Bill Description:
This bill would prohibit the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission from designating or maintaining a designation for the gray wolf as an endangered, threatened, or sensitive species in any area of the state where the gray wolf was removed from the federal list of endangered and threatened species prior to June 30, 2014.[teaserbreak]
Background:
This bill has the potential to significantly weaken endangered species protections in Washington. Considering species protection based on the entire range of the species is simply good science — a vulnerable species cannot flourish if it does not have consistent protection across its entire range. Strong population numbers in one region need to be fostered and maintained, because that population can spread to regions with weaker numbers and bolster genetic diversity and survival prospects.
We can’t play games like this with the state’s most vulnerable species. If a species is listed as threatened or endangered, then it must remain listed state-wide until it meets the criteria to be delisted throughout the entire state.
Take Action:
Washington residents, contact your state senator and urge him or her to oppose this legislation.
Read the full text and follow its progress here.