Post by: Firstgenhunter on October 06, 2025, 12:14:59 PM
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.
Post by: Firstgenhunter on October 06, 2025, 12:19:50 PM
Post by: hughjorgan on October 06, 2025, 02:56:21 PM
Post by: idahohuntr on October 06, 2025, 06:14:47 PM
Post by: dwils233 on October 06, 2025, 06:47:38 PM
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.
Post by: MtnMuley on October 06, 2025, 07:42:51 PM
Post by: HntnFsh on October 06, 2025, 07:45:15 PM
Post by: Special T on October 07, 2025, 10:15:13 AM
Post by: brokentrail on October 07, 2025, 12:08:12 PM
Post by: Firstgenhunter on October 07, 2025, 12:41:40 PM
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.
Post by: RC on October 07, 2025, 01:10:31 PM
Post by: Firstgenhunter on October 07, 2025, 01:33:22 PM
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.
Post by: brokentrail on October 07, 2025, 02:09:32 PM
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.... :bash: :bash:
Post by: Ducks on November 07, 2025, 10:28:22 AM
Being director of WDFW is a difficult job. When you look across at the 39 counties of the state and think about the diverse opinions about how to manage fish and wildlife from county to county or east to west or anywhere in between, it present challenges and decision making that will nearly always be unpopular to some segment of the citizenry of the state. The one foundation piece that you have to hang on to is the mandate that the legislature set forth for the agency:
"Wildlife, fish, and shellfish are the property of the state. The commission, director, and the department shall preserve, protect, perpetuate, and MANAGE the wildlife and food fish, game fish, and shellfish in the state waters and offshore waters"....."the department shall seek to maintain the economic well-being and stability of the fishing industry in the state. The department shall promote orderly fisheries and enhance and improve recreational and commercial fisheries"....." The commission shall attempt to maximize the public recreational game fishing and hunting opportunities of all citizens, including juvenile, disabled, and senior citizens."
Kelly Susewind has stayed true to the department's mandate, has not wavered even under intense pressure from some commissioners, he has earned the ability to continue as director and leave under his own terms and not be pushed out by a misguided and ill informed group of people who do not understand the mission of the WDFW. I offer these perspectives as someone who has been there as a former director of WDFW.
Post by: ghosthunter on November 07, 2025, 03:53:46 PM
Except I think the folks trying to drive him out understand the Departments mandate. And they want to change it.
The Director stands in their way.
Post by: RC on November 15, 2025, 07:28:50 PM
Post by: Firstgenhunter on November 16, 2025, 12:21:37 PM
Well, anybody make it to the meeting? How’d it go?
The commission voted to deny translocation to Colorado except for Baker. Both sides were against it but for very different reasons. Pretty irritating, but 16 people from Colorado signed up to speak over the course of both days. They had priority on zoom over in state residents. So the fact that they got to speak over Washington residents on zoom, and even people who showed up in person on Saturday is pretty irritating. They should’ve been at the bottom of the list, it’s not a priority to hear from them. They were all begging for wolves. There were some mistakes made regarding public comment, but it should be fixed next time.
I made the comment during the meeting that the only place wolves should be going as King and Snohomish counties. We had a really strong presence over both days with very high-quality speakers. Really proud of our community. Numbers don’t matter, it’s the fact that more and more people are showing up and paying attention. Meanwhile, the antis did show up but it was actually pretty even. They had an event next-door. Let’s just say throughout the days. Let’s just say, all the things that we think about them, how they look and act is all true..
Overall, a successful meeting for our community. I think more people are gonna be showing up next year. Thank you to everyone in here who showed up and has supported everything. Really appreciate you all!