Environmentalists Sue Washington Over Game Management Plan

0:00It's March 26. You're listening to Vancouver News today, AI-powered local news. Environmentalists with Washington Wildlife First have filed a lawsuit against the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. They claim the state's new game management plan for more than 50 species, like elk, deer, and black bears, violate state law. The plan got unanimous approval from the Fish and Wildlife Commission back in February. The lawsuit hit Thurston County District Court last week. It challenges how the department handled the approval process. Group leaders say the plan skips required environmental reviews and favors hunting and trapping without solid science or impact checks. Hunters and environmentalists both have complaints. Hunters worry it might lead to fewer opportunities down the road. Meanwhile, activists argue it fails to protect animals enough. Despite ECHO's years of tension, with the group pushing successful limits on predator hunts and hunters upset over lost spring-black bear seasons, and tighter cougar rules.

1:01The plan offers broad guidance on managing hunted species. It covers factors for setting seasons and updates on population status, but sets no specific rules. Department staff started the rewrite in 2023, released a draft for comments last July, and refined it before Commission approval. As the case moves forward, the department stays quiet on details due to ongoing litigation. This could shape how Washington balances wildlife and hunting for years to come.