your email to JT Austin to endorse Jim Cook for his appointment to the Commission.

jt.austin@gov.wa.gov

Here is another sample email.  You should try to compose the email somewhat in your own words, but feel free to use the main ideas that have been presented here.



Dear Ms. Austin,

I am writing today to endorse Jim Cook as the replacement Commissioner for the newly vacated seat on the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission.  Mr. Cook is also endorsed by conservation organizations for which I have a great deal of respect.  Some of Mr. Cook’s background, that I am aware of, includes being an avid hunter and fisherman since childhood.  I believe it is extremely important that all wildlife Commissioners have a strong foundation and knowledge of hunting and fishing and what those activities bring to the state in the form of wildlife conservation, wildlife management, and revenue.  Mr. Cook also has experience in various elected positions including that of Skagit County PUD Commissioner.  I believe it is important that our wildlife Commissioners have a strong understanding of what it takes to responsibly serve in the public interest.

I believe Jim Cook will bring the necessary knowledge, experience, and the ability serve responsibly as a Commissioner on the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission.  Please promote Jim Cook’s appointment to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,



To learn more about the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, visit their website:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/

"While the Commission has several responsibilities, its primary role is to establish policy and direction for fish and wildlife species and their habitats in Washington and to monitor the Department's implementation of the goals, policies and objectives established by the Commission. The Commission also classifies wildlife and establishes the basic rules and regulations governing the time, place, manner, and methods used to harvest or enjoy fish and wildlife."

[huntrights]

The Governor’s office has received many emails in support of Jim Cook and has graciously requested that we stop sending the emails.  They have received a clear message from Washington hunters, fishermen, and ranchers that Jim Cook is a preferred candidate for the position.

Please let others on your contact lists that no further emails on this matter are needed.

Thanks to all that took action to make our voices heard.

[pianoman9701]

I guess Jim is a shoe-in, then? Glad to see so many responded.

[huntrights]

I guess Jim is a shoe-in, then? Glad to see so many responded.

We hope so.  We do know that our message was heard.