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WA HB1442

WA HB1442
Providing flexibility for the department of fish and wildlife to collaborate with local governments to manage gray wolves.


summary

Introduced
01/21/2025
In Committee
01/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT Relating to providing flexibility for the department of 2 fish and wildlife to collaborate with local governments to manage 3 gray wolves; amending RCW 77.12.020; adding a new section to chapter 4 36.01 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 77.36 RCW; and creating a 5 new section. 6

AI Summary

This bill provides a new framework for managing gray wolves in Washington State, recognizing the species' population growth and recovery. The legislation allows for localized, incremental management of wolves in counties where certain population criteria are met, specifically when the state has at least 15 breeding pairs for three consecutive years and the county has at least three documented breeding pairs. When these conditions are satisfied, a county can notify the Fish and Wildlife Commission that wolves no longer meet the endangered species designation in that area. The county must then enter into an interlocal agreement with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and local tribes to collaboratively manage wolves. The bill requires the creation of a regional work group that includes representatives from cattle organizations, county governments, conservation groups, and tribal representatives to develop a management plan addressing objectives such as minimizing livestock losses, improving proactive deterrence strategies, maintaining wolf population stability, and enhancing compensation programs for ranchers. The plan must be completed within six months and aims to balance ecological conservation with the economic and safety concerns of rural communities. The bill reflects the recent federal determination that gray wolves in the eastern third of Washington no longer require endangered species protection and seeks to provide a flexible, science-based approach to wolf management that considers local needs and ecological considerations.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Public hearing in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 8:00 AM. (on 02/05/2025)

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