News & Commentary
February Wildlife Commission Meetings
It’s time to get active in February Wildlife Commission Meetings.
February Wildlife Commission Meetings
Month two of 2025, wildlife advocates! Amp up your involvement in this second month of the year.
Wildlife commission meetings are critical opportunities to influence state policies and ensure that wildlife is managed in a way that reflects ecological principles and public values. Your voice matters. Whether you choose to attend in person, speak virtually, or submit comments, participating in these meetings is a meaningful way to stand up for wildlife.
Below is the list of every state with a wildlife commission meeting in February, listed from first to last by date. As you plan your comments and engagement, use the resources on our Resources Page and Advocacy Toolkit to prepare. Check below for meeting details by state and instructions for how to engage. Let’s make a difference!
Oklahoma
Meeting Date: February 3
Location: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Details: Click here for agenda and details
Notes: Meeting starts at 9 a.m. It’s not clear how to comment or speak; we suggest emailing the department to ask. It’s also unclear if there is a virtual participation option. Read more on their website.
North Carolina
Meeting Date: February 5-6
Location: Raleigh
Details: Click here for agenda and details
Notes: The first day is mostly committee meetings before the whole commission meets. February 5 Agenda and schedule, and Zoom. February 6 Agenda and Zoom. The website says to register for virtual/Zoom attendance in advance but does not list a deadline. Unless otherwise specified, all meetings are held at Commission Headquarters in Raleigh.
Louisiana
Meeting Date: February 6
Location: LDWF Headquarters, Joe L. Herring Room, 2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Details: Click here for agenda and details
Notes: The website does not have an agenda up yet and it is unclear how to speak or comment, as well as if virtual participation is allowed. From the website: “The Commission meets the first Thursday of every month. Unless otherwise noted, Commission meetings begin at 9:30 am. Commission meetings are open to the public. A live audio/video stream of each meeting is also available via Zoom for those who are not able to attend in person.”
Missouri
Meeting Date: February 6-7
Location: MDC Headquarters, 2901 W Truman Blvd., Jefferson City, MO 65102
Details: Click here for agenda and details
Notes: Thursday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m. – Workshop and Closed Executive Session. Friday, Feb. 7, 8:30 a.m. – Regular Open Meeting. Any person who would like to comment to the Commission about a specific agenda item must make a written request to the Director at least four calendar days prior to the meeting. The time allotted for public comment and the number of speakers will be at the Commission’s discretion.
Colorado – office hours with Commissioner Bailey
Meeting Date: February 7
Location: Virtual
Details: Commissioner Karen Bailey is hosting office hours to discuss CPW topics from 10- 11 a.m. on Friday, February 7. If you have specific topics you want to discuss with Commissioner Bailey, please email her directly at karen.bailey@state.co.us. You can join the meeting virtually using Zoom.
New Jersey
Meeting Date: February 11
Location: Assunpink Wildlife Management Area – Central Region Office, Large Conference Room,1 Eldridge Rd., Robbinsville Twp, NJ 08691
Details: Click here for agenda and details
Notes: The public is welcome to attend and participate in the public portion of each meeting. Meeting starts at 10 a.m. and will be held both in person and via GoToMeeting (audio only). Per the website, public comments may be made in person or online and will be limited to 3 minutes per person. More information about the Commission is on its website, including a meeting guide and how to connect. For help, contact Kristen.Meistrell@dep.nj.gov.
California
Meeting Date: February 12-13
Location: Sacramento HQ; California Natural Resources Headquarters Building
Second Floor, 715 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Details: At time of webpage publishing, the agenda link was broken but the meeting document index has some details.
Notes: Commission meetings are live-streamed (also referred to as a live webcast) with full audio and video. If you simply want to observe the meeting, but do not wish to comment on any item, we encourage you to view the live webcast available at www.fgc.ca.gov. How to join (if you plan to provide comment). More on all meetings in 2025.
Iowa
Meeting Date: February 12
Location: Des Moines
Details: Click here for agenda and details. (Agenda not available at time of webpage publishing.)
Notes: The meeting starts at 10 a.m. Teleconference functionality is usually available but was not on the website at the time this webpage was published. Comments regarding agenda items may be submitted for public record to Alicia.Plathe@dnr.iowa.gov or 6200 Park Ave Ste 200, Des Moines IA 50321 up to 24 hours prior to the business meeting.
