Ferguson appoints Molly Linville, Jim Anderson and Victor Garcia to WDFW

[Bushcraft]

https://governor.wa.gov/news/2025/governor-ferguson-appoints-molly-linville-jim-anderson-and-victor-garcia-washington-department-fish

OLYMPIA – Governor Bob Ferguson announced today the reappointments of Molly Linville and Jim Anderson and the appointment of Victor Garcia to serve on the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Commission. The three appointees will begin serving as Commissioners immediately while they await confirmation by the Washington state Senate.

The three appointments come after Governor Ferguson requested the Senate return two appointments by Gov. Jay Inslee that were still pending Senate approval. The Senate unanimously approved sending the appointments back.

The governor made this request in light of the Ruckelshaus report, and outreach from multiple individuals, entities, and tribes in order to conduct a thorough appointment process and carefully evaluate all eligible candidates. After the Senate agreed to call back the appointments, the governor had 60 days to offer new ones.

The Ruckelshaus report raised several concerns about the commission, including the appointment process. From the report: “Many referred to the Commission as being dysfunctional, politically polarized, and caught up in conflict. When asked how to address these issues, some proposed eliminating the Commission and moving to an entirely new governance structure.”

The nine-member Fish & Wildlife Commission establishes policies to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. These policies must be compatible with healthy and diverse fish and wildlife populations. The commission’s governor-appointed members serve six-year terms. The commission holds meetings and hearings around the state and offers opportunities for the public to weigh in on fish and wildlife issues.

Garcia, an educator and former commercial fisherman, is new to the commission. Linville, a rancher and wildlife biologist, and Anderson, who has worked in natural resources for four decades, have previously served on the commission.

“Molly, Jim and Victor offer deep and varied experience, as well as unique perspectives to the Fish & Wildlife Commission,” Ferguson said. “The Ruckelshaus report raised serious concerns about the commission, and we believe these individuals will help to address those issues.”

Governor Ferguson chose today’s appointees after an extensive interview process, utilizing a diverse interview panel to evaluate all of the 14 eligible individuals who applied for the Commission over the past year.


About the appointees

Anderson has worked in natural resources for the past four decades, including working with two Indian Tribes prior to his time with the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. He was originally appointed to the commission in July of 2019. He graduated from Washington State University in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and earned a master’s degree in the same in 1978. Anderson is an active fisher, hunter and outdoor recreationalist.

Garcia has taught AP Biology and other science courses for several Washington school districts, including Anacortes, Mount Vernon and Ocosta. After growing up in Grays Harbor, he also worked as a commercial fisherman in Alaska and a field biologist on both coasts. He has a bachelor’s degree in marine zoology from the University of Washington and a master’s in science education from Vanderbilt University.

Linville was also originally appointed to the commission in July of 2019. She is a Douglas County rancher and farmer from a fifth-generation wheat and barley farm near Reardan in Lincoln County. She holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology from the University of Montana and worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a wildlife biologist and a wildlife refuge manager. She began a master’s program at Washington State University before taking over a 100-year-old, 6,000-acre cattle ranch near Wenatchee with her husband David after her father-in-law’s death.

[WSU]

Am I reading this right?  This sounds like a real good thing?!

[high_hunter]

Dang, sounds like good news for sure. Glad to hear about Linville and Anderson! 

[Jake Dogfish]

Wow!  I don’t know anything about the new guy, but it’s great to get Linville back and Anderson re-appointed. 

[Bushcraft]

Am I reading this right?  This sounds like a real good thing?!

Correct.  You're not hallucinating. 

[MADMAX]

I’m hoping it’s a good thing

[WSU]

Am I reading this right?  This sounds like a real good thing?!

Correct.  You're not hallucinating. 

I was honestly second guessing myself and wondering if these were different people.  Good news!

[Sundance]

This is a huge win for hunters, anglers, and trappers. Congrats to those who were reappointed and new. Now we wait for December 2026, those two seats need to be flipped in a bad way. Things are looking better, and if the selection team from the governors office was any indication, we are going to keep improving in the years to come.

[dwils233]

Downright giddy over his choices here, especially considering the alternatives. Don't know Victor, but if he's got an American Water Spaniel, he's gotta have some hunting cred. That's not a dog I've ever seen outside the hunting community

[Rainier10]

Great news.

[jackelope]

Fantastic news.

[actionshooter]

 This has been taking a 180* turn from where we were heading.....  at this rate we might even get spring bear back in a couple years!   

[Moose Master]

So Ferguson needs a "Thank you " card. 

And yes I being serious

[WoolyRunner]

So Ferguson needs a "Thank you " card. 

And yes I being serious

I know! I’m actually speechless.

[fishngamereaper]

Id probably thank the tribes before Ferguson.

It's a good start at re balancing...got a little ways to go ..

Sundance... hopefully you made an impression.