WWF launches public campaign "Not my WDFW" to oust Director Susewind

[Firstgenhunter]

Washington Wildlife First (WW1) has launched a public campaign called “Not My WDFW,” complete with a petition demanding the removal of Director Kelly Susewind.

They claim that Director Susewind is unfit to lead, accusing him of poor leadership and ignoring their priorities. But what they fail to mention is why they’ve turned against him — and what’s really driving this campaign.
This effort follows the Director’s request for the investigation of four WDFW Commissioners — Lehmkuhl, Smith, Rowland, and Baker — after records and communications were uncovered exposing conflicts of interest, coordination with special interest groups, and governance failures. Many of those revelations tie directly back to Washington Wildlife First and Animal & Earth Advocates, both founded by Claire Loebs Davis and financially backed by Jody Allen’s Wild Lives Foundation.

The “Not My WDFW” campaign paints Director Susewind as hostile to reform, yet he has been a champion of non-game biodiversity and conservation within this department, creating new positions and programs that champion these issues. He is one of the few leaders of the Department and Commission that lives by the dual legal mandate of WDFW to preserve, perpetuate, and manage wildlife AND maximize recreational opportunity.
From the Conservation Coalition of Washington’s perspective, it’s clear:

This campaign is not about protecting wildlife or improving agency leadership. It’s about preserving and pushing influence at a time when records, investigations, and public scrutiny have exposed the extent of that influence over the Governor’s office, WDFW Commission appointments, and Commission Policy decisions.

[Firstgenhunter]

This is part of a broader campaign to reform the department and push policy through. They must be trying to push stuff through while they still have the numbers on the commission. It's unlike that Ferguson will reappoint Lorna, Melanie and Lehmkuhl. If you read the website, priorities from them include going after Once in A Lifetime Hunts, getting rid of hatchery production, going after Pheseant oppertunites, and trapping. They are going after everything. Here is a link if you want to see for yourself, its a big website. We've known this for a while, but they are now confirming that they're going after everything. https://wawildlifefirst.org/not-my-wdfw/

[hughjorgan]

The hypocrisy is rich. They are all about science then push all their polls on social science, which I’m sure were all conducted in urban centers.

[idahohuntr]

Susewind has been an extraordinary Director in very challenging times. If these crazies get any traction I hope the silent majority in this state will stick up for him.

[dwils233]

Susewind has been an extraordinary Director in very challenging times. If these crazies get any traction I hope the silent majority in this state will stick up for him.

Most folks that actually support biodiversity efforts would even say he's been a good director- this is literally the most extreme end of the spectrum trying to burn down everything to get only what they want. This isn't "shared wins for mutual benefit" this is "winner takes all" fundamentalism.

And yes, I know they are likely reading this comment, but it's true- they are culture war hackjobs that would rather ruin everything than be a part of actually improving anything at all.

[MtnMuley]

Given what he's been dealt, I will agree that Susewind has done a very good job. Compared to all the other trash leadership in this state, he's definitely one of the good guys.

[HntnFsh]

Absolutely. Agree about Suswind. I dont know how he has held on as long as he has!

[Special T]

Also recognize that Kelly could retire with his 30 years in ANY time he wants. He is a true sportsmens champion because he CHOOSESto stay a play this bs game.

[brokentrail]

I wonder how our community can show support for him and try to get in front of the WWF campaign.  I would love to show him I support him, I am just not sure how to go about that.  Anyone that knows something, by chance?

[Firstgenhunter]

I wonder how our community can show support for him and try to get in front of the WWF campaign.  I would love to show him I support him, I am just not sure how to go about that.  Anyone that knows something, by chance?

A HOWL action to the legislature and the governor's office is being made. We are also asking people to show up to the November commission meeting in Lynwood on November 14th and 15th. People should speak in support of Kelly, continue asking for accountability on the famous 4, what they want to see the commission focus on and prioritize on in the next year, and speaking against WWF. They are now openly admitting that they want to take away everything, gonna be posting something shortly of all their stuff gathered up for people to see.

[RC]

Is Sportsman's Alliance involved in this as well?  Feel they've had a pretty big impact with recent commission issues, but haven't heard as much from them lately.

[Firstgenhunter]

Is Sportsman's Alliance involved in this as well?  Feel they've had a pretty big impact with recent commission issues, but haven't heard as much from them lately.

Yes, they are. The three groups work really closely.

[brokentrail]

I wonder how our community can show support for him and try to get in front of the WWF campaign.  I would love to show him I support him, I am just not sure how to go about that.  Anyone that knows something, by chance?

A HOWL action to the legislature and the governor's office is being made. We are also asking people to show up to the November commission meeting in Lynwood on November 14th and 15th. People should speak in support of Kelly, continue asking for accountability on the famous 4, what they want to see the commission focus on and prioritize on in the next year, and speaking against WWF. They are now openly admitting that they want to take away everything, gonna be posting something shortly of all their stuff gathered up for people to see.

OK, good too know, ty.  November 14/15, 2 days of late buck....