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

[CarbonHunter]

Might this be an attempt to get Kelly Susewind to retire? They are suing him individually and if he has to hire an attorney it might be a harassment strategy to get him to retire. They would love to pick a new Director while the four still have some influence. Next year they might not have much say in a replacement if two of them are gone.

I’m pretty sure the state is on the hook to pay his legal bills even if they sue him personally given the alleged misconduct happened in an official role.   

[HntnFsh]

That would be my bet!

[TriggerMike]

Doesn't the governor pick the director?

[Humptulips]

The Commission appoints the Director since 1994.

[Westside88]

These commissioners (hopefully soon ex commissioners) were either too dumb or too arrogant (probably both) to even come close to following the law. This is nothing more than attempt to deflect blame. It’s basically the equivalent of a criminal suing a detective for harassment. I hope the state not only defends the director they should also pursue charges for fraud over the billing that occurred. Don’t settle, beat their ass in court

[EnglishSetter]

When you don't like the message, attack the messenger.

[CarbonHunter]

Has anyone seen anything on the local news about this?  I see the reports of a dead whale but nothing about this lawsuit and I think everyone should be aware of the crap that these commission members and animal rights groups are pulling.

[ghosthunter]

I watched news yesterday start to finish on 5 and 7.

Not a word. Being Easter week they might need more time to catch up and request interviews with participants.

However I have not seen a lot of coverage up till now on the whole mess. Almost like it’s being ignored.

[NWR]

Today's Spokane Paper. Article by Jerry Cornfield (really? .. yes it's Cornfield) Washington State Standard.  ... so I looked up this publication and reporter. Never had heard of it before. Not sure of its slant. Maybe someone can enlighten me on the value/slant of this publication .. appears to be digital only.

[HikerHunter]

did you take a picture of the rest of the article?

[NWR]

Sorry no. Not sure if I should post pictures of news articles? Maybe I can get a link. Not real sharp on that stuff. 

Don't see how to link that article. Maybe you can access the digital copy of the paper. Headline and that text was on the last page (page eight) of the April 5 Outdoor's section. Then the second part (text) was on page seven.

[Bullkllr]

did you take a picture of the rest of the article?

Found a link:

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/apr/03/wa-fish-and-wildlife-commissioner-accuses-agency-d/

[Elkaholic daWg]

  From the Sportsmens Alliance FB page


Sportsmen's Alliance
 is with conservation_coalition_of_wa and
19 others
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16h
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KNOLL MEMO: "Aside from the transparency concern, records management and the gathering of records responsive to public records requests become problematic when records come from personal emails and devices. WDFW must trust that the Commissioners are providing all relevant records from their personal accounts and devices when requested. In the past, and currently during a pending public records lawsuit filed in 2025, it is not entirely clear that Rowland and/or Smith have been forthcoming with their responsive records. As stated before, Rowland refused to provide records unless forced. This attitude regarding public records requests is simply inexcusable and flies in the face of the RCW 42.56 et seq. ...
...  In other words, to Smith, the end justified the means. This is particularly troubling because all Commissioners are bound to uphold the terms and conditions of the CRP and the OPMA, regardless of personal opinion. In fact, the OPMA imposes monetary sanctions for violations, despite what may have amounted to good intentions. Smith’s objection to wise counsel regarding the webinar event shows a lack of judgment on her part. The second fact that jumps off the page to me is Smith’s assertion that all Commission members can attend without violating the OPMA because they are not visible on the webinar. This is simply dishonest behavior. It makes no difference whether the Commission members can be seen or not, the point is that if more than five attend, this could be considered official business action. A Commissioner should always be above reproach, even when nobody is thought to be looking. Based on Smith’s analysis above, I wonder in what other ways she has bent procedure and/or laws to fit her perception of justifiable conduct. Quite possibly, she may have also stretched the truth about her responses regarding public record requests.
#SportsmensAlliance
#WeFightForYou

[KNOPHISH]

Is today the day we find out something, anything? Slap on the wrist, firing, charges? Or more delays in punishment.

[HikerHunter]

I think the Spokesman's article says the 13th