Michigan
Meeting Date: February 13
Location: Lansing Community College – Downtown, 600 North Grand Avenue, Michigan Room, Lansing, MI 48933
Details: Click here for agenda and details.
Notes: Meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. Persons registering to provide comments on a topic listed on the agenda on or before the Friday preceding the meeting will be allowed up to 5 minutes for their comments. Persons registering to comment on a topic not listed on the agenda, after the Friday preceding the meeting, or at the meeting will be allowed up to 3 minutes. If you are unable to attend the meeting but wish to submit written comments on agenda items, please write to Natural Resources Commission, P.O. Box 30028, Lansing, Michigan 48909, or email nrc@michigan.gov. Read more on the Commission website.
Montana
Meeting Date: February 13
Location: Zoom only
Details: Click here for agenda and details.
Notes: Meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. Public comments will be accepted on the proposals in the agenda through January 28, 2025. Public comment is always welcome during the Zoom meeting. Register to comment via Zoom by February 12.
Oregon
Meeting Date: February 13-14
Location:Kliever Memorial Armory, 10000 NE 33rd Dr., Portland, OR 97211
Details: February 13 workshop agenda | February 14 meeting agenda
Notes: The workshop on February 13 starts at 1 p.m. The meeting on February 14 starts at 8 a.m. Comment and testimony are limited to 3 minutes or less. Submit written comments and/or register to speak virtually by 8 a.m., Wednesday, February 12. Those who would like to provide virtual testimony must register no less than 48 hours in advance to receive a testimony link to the meeting. To provide testimony on an agenda item in-person, registration will be available at the meeting. To provide in-person public comment, fill out a “Witness Registration” form available at the meeting.
Washington
Meeting Date: February 13-15
Location: Olympia
Details: Click here for agenda and details (note no agenda is available at the time of webpage publishing)
Notes: Registration for those wishing to provide virtual comments closes at 5 p.m. the day before the meeting begins. Registrants will be called upon and typically have 3 minutes to speak. If you are unable to participate, you can submit your comments on the Commission contact page.
Arizona
Meeting Date: February 14
Location: Region IV
Details: No agenda is available yet.
Notes: Members of the public may view the meeting from any Department Regional Office. Members of the public attending in person wanting to speak on a specific agenda item may submit Speaker Cards (Blue Cards) if they wish to speak to the Commission and may only address the Commission by attending in person or from any regional office. Copies of any presentations, documents, etc. discussed during the meeting will be available by contacting sprice@azgfd.gov. No discussion or action will be taken by the Commission on topics raised in public comment. Any items requiring further discussion or action will be included on a future Commission meeting agenda. View live webcasts at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam.
Hawai’i #1
Meeting Date: February 14
Location: 1151 Punchbowl St. Room 132 (Kalanimoku Building), Honolulu, Hawai‘i
Details: Meeting agendas are posted at least 6 days prior to the date of the meeting but an agenda for this month was not available when this webpage was posted. Keep checking back on this webpage.
Notes: Meeting starts at 9.a.m. Attend in person and arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the meeting start time in order to add your name to the sign-in sheet. To speak virtually, email blnr.testimony@hawaii.gov. Include your name and the agenda item on which you would like to testify. Once your request has been received, you will receive an email with the Zoom link. Requests may be also made during the meeting. Meetings will be livestreamed at: https://youtube.com/c/boardoflandandnaturalresourcesdlnr To submit a comment, email blnr.testimony@hawaii.gov no later than 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting to ensure time for BLNR Member review.
New Hampshire
Meeting Date: February 18
Location:Fish and Game Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH
Details: Agenda was not available when this webpage was published. Keep checking this webpage for details.
Notes: Meetings are generally at 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month. Meetings of the NH Fish and Game Commission are open to the public, unless otherwise noted.
Arkansas
Meeting Date: February 19-20
Location: Little Rock
Details: Click here for agenda and details (note no agenda is online at time of webpage publishing).
Notes: Unclear how to speak at meetings or provide virtual testimony or written comments. 2025 meeting schedule is here.
Maryland
Meeting Date: February 19
Location: Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service, 580 Taylor Avenue, Tawes State Office Building, E-1, Annapolis MD 21401
Details: No agenda was available at time of webpage publishing; meeting schedule is listed at the end of the January agenda.
