Bill > SB5354

This bill provides a framework for managing gray wolves in Washington State by allowing more localized and collaborative approaches to wolf management. The bill recognizes that the wolf population has grown significantly, with 260 wolves in 42 packs as of 2023, and that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined wolves are no longer endangered in the eastern third of the state. The legislation allows counties to request a change in wolf management status if they meet certain criteria, including having at least three breeding wolf pairs and the state having at least 15 breeding pairs for three consecutive years. When these conditions are met, the county must work with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and local tribes to develop a regional management plan. This plan must address objectives such as minimizing livestock losses, improving proactive deterrence strategies, compensating ranchers for damages, and maintaining a stable wolf population. The bill aims to balance wildlife conservation with the economic and safety concerns of rural communities by creating a more flexible, science-based approach to wolf management that allows for regional differences and collaborative problem-solving.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5354&Year=2025&Initiative=false