This year promises to be a pivotal one for wildlife advocates. With the hottest year on record behind us (and also mostly likely ahead of us), 2025 will require new levels of collaboration, innovation, and let’s be real: revolution. Will this be the year grassroots movements for wild animals finally reach critical mass? I sure hope so.

At Wildlife for All, we’re excited to share our ambitious goals for pushing state wildlife policy reform. Across the country in 2025, we’ll be advocating for policies that prioritize wild lives and places. From legislation in New Mexico to modernize the wildlife agency and reform the commission, to initiatives promoting authentic conservation—such as helping organize the Society for Conservation Biology’s webinar series (see details below) —our agenda is set to make a significant impact.

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the generous individuals who chose to include Wildlife for All in their philanthropic priorities to support our end of year fundraising. Their commitment was instrumental in exceeding our goal and raising over $63,000 to help shape a future where wildlife thrives.

So how do we start effecting these changes? Right now, we encourage you to participate in your state’s wildlife commission. We’ve mapped all the January meetings with logistics and deadlines for speaking here. Look for February meeting information soon, too.  

And in the coming months we’ll launch various advocacy opportunities and invite you to join us in these critical efforts. As always, thank you for standing with us so that we can continue to make our voices heard and ensure that wildlife remains a priority in state decision-making.

With gratitude and optimism,

Michelle Lute

Executive Director, Wildlife for All

We’ve been making strides in advancing ethical and science-based wildlife management across the West:

• Arizona: Supporting a petition led by partners to end hounding, a harmful practice threatening wildlife.
• Colorado: Organized a town hall that brought together passionate supporters, led coalition discussions to strengthen messaging on our lawsuit against the CPW, and presented compelling testimony to advocate for better protections for cougars.
• New Mexico: Actively engaged in coalition efforts to advance Game Commission and Department reform legislation. Met with key legislators and provided strategic communications to unify voices for change.
• Nevada: Assisting with efforts to prevent the incidental  trapping of mountain lions, including backing a coalition-led rulemaking petition and submitting an op-ed to raise public awareness. 

Through collaboration, advocacy, and unwavering dedication, we’re driving progress for wildlife and the ecosystems they call home.

Yesterday, Society for Conservation Biology North America (SCBNA) Policy Committee kicked off its webinar series on the North American Model for Conservation and the critical role of state wildlife agencies. The session featured:

• Highlights about the Policy Committee’s work to develop guiding principles for wildlife management policies.
• A historical and forward-looking exploration of state fish and wildlife agencies, focusing on their evolving missions, conservation successes, and the challenges of                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 engaging diverse public constituencies.
• A compelling case for reforming state wildlife management to address today’s biodiversity crisis, emphasizing the need for science-driven, inclusive governance aligned with modern public values.

The discussion, which featured our very own Kevin Bixby as a speaker, underscored the urgent need for reform and innovation in state wildlife governance, sparking insightful dialogue among attendees.

Click here to register for the next installment in this thought-provoking series!

• In New Mexico, we’re working with a dedicated coalition to push for reform legislation and advocate for the Green Amendment—a bold step toward securing the right to a healthy environment for all. We’ve been engaging legislators, including a productive meeting with Rep. Chandler, and refining communications strategies to amplify our message.
• In Nevada, we’re urging supporters to take action by attending the January 24 Commission meeting to support the rulemaking petition against incidental mountain lion trapping. Your voice can make a difference—join us in advocating for stronger protections!
• January is packed with state commission meetings, and we’ve compiled a handy resource to help you get involved. Let’s make our voices heard!

Jan. 9 –  Kevin spoke on a panel at the National Wildlife Federation’s Affiliate Chief Executive conference, held this year in New Mexico. Joined by Judy Calman of Audubon Southwest, Jessica Johnson Shelton of Animal Protection New Mexico, Ray Trejo of New Mexico Wildlife Federation, and moderated by Jesse Deubel of New Mexico Wildlife Federation, the panelists talked about the New Mexico Conservation Coalition and how singular it is in both membership and focus. They invited other NWF affiliates to create a similar coalition in their states.

Jan 10. – Michelle quoted in “Wolf-livestock conflict hit new high in Washington last year,” Spokesmen Review

Jan. 13 – Wildlife for All mentioned with the Arizona hounding coalition in Hounds in jaguar country: Petition ignites debate over future of hunting dogs in Arizona, Arizona Republic