collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: Republicans push to oust newly appointed Wildlife Commissioner  (Read 6191 times)

Offline jager

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jan 2009
  • Posts: 1238
Republicans push to oust newly appointed Wildlife Commissioner
« on: January 04, 2012, 10:21:42 PM »
By K.C. Mehaffey
World staff writer

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

OKANOGAN — A newly appointed member of the state Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission from Omak is under fire by Okanogan County Republicans, who say he’s a “wolf advocate” and does not reflect Eastern Washington views.

Jay Kehne was appointed by Gov. Chris Gregoire in December.

The Republicans have asked Okanogan County commissioners to object to Kehne’s appointment, and call for his resignation due to a conflict of interest.

On Tuesday, all three commissioners signed a letter to the governor and state senators seeking his removal.

Kehne said he sees no conflict in working for Conservation Northwest and serving on the Wildlife Commission, and said that he’ll join the commission for his first meeting this week.

“I’ve lived in Eastern Washington most of my life, and recognize rural county values,” he said.

Before becoming Okanogan County’s outreach associate for Conservation Northwest in 2009, Kehne worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service for 11 years, and its Soil Conservation Service for 20 years. He’s lived in Eastern Washington for 44 years.

He said his work with Conservation Northwest has included traveling around the state giving talks about wolves, and trying to get an underpass for mule deer on Highway 97 between Riverside and Tonasket.

“If you look at this issue with wolves, it was a mix of Eastern and Western Washington commissioners, and it passed unanimously. That says to me that this Commission did a good job looking at the facts and figures, and listening to comments. They passed the plan, which is what has to happen before we get on with living with wolves,” he said.

He added that his work for Conservation Northwest included work to put together a volunteer group to help state officials figure out what wolves are eating, and help document any livestock killed so ranchers can be compensated.

“I don’t work for a bunch of radical terrorists. I work for a group that believes strongly in wildlife conservation, and realizes that communities are a large part of where this all happens,” he said.

He’s the first Okanogan County resident to be named to the nine-member board since Terry Karro, a Winthrop lawyer who served from 1985 to 1997.

Jon Wyss, the Okanogan County Republican Party’s state committeeman, said the main issue is not with Kehne.

“Jay Kehne is a good guy. He really is. But you can’t sit on a Fish and Wildlife Commission and represent Eastern Washington when the organization that writes your paycheck espouses everything that is opposite” to the area represented.

Wyss said in addition to its support of wolves, Conservation Northwest has pushed for the purchase of private land for wildlife conservation.

He said both the Okanogan County Farm Bureau and Coalition for Property Rights met recently to support the effort to remove Kehne from the Wildlife Commission. Wyss is president of both organizations.

Joel Kretz, a Republican state representative from Okanogan County, called Conservation Northwest, “an extremist environmental group,” and pointed to its executive director, Mitch Friedman, who once belonged to the radical group Earth First!, and admitted in a speech to being arrested for civil disobedience.

“He locked up the Loomis Forest, and he’s got a 30-year history of litigation over timber sales,” Kretz said. And, it supported the state’s plans to recover wolves in Washington.

The county’s anti-wolf stance is well known. In August, Okanogan County commissioners passed a resolution asking the state to delist the gray wolf, and consider it instead a “deleterious exotic wildlife.”

“I would say if you put them up against the values of Eastern Washington, their values are pretty extreme,” Kretz said.

Kretz said Kehne also doesn’t represent Eastern Washington views. “Jay went around the state and spent the last year promoting wolves,” he said. “To me, it’s just insulting that he would be appointed to an Eastern Washington position.”

Friedman said he thinks Okanogan County Republicans are just upset that a wolf recovery plan is now in place, and the debate is over.

He said he weathered all of the same attacks in the mid-1990s, when Okanogan County Republicans were worked up over a proposed international park, and started, he said, seeing black helicopters.

“I don’t think this is about me. I think it’s about them. Every 15 years, the right wing of Okanogan County has to show just how out of touch it is, and I’m their whipping boy,” he said.

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2012/jan/04/republicans-push-to-oust-newly-appointed-wildlife/

Offline denali

  • Washington For Wildlife
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: May 2009
  • Posts: 2212
  • Location: Tri Cities
    • https://www.facebook.com/bret.greene
Re: Republicans push to oust newly appointed Wildlife Commissioner
« Reply #1 on: January 04, 2012, 10:47:46 PM »
Thanks for the link Jager, this whole wolf issue will decided by local politics despite what ever "wolf plan" suburbanites desire.



jager you are not allowed to change your avatar.... it's a forum rule  :chuckle:
Honesty is the best policy,  but insanity is a better defense.

