Sportsman Alliance files petition to Gov Ferguson for removal of corrupt WA Wildlife Commissioners

[TriggerMike]

Alot to unpack here but it looks like it has some serious teeth for removing Baker, Smith, Lehmkuhl and Rowland. They have documents showing corruption and that these Commissioners broke state law by holding secret meetings and excluding the public and tribes from fish and wildlife decisions.


First link is the SA statement on their petition.

https://sportsmensalliance.org/news/saf-petitions-washington-governor-for-removal-of-commissioners/


Second link is the actual petition to the Governor with documents and emails from the Commissioners that SA acquired through the Public Records Act.


https://sportsmensalliance.org/news/petition-to-remove-commissioners-barbara-baker-john-lehmkuhl-lorna-smith-and-melanie-rowland-from-the-fish-and-wildlife-commission-under-rcw-43-06-070/

[Jake Dogfish]

I don’t see it happening, but good luck anyway.

[ghosthunter]

Excellent hope it works.

[nwmein199]

Happy to hear someone is trying to remove these commissioners. Hopefully this pisses off the tribes and they push for the removal of these commissioners as well

[Scruffy]

It would be nice but as corrupt as Fergie is signing unconstitutional bills into law.  I just don't see him caring about a couple corrupt commissioners.

[Special T]

Don't be so pessimistic. This could be an opportunity. Aside from Baker none of these folks are well connected to the Dem party. The tribes appear to hate Melanie and Lorna is an easy target.

[dwils233]

Even if the governor isn't legally compelled to remove them, they won't get reappointed with this kind of stink on them....as a long play this is helpful too

[TriggerMike]

Ferguson already rescinded multiple appointments. He wants to shape the commission in his vision, which so far seems much more sportsman friendly and sane than Inslee was. This is all he needs to either remove or at least not re-appoint any of these crazy anti hunters. I've been more optimistic about the future of hunting and fishing in WA in the last 6 weeks than I have been in the last 6 years for sure.

[Bushcraft]

Being Governor of Washington state is a notch in his political belt, but let's not forget that Ferguson's goal is to be a U.S. Senator.

As Washington's percentage of voters that don't consider themselves Democrats or Republican grows, the more he will depend on moderate voters to achieve his goal.  If he's smart, and he most certainly is, then he should recognize the value of the moderates in the hunting and fishing communities (to include tribes) that might help tip the odds of him winning the election firmly in his favor.  If he floods the Commission with non-consumptive clowns like Ragan, Smith, Rowland, Lemkuhl, Baker, etc., then he will absolutely alienate a whole bunch of consumptive use voters.

[Twispriver]

I'm looking forward to reading the governor's response.

[Moose Master]

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/may/17/hunting-advocates-petition-for-removal-of-four-was/

Here is another perception from the east side paper.  The agency needs rebuilding

[hughjorgan]

I'm looking forward to reading the governor's response.

If he responds….

“ There is no time limit on how long Governor Ferguson can consider the petition before taking action. Nor is there a requirement that the governor answer the petition one way or the other. Meanwhile, the SAF lawsuit to compel production of insider communications continues, with more activity expected on that case in coming weeks”

https://sportsmensalliance.org/news/saf-petitions-washington-governor-for-removal-of-commissioners/

[TriggerMike]

I'm looking forward to seeing the tens of thousands of documents that have yet to be turned over made public. I'm sure it will only get worse for them.

[jstone]

It will be like when Jay was supposed to turn stuff in and Tax payers just paid the fine

[actionshooter]

 I'm only 20 pages in and there is some pretty interesting reading in the petition documents... seems they knew or had a pretty good idea what they were doing was illegal or at least potentially cause some problems later.

[Limhangerslayer]

Being Governor of Washington state is a notch in his political belt, but let's not forget that Ferguson's goal is to be a U.S. Senator.

As Washington's percentage of voters that don't consider themselves Democrats or Republican grows, the more he will depend on moderate voters to achieve his goal.  If he's smart, and he most certainly is, then he should recognize the value of the moderates in the hunting and fishing communities (to include tribes) that might help tip the odds of him winning the election firmly in his favor.  If he floods the Commission with non-consumptive clowns like Ragan, Smith, Rowland, Lemkuhl, Baker, etc., then he will absolutely alienate a whole bunch of consumptive use voters.

You nailed it Allen, anti hunting is super low on his political agenda!  He’s hoping to win a bunch of moderate votes in the long run. 

[dreamingbig]

I like the heat the SA is bringing.


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[10heiau]

I like the heat the SA is bringing.


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I do as well! I don’t have a lot of money to give to conservation organizations. Based completely on their track record of direct involvement with issues surrounding the commission I have funneled all of my annual conservation org donations to The Sportsman’s Alliance. I’m incredibly happy to see them leading the charge on this still. To all hunters with connections to Washington hunting: I recommend you contribute to The Sportsman’s Alliance! When you do, let them know it’s in support of the good work they are doing in Washington state!
Edit: spelling