The bill aims to provide the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife with greater flexibility to manage the state's gray wolf population, which has shown significant recovery in recent years. It establishes a framework for localized management of gray wolves, particularly in counties where the species is no longer designated as endangered under both state and federal law. The bill outlines specific criteria that must be met for a county to notify the department that gray wolves no longer meet the criteria for state endangered status, including the presence of a minimum number of breeding pairs. Once these criteria are met, counties are required to enter into interlocal agreements with the department and local tribes to collaboratively manage the gray wolf population.

Additionally, the bill mandates the formation of a work group to develop a regional management plan for gray wolves in counties that meet the specified criteria. This plan must include input from various stakeholders, including local governments, cattlepersons organizations, and conservation groups, and should address objectives such as minimizing livestock loss, improving response times for management actions, and maintaining stable wolf populations. The bill also amends existing law to require the director of the department to evaluate and develop management plans for gray wolves in response to notifications from counties, ensuring that management strategies are science-based and responsive to local needs.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 77.12.020