Offline sebek556

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 2603
  • Location: ne,wa
Re: Republicans push to oust newly appointed Wildlife Commissioner
« Reply #2 on: January 04, 2012, 11:01:03 PM »
 :tup: hope they get his forth point of contact booted out!

Offline SnakeEyes

  • Real Estate Broker
  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Scout
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2009
  • Posts: 421
  • Location: La Center, WA
    • John L Scott Real Estate
  • Groups: Washington for Wildlife
Re: Republicans push to oust newly appointed Wildlife Commissioner
« Reply #3 on: January 05, 2012, 09:37:05 AM »
I sent another message to my senator.
Steve Marshall - John L Scott Real Estate

Selling Homes and Acreage in SW Washington

Offline Camp David

  • Washington For Wildlife
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2011
  • Posts: 941
  • Location: Elk WA
Re: Republicans push to oust newly appointed Wildlife Commissioner
« Reply #4 on: January 05, 2012, 09:49:41 AM »
"He added that his work for Conservation Northwest included work to put together a volunteer group to help state officials figure out what wolves are eating, and help document any livestock killed so ranchers can be compensated.

I'll help them narrow it down…...It's not carrots and broccoli  :bash:

Don't spend your last day on earth saying "I wish I would have"

Offline Curly

  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Legend
  • ******
  • Join Date: Mar 2007
  • Posts: 20921
  • Location: Thurston County
Re: Republicans push to oust newly appointed Wildlife Commissioner
« Reply #5 on: January 05, 2012, 10:06:54 AM »
It is good that the 3 commissioners are requesting the removal of this apparent wolf lover, but how can they sleep at night after approving the WDFW wolf mismanagement plan?
May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.

><((((º>` ><((((º>. ><((((º>.¸><((((º>

Offline bearpaw

  • Family, Friends, Outdoors
  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+10)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 38509
  • Location: Idaho<->Colville
  • "Rather Be Cougar Huntin"
    • http://www.facebook.com/DaleDenney
    • Bearpaw Outfitters
  • Groups: NRA, SCI, F4WM, NWTF, IOGA, MOGA, CCOC, BBB, RMEF, WSTA, WSB
Re: Republicans push to oust newly appointed Wildlife Commissioner
« Reply #6 on: January 05, 2012, 10:15:27 AM »
"He added that his work for Conservation Northwest included work to put together a volunteer group to help state officials figure out what wolves are eating, and help document any livestock killed so ranchers can be compensated.

I'll help them narrow it down…...It's not carrots and broccoli  :bash:

 :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:  :tup:
Americans are systematically advocating, legislating, and voting away each others rights. Support all user groups & quit losing opportunity!

http://bearpawoutfitters.com Guided Hunts, Unguided, & Drop Camps in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wash. Hunts with tags available (no draw needed) for spring bear, fall bear, bison, cougar, elk, mule deer, turkey, whitetail, & wolf! http://trophymaps.com DIY Hunting Maps are also offered

Offline buckfvr

  • Washington For Wildlife
  • Trade Count: (+7)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 4515
  • Location: UNGULATE FREE ZONE UNIT 121
Re: Republicans push to oust newly appointed Wildlife Commissioner
« Reply #7 on: January 05, 2012, 10:16:55 AM »
It is good that the 3 commissioners are requesting the removal of this apparent wolf lover, but how can they sleep at night after approving the WDFW wolf mismanagement plan?

With one eye open.......no doubt......... :yeah:

Offline Wenatcheejay

  • Past Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Sep 2008
  • Posts: 4723
Re: Republicans push to oust newly appointed Wildlife Commissioner
« Reply #8 on: January 05, 2012, 10:21:32 AM »
It is nice to have Commissioners who support the region in this. It may be that is where the battle is better fought.
MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.

Offline DoubleJ

  • YAR Nutcracker
  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Feb 2010
  • Posts: 8550
  • Location: Shelton, WA
Re: Republicans push to oust newly appointed Wildlife Commissioner
« Reply #9 on: January 05, 2012, 10:22:09 AM »
Bearpaw, bigtex, anyone with knowledge, is there any way the wolf plan can be overturned?  I've written my rep multiple times and have heard nothing back.

