Protect wolves in Washington!
Speak out TODAY against removing state protections for endangered wolves
Wolves in Washington are once again threatened with unscientific and unethical lethal management. The recently introduced HB 1698 would remove state protections for imperiled wolves in almost all counties wolves now inhabit, and transfer management to the same county officials who promote decimating wolves across the state. To stop this, we need Washingtonians to submit their opposition to this thinly-veiled wolf-hunting bill at all stages of the legislative process.
The bill is scheduled for its first hearing in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee at 8am this Wednesday, February 8. You can voice your opposition to the bill in many ways, especially if your legislator is a committee member (see below).
Please act TODAY to oppose HB 1698, the new Washington wolf hunting bill!
Here’s how you can help:
- Register here to note your position as “con” on HB 1698 before 7 a.m. PT on February 8. At the moment, we are asking that members do not sign up to testify, only to register their positions.
- Submit written comments expressing your opposition to the bill. You can craft your written comments using these suggested talking points. Please be sure to submit your written comments before 7am on February 8.
- If you live in the district of one of the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee members, please write or call them ASAP to let them know that you oppose HB 1698. You can find your district and who your representative is here. The members of the Committee are:
- Chairman Mike Chapman (D) (24th District); Phone: (360) 786-7916; Email Portal. Chapman is a co-sponsor of this legislation. Please let him know how disappointed you are by his support of this measure.
- Vice-Chair Melanie Morgan (D) (29th District); Phone: (360) 786-7906; Email Portal. Morgan is a co-sponsor of this legislation. Please let her know how disappointed you are by her support of this measure.
- Vice-Chair Kristine Reeves (D) (30th District); Phone: (360) 786-7830; Email Portal
- Ranking Minority Member Tom Dent (R) (13th District); (360) 786-7932; Email Portal. Dent is a co-sponsor of this legislation. Please let him know how disappointed you are by his support of this measure.
- Assistant Ranking Minority Member Bruce Chandler (R) (15th District); (360) 786-7960; Email Portal
- Rep. Shelley Kloba (D) (1st District); Phone: (360) 786-7900; Email Portal
- Rep. Joel Kretz (R) (7th District); Phone: (360) 786-7988; Email Portal. Kretz is the main sponsor of this legislation. Please let him know you do not support his position.
- Rep. Debra Lekanoff (D) (40th District); Phone: (360) 786-7800; Email Portal. Lekanoff is a co-sponsor of this legislation. Please let her know how disappointed you are by her support of this measure.
- Rep. Ed Orcutt (R) (20th District); Phone: (360) 786-7990; Email Portal
- Rep. Joe Schmick (R) (9th District); Phone: (360) 786-7844; Email Portal
- Rep. Larry Springer (D) (45th District); Phone: (360) 786-7822; Email Portal. Springer is a co-sponsor of this legislation. Please let him know how disappointed you are by his support of this measure.
- If you’re counting the number of co-sponsors on this committee, you’ll note that the bill is likely to pass out of committee but it’s still important to register our opposition. Stay tuned for future opportunities to give oral and written comments against this bill. Consistent pressure will stop this bill!
- Spread the word by sharing this alert with other Washington residents and encourage them to take action.
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