Two Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) members will retain their positions but will be on a short leash going forward. That is the word from Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson who sent letters to Commissioners Melanie Rowland and Lorna Smith after an investigation into their actions.
The two of them, along with fellow Commissioners Barbara Baker and John Lehmkuhl, were the focus of an inquiry about open meeting and transparency laws, public records violations and conflict of interest rules. The investigation found numerous violations including undisclosed meetings and communications with Washington Wildlife First, an animal rights group, and failure to promptly reply to public records requests. However, in the end, it did not recommend dismissal.
According to the Washington Standard, the governor’s office sent individual letters to Rowland and Smith outlining a list of “problematic behavior” leading to perceptions that “undermined impartiality and transparency.” Instruction includes treating colleagues with professionalism, prompt compliance with public records requests, stepping away from matters that may create a conflict of interest and refraining from making threats or retaliation against anyone who took part in the investigation.
Click here to view the letters sent to Rowland and Smith, whose terms both expire on Dec. 31 of this year.
Late commissioner offers advice
Victor Garcia served as a FWC commissioner for 17 months. Fighting a reoccurrence of cancer, he penned what was meant to be a resignation letter to the governor. However, Garcia died before it could be delivered. In it, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve while also offering suggestions to serve as “litmus tests” for his replacement.
“The Commission is struggling from lack of public trust, as you well know. I believe the root causes of those struggles are Commissioners and interests not fully aligned with the stated mission, but instead aiming to impose elements of their own belief systems or agendas,” wrote Garcia. “I have a hope that animal rights activists and sportsmen can come together to steward the species we all cherish through projects such as wildlife overpasses to promote predator genetic diversity in southwestern Washington. We make the greatest contribution to our natural resources when we collaborate to solve problems rather than engage in copious vanity lawsuits.”
Smith and Washington Wildlife First filed a joint lawsuit earlier this year against the director and deputy director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife claiming they made up accusations against them that caused the governor to launch the investigation.
Ferguson will name a replacement to fill Garcia’s term that runs through December 2030.
“Commissioner Garcia leaves a lasting legacy from his work on the Commission to care for the fish, wildlife and wild spaces that he was so passionate about,” said Kelly Susewind, WDFW Director.
"Commissioner Garcia loved this state, and he cared deeply for fish and wildlife,” said Jim Anderson, Commission Chair. “He was ready to do the hard work, and he will be missed.”
See Garcia’s letter in its entirety here, as published by the Northwest Sportsman.
About Hunt 2 Conserve
Hunt 2 Conserve is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Its mission is to advance a legacy of hunting and conservation by educating, activating and developing stewards and defenders of these fundamentally American ideals. For more information, go to hunt2conserve.org.
