February 2025 Newsletter
February is the perfect time to reflect on what we hold dear—there’s something about the deep winter months that invites contemplation. It’s a time to recommit to our values, celebrate our progress, and set our sights on the work ahead.
For all of us at Wildlife for All, what we care most about is wildlife, the ecosystems that support them, and the humans who love them. Our commitment to protecting these vital wild communities drives everything we do.
As uncertainty at the federal level casts a shadow over environmental protections, our work to advance wildlife governance reform at the state level is more critical than ever.
Our advocacy isn’t just about policy. It’s a labor of love, a call for justice, and an expression of democracy in action. It’s a recognition that the fight for wildlife protection is tied to the fight for a more just and inclusive society where all living beings are valued and cared for.
With that in mind, I’m excited to share our 2024 Annual Report with you. This year’s report celebrates growth, maturation, and deepening impact—key elements that have strengthened our foundation for long-term success. As we continue to build on these achievements, your partnership allows us to continue protecting what we love most.
Thank you for your sustained interest in our efforts to protect wildlife, develop stronger policies, and create a future where wildlife is valued and safeguarded. Here’s to another year of progress!
In solidarity,
Michelle
What We’ve Been Up To
It’s been a busy start to 2025 as we continue pushing for wildlife management reform across the country! Here’s what we’ve been working on:
- Strategic Planning for Impact – This month we’re preparing for a special staff retreat coming up soon. This retreat, which we’ve affectionately named Theory of Change, will help us refine our long-term vision and strategy to disrupt and transform the current state wildlife management status quo.
- Track Your State’s Legislation – As state legislative sessions get underway, it’s crucial to stay informed. We’ve updated our 2025 Legislation Tracker. Make sure your state’s bills are included so we can monitor potential policy changes impacting wildlife!
- State Commission Meetings in February – Wildlife commissions play a huge role in decision-making, and February is packed with meetings across multiple states. Attending or submitting comments is a powerful way to advocate for change—check your state’s meeting schedule and make your voice heard!
- New Mexico’s Green Amendment – We’re supporting two key pieces of legislation in New Mexico, one is House Joint Resolution 3, a measure that would enshrine the right to a clean and healthy environment in the state’s constitution. This amendment is a game-changer for wildlife, ecosystems, and communities, shifting the legal focus toward preventing environmental harm before it happens. We’re strongly advocating for this initiative—follow us on social media @wildlifeforall.us for ways to get involved!
- New Mexico’s Senate Bill 5 to Reform the Commission – SB5 is a reform package that would fix the currently broken Commission and give the Department of Game & Fish the tools and funding to build a 21st century wildlife management system for future generations. We’re all in for this model legislation as it moves quickly through the senate. If you’re in New Mexico, we’ll alert you soon about opportunities to support SB5.
- Nevada Mountain Lion Trapping Petition – Despite it being illegal to trap mountain lions in Nevada, these apex predators continue to suffer serious injury and death as incidental victims of bobcat traps. We worked with the Nevada Wildlife Alliance, WildEarth Guardians, and the Mountain Lion Foundation to file a petition with the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners (NBWC), which rejected our requested changes to trapping regulations to prevent this unnecessary harm. We’re now working on a campaign to hold the NBWC accountable to the public and wildlife it continuously fails.
- Arizona Hounding Rulemaking Petition – With partners, we submitted two rulemaking petitions to end hounding of wildlife under fair chase laws in the state. In response, some state legislators filed HB2552 to prevent the game commission from ruling on this issue; the height of undemocratic tactics. This campaign is gearing up, so look for webinars, ways to get involved, and more soon.
What's Coming Up
Key Dates: The 2025 New Mexico legislative session is officially underway! We’re closely tracking key reform efforts, including wildlife governance reform legislation and updates on the Green Amendment. Here’s what to keep an eye on in the coming weeks:
- March 22 – Session ends
- April 11 – Deadline for the governor to sign or veto bills (otherwise, they are pocket vetoed)
Brooks Congress – Wildlife for All will be participating in the prestigious Brooks Congress, an invitation-only gathering of top community thinkers, leaders, and rising stars. This event fosters relationship-building and strategic discussions on transformative change.
Public Interest Environmental Law Conference (PIELC) –
Join us at the 43rd annual Public Interest Environmental Law Conference (PIELC) in Eugene, Oregon, from February 28 to March 2, 2025. This renowned event brings together legal experts, advocates, and community leaders dedicated to environmental justice and conservation.
Project Coyote’s First Annual Coyote Awareness Week –
From March 17-23, 2024, Project Coyote will host the inaugural Coyote Awareness Week to celebrate and educate the public about America’s Song Dogs. This week will highlight the vital role coyotes play in ecosystems and the need for coexistence strategies.
In the Media
Mandy’s 2/6/24 speaking engagement
We’re thrilled to share that Wildlife for All’s very own Mandy Culbertson will be a guest on Wildlife Wire, the go-to podcast for wildlife news and advocacy! Hosted by Samantha Miller and Mark Surls, Wildlife Wire covers the top wildlife stories across the U.S. and highlights the people making a difference for wild animals—from Florida panthers to Washington orcas and beyond.
Listen to the episode on 2/17, wherever you listen to your podcasts, to hear Mandy discuss why reforming state wildlife policies is crucial for protecting all species. Don’t miss it!
Past Newsletter Entries
August 2025 Newsletter
Monthly Wildlife for All Newsletter
July 2025 Newsletter
Monthly Wildlife for All Newsletter
June 2025 Newsletter
June Newsletter