The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife holds wildlife in trust for all Washingtonians, yet too often it has betrayed that responsibility-favoring short-term exploitation and special interests over science, ethics, and public values. Washington Wildlife First (WW1) works to hold the Department accountable, reform the agency to be responsive to science and values, and ensure that decisions prioritize the well-being of Washington's wildlife, not the whims of political expediency. Protecting wildlife is essential for biodiversity, healthy ecosystems, climate change mitigation, and human well-being. But wildlife are not just resources to be managed; they are sentient beings with intrinsic value, deserving of respect and coexistence.

Through public education, coalition-building, and bold advocacy, WW1 has already made an impact: ending cruel spring bear hunting, defeating departmental and legislative attempts to weaken wolf protections, and successfully pressing the Commission to adopt science-based limits on cougar and bear killings. Our vision is a Washington where the state's leaders honor their responsibility to safeguard wild lives and places.