Notes: Google Meet. Note: Unless notified otherwise, all meetings will be held via Google Meet. When meeting in person, they will be held in the C-4 Conference Room of the Department of Natural Resources—Tawes State Office Building beginning at 10:30 a.m. Available parking is located at the Navy Stadium Parking Lot. Send written comments to wac.dnr@maryland.gov.
Ohio
Meeting Date: February 19
Location: Wildlife District 1 Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus, OH
Details: Click here for agenda and details
Notes: Comments for open forums during Ohio Wildlife Council meetings must be about a current rule proposal. If you have a topic that is not a current rule proposal, please email the council with your comment or question (wildlife.council@dnr.ohio.gov), or speak to a council member before or after a meeting. If the topic falls within the wildlife, fish, or law section, feel free to reach out at our open houses or email the Division of Wildlife at wildinfo@dnr.ohio.gov. Speakers must register by 5 p.m. Monday, February 17. The Public Comment Form must be completed and submitted to wildlife.council@dnr.ohio.gov. Along with the form, submit any handouts you plan to provide.
Speakers are limited to 3 minutes. There will be a maximum of ten speaker slots available. PowerPoint presentations are not permitted.
Vermont
Meeting Date: February 19
Location: Dewey Building, National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT 05620
Details: No agenda was available at time of webpage publishing; check this page routinely for updates
Notes: Meeting starts at 5 p.m. No information on how to speak or comment. The board usually meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. to review rules currently being proposed to the Board. Review the Board’s website for more details including the 2025 meeting schedule.
South Carolina
Meeting Date: February 20
Location: Room 107-108 Botany Bay Board Room on the 1st floor of SCDNR Headquarters at 260 D Epting Lane in West Columbia in the State Farmer’s Market complex on Highway 321
Details: Click here for agenda and details
Notes: Meeting starts at 10 a.m. Anyone wishing to make comments to the Board please email your name and topic to board@dnr.sc.gov at least 24 hours in advance. Contact Sandy Rucker 803-734-9102 or ruckers@dnr.sc.gov for assistance.
Tennessee
Meeting Date: February 20-21
Location: Nashville
Details: Click here for agenda and details (note no agenda is available at the time of webpage publishing)
Notes: No agenda listed and it is unclear how to watch remotely, or how to provide comments.
Illinois – Endangered Species Protection Board
Meeting Date: February 21
Location: Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Director’s Boardroom, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702
Details: Meeting starts at 10 a.m. in the A virtual meeting option will be available. Read more.
West Virginia
Meeting Date: February 23
Location: Marshall University Memorial Student Center, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755
Details: Click here for agenda and details (note no agenda or detailed meeting information is available at time of webpage publishing)
Notes: Meeting starts at 1 p.m. Send comments to wvnrcommission@wv.gov.
Georgia
Meeting Date: February 25
Location:DNR Board Room 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, SE Suite 1252 East, Atlanta, GA 30334
Details: Click here for details. (note the meeting agenda was not available at time of webpage publishing)
Notes: Meeting starts at 9 a.m.It is unclear how to sign up to speak, submit a comment, or if virtual participation is possible. Here is the full 2025 meeting schedule.
Wisconsin
Meeting Date: February 25-26
Location: Rm. G09, State Natural Resources Bldg. (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison WI 53703. Enter the building at the 101 S. Webster St. entrance and take the hallway to the right to the reception desk.
Details: Click here for agenda and meeting details (note no agenda is available at time of website publishing).
Notes:The Natural Resources Board will meet in-person. Remote testimony from the
public via Zoom may be accepted for this meeting. In person public appearances are
also welcome. Members of the public can submit their request to testify remotely, in
person, or their written comments by the posted deadline date for Board
consideration, typically one week before the meeting date.
Florida
Meeting Date: February 26-27
Location: FSU Student Union, Ballroom E, 75 N. Woodward Ave., Tallahassee, FL 32304
Details: Click here for agenda and meeting details
Notes: Meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. each day. Public comments will be accepted in person during the meeting. For in-person comments, please review the speaker registration guidelines at https://myfwc.com/about/commission/. Advance comments are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 21. If you would like to provide comments via mail, please send those comments to: FWC Commissioners, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.
Hawai’i #2
Meeting Date: February 28
Location: 1151 Punchbowl St. Room 132 (Kalanimoku Building), Honolulu, Hawai‘i
Details: Meeting agendas are posted at least 6 days prior to the date of the meeting but an agenda for this month was not available when this webpage was posted. Keep checking back on this webpage.
