Fellow Wildlife Advocates,

The Wildlife for All team of staff and board members just returned from an energizing Theory of Change workshop, where we sharpened our vision for the future of wildlife management governance. While we were convening, we received word of a major victory—the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 5, the most significant reform to New Mexico’s wildlife governance in over a century!

These past few weeks have been a powerful reminder of the incredible momentum we’re building together. Wildlife for All worked in coalition with a diverse group of organizations to help us achieve our vision of a system that truly serves all wildlife and the broader public in New Mexico. This victory is the culmination of a decade of concerted effort and a testament to strategic partnership and endurance.

But we’re not done, not in New Mexico or anywhere. More progress, constant vigilance and defense of democracy is essential during this critical time. But we have renewed hope and energy. Conversations with legislators, advocates, and community members–along with the internal discussions we had at our workshop– reinforced what we already know: reform is not only necessary, it’s possible and within our grasp.

Our movement is growing, and so is our impact. With your support, we will continue pushing for science-based, democratic, and ecologically sound wildlife policies beyond New Mexico and in every state in the country.

Thank you for fighting the good fight with us. Together, we are reshaping the future for wildlife and wild places.

With pride,
Michelle

• Victory in New Mexico!

After years of advocacy, we have secured crucial changes in New Mexico as a result of SB5: a more representative commission, increased funding, and greater recognition of diverse species. 

The passage of SB5 is more than just a legislative victory—it’s a cultural shift in how we think about and manage wildlife in New Mexico. For too long, decision-making has been dominated by narrow interests, but with this historic reform, we are reshaping the very foundation of wildlife governance to be more inclusive, science-driven, and representative of all New Mexicans.

This cultural win is a testament to the power of persistence. While we are disappointed by the governor’s partial veto, which leaves the commission’s removal process vulnerable to political influence, this is not the end of the fight. We remain committed to ensuring long-overdue accountability measures become law. We will also work to ensure sustainable, diversified funding streams for the newly named Department of Wildlife to conduct its life-saving conservation work.

• Reflections on Our Theory of Change Workshop

This past month, Wildlife for All gathered with dedicated partners for an inspiring Theory of Change workshop, refining our strategy to ensure wildlife governance is more democratic, inclusive, and science-driven. Through thoughtful discussion, we mapped out bold next steps and a 30 year roadmap to transform wildlife management across the country.

Adding to the excitement, we had the rare privilege of seeing genetically important Mexican gray wolves that will soon be released into the wild. Witnessing these incredible lobos reinforced our commitment to reforming policies that truly protect all species and their habitats. For more on all things lobo, check out our recent blog on Lobo Week.

Stay tuned for ways to get involved in shaping a future where all wildlife has a voice!

• Join Us for Our Virtual Town Hall – May 7th 

You’re invited to register for our upcoming Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, May 7 at 7 PM EST / 3 PM PST.

Our team will share updates on the organization’s strategic priorities and the progress we’ve made toward transforming state wildlife management. This is a great opportunity to hear directly from our team, ask questions, and learn how your support is fueling meaningful change.

Whether you’re a longtime coalition partner, a loyal donor, or a new supporter, we hope you’ll join us to see how we’re stewarding your investment in our mission. Keep an eye out for the registration link in your inbox later this month.

• Speak Up for Arizona’s Wildlife on April 11!

Arizona’s movement to end the cruel practice of hounding is gaining momentum! Last month, more than 50 wildlife advocates joined our webinar to take action—and just hours before, HB2552, a bill designed to block the Game & Fish Commission from even considering a rule on hounding, failed in a narrow 30-28 vote (but may be up for reconsideration). This is a huge victory for wildlife, but the fight isn’t over.

Now, we need YOU to take the next step. TOMORROW April 11, the Arizona Game & Fish Commission will meet, and we need a strong public presence to show that Arizonans want ethical, science-based wildlife management.

Take action:
Attend the meeting in person and speak up in support of our petition (Agenda item 3)—wear red to show unity!

Your voice matters. Let’s keep the pressure on and ensure Arizona’s wildlife policies reflect the values of its people. Learn more here.

• Tell Your Senators: Vote NO on Brian Nesvik

The U.S. Senate is considering Brian Nesvik, former director of Wyoming Game & Fish who did nothing when a man ran over and tortured a wolf in his state, for U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Director—but his record is clear: he prioritizes industry interests over wildlife conservation.

From weakening predator protections to sidelining science in favor of ranching and hunting interests, Nesvik has consistently failed to uphold the values necessary for leading the agency tasked with protecting America’s wildlife. His confirmation would be a direct threat to endangered species, public lands, and science-based management.

Take action today: Call your senators and tell them to VOTE NO on Nesvik!
Congressional Switchboard: (202) 224-3121

America’s wildlife deserves a leader who will protect, not exploit.

• Federal Attacks on Wildlife & Public Lands Escalate

In a troubling series of moves, the federal government is doubling down on policies that undermine wildlife protections and public lands. From firing park rangers and conservation staff to gut critical agencies, to a Forest Service order that weakens safeguards for wildlands, these actions put ecosystems at even greater risk. Now, the nomination of Kathleen Sgamma, a longtime oil and gas lobbyist, to direct the Bureau of Land Management threatens to further entrench industry interests over conservation.

These decisions signal a dangerous shift away from science-based stewardship and toward policies that benefit extractive industries at the expense of biodiversity and future generations.

Take action: Call your representatives and demand they stand up for wildlife, public lands, and the people who protect them!

• Congress is Coming for the Endangered Species Act—And Wolves Are in the Crosshairs

Once again, lawmakers are pushing dangerous bills to gut the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and strip protections for wolves. Multiple proposals in Congress aim to delist wolves nationwide—ignoring science, public opinion, and the critical role these apex predators play in ecosystems. Worse, some bills seek to weaken the ESA itself, making it harder to protect imperiled species in the future.

These attacks aren’t about conservation—they’re about appeasing special interests at the expense of wildlife and biodiversity. If successful, these bills would roll back decades of progress and leave countless species vulnerable to extinction.

Take action today: Call your representatives and demand they defend the ESA and keep wolves protected! Wildlife needs your voice now more than ever.

Lunch & Legislation with Attorneys for Animals

On April 7, our Executive Director Michelle Lute joined Attorneys for Animals for a “Lunch & Legislation” Facebook Live event to talk all things wildlife policy reform. It served as a powerful introduction to our mission for the general public and a call to action for creating change for wildlife and the wild places they call home.