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Delay of commission investigation+Lorna Smith finally defending hunting???

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Firstgenhunter:
Another extension in the investigation into the 4 WDFW Commissioners- Lehmkuhl, Smith, Rowland, and Baker.
This latest extension only runs through next Monday, April 13, making it the shortest extension so far after several delays. That could mean things are finally wrapping up.

There’s also a big question hanging over this:

Did the lawsuit from Washington Wildlife First, Claire Davis and Lorna Smith, play a role in this timing?

We don’t know.

As of last Friday, leadership at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife — including the Director and Deputy Director — had not been served, which makes the overlap between the lawsuit and this extension even more unclear.

What we do know is this:

Lawsuits like this can complicate an active investigation. They can slow timelines, shift priorities, and influence how and when information is released.

And while many are focused on next Monday, it’s important to be clear:

The investigation wrapping up does NOT mean an immediate decision. It could mean several things: it could be when the final report is finished by the investigator, when the Governor’s office will have it in hand, or Ferguson is ready to make a call.

There is no guaranteed timeline for when a decision will be made. This is something that can play out over weeks or months.

Conservation Coalition of Washington has already submitted multiple public records requests related to communications surrounding this investigation.

And we’re not done.

We will be submitting a FOIA request for the full investigative report next week.

This extension actually gives more time to gather and submit additional records — and this round will go even further, focusing on communications tied to these entities and their roles within Jay Inslee’s administration. With what was pulled last week- we will make sure as we can that Ferguson has the full scope of information about what is really going on before any final decision is made.

Firstgenhunter:
A recently surfaced email from Lorna Smith to the governor’s natural resources advisor, Owen Rowe, sheds some interesting light on timing and tone.

In it, she urges that the investigation be sped up, stating the delay is harming the Commission’s ability to carry out its work — including the responsibility to:
“preserve, protect, perpetuate and manage fish and wildlife and to provide opportunity for fishing, hunting and recreation.”

That language matters.

Because for many of us, this is the first time we’ve seen or heard her put that much emphasis on the opportunity side of the dual mandate — specifically hunting and fishing.

Maybe it exists elsewhere. Maybe we just haven’t seen it. Or ever heard it from her mouth.

But the timing is uncanny.

Right as an investigation is underway, suddenly there’s strong language around opportunity for hunters and anglers — the very communities that have often felt sidelined by her.

Draw your own conclusions.

ELKBURGER:
THANK YOU for keeping us updated on this!

ghosthunter:
Smith Baker, and crew want to become sleeper cells to surface later. No way their non consumption agenda has changed in any way.

I see no path for trust by the public or staff going forward with these foul commissioner’s still holding seats. It’s past time to send them packing.

timberfaller:
Just as a Leopard can't change its spots, so goes these type of people!!  The "creature's" who have been ruling Olympia and forcing the rest of us to comply, have no credibility any more.  As the ole saying goes, actions speak louder then words!!

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