Breaking news: Lorna Smith and WWF sue WDFW Director and Deputy Director

[Firstgenhunter]

BREAKING: Lawsuit Filed Against WDFW Leadership

A federal lawsuit was filed yesterday against WDFW Director Kelly Susewind and Deputy Director Amy Windrope by Washington Wildlife First, animal rights attorney Claire Loebs Davis, and Commissioner Lorna Smith.
We have never been more disgusted by these groups.

This lawsuit claims WDFW leadership retaliated against critics and violated First Amendment rights.
But here’s what doesn’t sit right:

A sitting commissioner is now suing the director and deputy director, BOTH, individually AND in their official roles
At the same time, that commissioner is aligned with and participating in a lawsuit alongside Washington Wildlife First and Animal & Earth Advocates attorney Claire Loebs Davis — who has built a career challenging WDFW, representing groups like Wild Fish Conservancy and Washington Wildlife First, and opposing many hunting and management policies.

That alone raises serious concerns.
In our view, this situation appears to align with — and may reinforce — concerns that have been raised for months about coordination and potential conflicts of interest between advocacy groups and commission activity.
From our perspective, these individuals and organizations have been at the center of efforts opposing traditional hunting opportunities in Washington — including the spring bear hunt, which Washington Wildlife First has publicly highlighted as a result of its advocacy.

There is documented funding tied to Jody Allen’s Wild Lives Foundation to Davis’ organizations — raising additional questions, in our view, about influence and direction of wildlife policy.
So…
• Is this really about free speech — or advancing a broader agenda?
• What does it mean when a commissioner is working alongside groups suing the agency she helps govern?
• Does this reinforce concerns about potential bias?
And it’s hard to see how Lorna Smith looks like a positive asset to the commission in the eyes of the Governor — especially with an active investigation just days from wrapping up.
We wish the Director and Deputy Director the best and will continue to advocate for justice for the Governor’s Office.
Expect more from us on this Lawsuit soon.

[trophyhunt]

Hate is a strong word to use, I think in this matter it’s appropriate.

[Longfield1]

The L’s just keep coming for her. They’re desperately trying to defend their position but it’s crumbling now. Keep the pressure up and the thanks for keeping us informed.

[Mtnwalker]

She sucks so bad. What a waste of air

[harveymarv]

what a waste of taxpayer money. she and rowland are the least qualified commission members ever appointed. rowland didnt even know the difference between predation and depredation when she started. cuppla karens.

[ghosthunter]

Smith is a train wreck ,

Baker is a sleeper cell, and anyone who thinks these foul commissioners have changed their colors are just fooling them selves.
I see this lawsuit as just another way to muddy the water by Smith and Davis. It is likely a hint that the investigation didn’t go well for them or WWF.

I can only hope.

It would be great if the investigation prompts the removal of the foul commissioners, and the lawsuit gets thrown out.
Smith get vetted by the BAR.

But hey it’s just a dream.

[MADMAX]

Couple of real winners there probably the same ladies that were messing with traps in the Methow and blowing their horn at all the deer hunters

[fishngamereaper]

Impeccable timing

Nothing shows guilty like casting stones and pointing fingers...
The whole gaggle is crooked to the core.

Should get interesting...and when it does heads need to roll. All the way back to Jay and his ilk.

[hunter100]

Use discovery to get to the bottom of this

[baker5150]

Impeccable timing

Nothing shows guilty like casting stones and pointing fingers...
The whole gaggle is crooked to the core.

Should get interesting...and when it does heads need to roll. All the way back to Jay and his ilk.

I agree, the timing was calculated. 

This is most likely just a way to tie up the investigation and delay any action.

[ghosthunter]

So my question. Has Lorna just removed herself from the Commission?

How can anyone sit on the Commission and over see the Departments heads she is now suing.

[baker5150]

So my question. Has Lorna just removed herself from the Commission?

How can anyone sit on the Commission and over see the Departments heads she is now suing.

She may have already been informed of her removal.   

[ghosthunter]

So my question. Has Lorna just removed herself from the Commission?

How can anyone sit on the Commission and over see the Departments heads she is now suing.

She may have already been informed of her removal.   

Please make it so.

[idahohuntr]

So my question. Has Lorna just removed herself from the Commission?

How can anyone sit on the Commission and over see the Departments heads she is now suing.

She may have already been informed of her removal.   

I sure hope so...that would be wonderful.  Its hard to believe if she were staying on that she would do this/rock the boat while she's on thin ice with the Governor.

[HntnFsh]

Thats going to cost WDFW (us) A bunch of money$. What a disgusting narcissist!