Offline wraithen

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2011
  • Posts: 2041
  • Location: JBLMish
Re: Republicans push to oust newly appointed Wildlife Commissioner
« Reply #10 on: January 05, 2012, 10:32:19 AM »
State congress is planning on trumping the whole deal with state level legislation. No clue if it will work though.
the head has been lopped of the eagle.our country has become a nation of losers,them that feed on the teet and can do no more than suckle from them that toil. ~ Rasbo

Offline Elkaholic daWg

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Posts: 6067
  • Location: Arlington Wa / Rock n Roll-Kelly Hill
Re: Republicans push to oust newly appointed Wildlife Commissioner
« Reply #11 on: January 05, 2012, 10:57:41 AM »
It is good that the 3 commissioners are requesting the removal of this apparent wolf lover, but how can they sleep at night after approving the WDFW wolf mismanagement plan?



 COUNTY Commissioners, not DFW. In his home county,no less
Blue Ribbon Coalition
CCRKBA
SAF
NRA                        
Go DaWgs!!

Offline bearpaw

  • Family, Friends, Outdoors
  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+10)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 38509
  • Location: Idaho<->Colville
  • "Rather Be Cougar Huntin"
    • http://www.facebook.com/DaleDenney
    • Bearpaw Outfitters
  • Groups: NRA, SCI, F4WM, NWTF, IOGA, MOGA, CCOC, BBB, RMEF, WSTA, WSB
Re: Republicans push to oust newly appointed Wildlife Commissioner
« Reply #12 on: January 05, 2012, 11:04:06 AM »
Bearpaw, bigtex, anyone with knowledge, is there any way the wolf plan can be overturned?  I've written my rep multiple times and have heard nothing back.

If you were to listen to the recording of the Commission Meeting in Spokane where the Wolf Plan was adopted you could hear what they said, if I remember correctly, they said the plan is a starting point and can be adjusted in the future.  (or something like that)
Americans are systematically advocating, legislating, and voting away each others rights. Support all user groups & quit losing opportunity!

http://bearpawoutfitters.com Guided Hunts, Unguided, & Drop Camps in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wash. Hunts with tags available (no draw needed) for spring bear, fall bear, bison, cougar, elk, mule deer, turkey, whitetail, & wolf! http://trophymaps.com DIY Hunting Maps are also offered

Offline Curly

  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Legend
  • ******
  • Join Date: Mar 2007
  • Posts: 20921
  • Location: Thurston County
Re: Republicans push to oust newly appointed Wildlife Commissioner
« Reply #13 on: January 05, 2012, 11:04:36 AM »
It is good that the 3 commissioners are requesting the removal of this apparent wolf lover, but how can they sleep at night after approving the WDFW wolf mismanagement plan?



 COUNTY Commissioners, not DFW. In his home county,no less

Thanks for the clarification.  I should have known that  :bash:  That is what I get for skimming an article really fast when I should really be working. :P :o ;)
May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.

><((((º>` ><((((º>. ><((((º>.¸><((((º>

Offline buckfvr

  • Washington For Wildlife
  • Trade Count: (+7)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 4515
  • Location: UNGULATE FREE ZONE UNIT 121
Re: Republicans push to oust newly appointed Wildlife Commissioner
« Reply #14 on: January 05, 2012, 11:24:40 AM »
An obvious appointment with a special purpose in mind...........the Governor sure knows how to infiltrate, Ill give her that.....but I dont think she realizes how seriously all this is being watched and countered.  Typical of that type of people to just assume we are all too simple to understand whats really going on.

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

3 pintails by metlhead
[Today at 04:44:03 PM]


1993 Merc issues getting up on plane by Happy Gilmore
[Today at 04:37:55 PM]


A lonely Job... by AL WORRELLS KID
[Today at 03:21:14 PM]


Sauk Unit Youth Elk Tips by Kales15
[Today at 02:10:11 PM]


Unit 364 Archery Tag by buglebuster
[Today at 12:16:59 PM]


In the background by zwickeyman
[Today at 12:10:13 PM]


A. Cole Lockback in AEB-L and Micarta by A. Cole
[Today at 09:15:34 AM]


Willapa Hills 1 Bear by hunter399
[Today at 08:24:48 AM]


Bearpaw Outfitters Annual July 4th Hunt Sale by Threewolves
[Today at 06:35:57 AM]


Sockeye Numbers by Southpole
[Yesterday at 09:02:04 PM]


Selkirk bull moose. by moose40
[Yesterday at 05:42:19 PM]


North Peninsula Salmon Fishing by Buckhunter24
[Yesterday at 12:43:12 PM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal