Providing flexibility for the department of fish and wildlife to collaborate with local governments to manage gray wolves.

 S-0657.1

SENATE BILL 5354

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2025 Regular Session

By Senators Short, Dozier, and Wagoner

Read first time 01/17/25. Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources.

AN ACT Relating to providing flexibility for the department of fish and wildlife to collaborate with local governments to manage gray wolves; amending RCW 77.12.020 ; adding a new section to chapter 36.01 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 77.36 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that Washington's gray wolf population has steadily increased for 15 consecutive years, with the most recent annual wolf report indicating a 20 percent population growth in 2023. As of the end of 2023, there was a minimum of 260 wolves in 42 packs across the state, demonstrating a sustained recovery of the species.

(2) The legislature finds that the United States fish and wildlife service, after an extensive peer-reviewed assessment using the best available science, announced in February 2024, a "not warranted" finding for petitions to list gray wolves under the endangered species act in the eastern third of Washington. This determination highlights the species' strong recovery and resilience in the region.