Public commenters press commission on oversight, independence and recent governor's review

During an extended public‑comment block, 36 speakers addressed the commission with sharply divergent views on governance, conservation priorities and agency conduct. Several speakers — environmental and animal‑welfare advocates — urged the commission to reassert independence, finish a statewide conservation policy and use evidence‑based protections for vulnerable species. Others — hunters, landowners and guide operators — asked the commission to prioritize hunting opportunity and local management needs.

Francisco Avila of Washington Wildlife 1st told the commission, "a commission can be busy without being effective" and urged more concrete protections for wildlife beyond briefings and delegated authority. Multiple speakers criticized the commission's recent unanimity on the game management plan and raised concerns cited in the governor's investigative report; Daniel Fiske Bennett said the record "profoundly compromised" the commission's trust and called for the resignations of Commissioners Lorna Smith and Melanie Rowland. Chair Anderson noted the governor's letters are public records and said the governor concluded his review; he emphasized the commission's priority must be fish, wildlife, habitat and sound board processes.

Commissioners listened without responding to specific allegations during the public‑comment period; staff said the comments will be cataloged for committee follow‑up and future meeting planning. No formal actions were taken during public comment; commissioners asked staff to return with summaries and possible next steps (outreach, presentations or rule timeline updates) where appropriate.