Notes: Meeting starts at 9.a.m. Attend in person and arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the meeting start time in order to add your name to the sign-in sheet. To speak virtually, email blnr.testimony@hawaii.gov. Include your name and the agenda item on which you would like to testify. Once your request has been received, you will receive an email with the Zoom link. Requests may be also made during the meeting. Meetings will be livestreamed at: https://youtube.com/c/boardoflandandnaturalresourcesdlnr To submit a comment, email blnr.testimony@hawaii.gov no later than 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting to ensure time for BLNR Member review.
Nevada Wildlife Commission rejects petition to protect mountain lions
The Nevada Wildlife Commission rejects petition to protect mountain lions, reform trapping regulations
Image courtesy of Nevada Wildlife Alliance.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 25, 2024
Wildlife Commission leaves mountain lions unprotected, denies petition to update trapping regulations
Nevada’s trappers will continue to have 96 hours to check traps
RENO, Nev.—Today, The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners voted to deny a petition that sought to change trapping regulations to protect mountain lions from injury and death. The petition–which was brought by the Nevada Wildlife Alliance, WildEarth Guardians, and several citizens–included eight recommended changes to Nevada’s trapping regulations based on the best available science, professional trapper advice, and public polling. Ten commissioners representing hunting and agriculture interests voted against the petition.
“This decision is a missed opportunity to bring Nevada’s wildlife policies in line with science and public values,” said Michelle Lute, PhD in wildlife management and executive director of Wildlife for All. “Mountain lions are vital to maintaining healthy ecosystems, yet the Commission has once again prioritized the narrow interests of a dwindling minority over ecological integrity and the broad public interest. By rejecting this modest, science-based petition, the Commission not only undermines Nevada’s natural heritage but also fails in its responsibility to conserve and protect wildlife for future generations.”
During commissioner discussion, none of the eight recommendations were meaningfully considered by any commissioners.
“Nevadans are so used to this commission failing to take public concerns and wildlife science seriously that this isn’t a surprise. Nevada’s trapping regulations will continue to be the worst in the West until someone steps up,” said Chris Smith, wildlife program director for WildEarth Guardians. “Mountain lions, other native species, and people and pets clearly don’t matter compared to the tiny minority of Nevadans who trap.”
A 2023 poll found that 67% of Nevadans believe that 96 hours between trap check intervals is too long and needs to be shortened.
“In the big picture of wildlife stewardship, these changes were very modest and common-sense, and they could have been implemented easily to help bring Nevada more in line with other Western states,” stated R. Brent Lyles, executive director of the Mountain Lion Foundation. “We’re very disappointed that the Commission decided to allow this ongoing and needless violence against Nevada’s native cats to continue.”
According to state data from just nine years (2002-2004, 2007, 2010-2015), even though mountain lion trapping is illegal in Nevada, at least 278 mountain lions were caught in traps that were set for other animals. Eleven of those lions were injured and 24 died. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) data indicate that not all trappers report their non-target catches. The actual number of lions that have been killed or injured due to Nevada’s trapping regulations is unknown, and is likely significantly higher.
Mountain lions are Nevada’s only extant apex carnivore, and studies show that species like lions have substantial and measurable benefits for ecosystems including river-corridor health, increased biodiversity, disease control, and even carbon sequestration.
The petition recommended shortening the trap check window to 24 hours in accordance with recommendations from the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians. The window is currently 96 hours, which is the longest in the continental American West. Other recommendations included limiting trap sizes, requiring trap-chain swivels, prohibiting drags (attaching traps to rocks, logs, or other moveable objects), and requiring trapper education.
###
New Mexico Wildlife Reform Bill Introduced
A New Mexico wildlife reform bill introduced today offers a comprehensive, three-pronged approach to modernize wildlife management and protect New Mexico’s rich biodiversity.
New Mexico Deserves 21st Century Wildlife Management
New Mexico is home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, which enriches our cultural traditions and drives a $3.2 billion outdoor recreation economy. But our current wildlife management system, largely unchanged since the early 20th century, is no longer equipped to address the challenges of today.
From declining wildlife populations to habitat loss and climate change, it’s clear we need a modernized, equitable system that reflects the values of all New Mexicans. Wildlife for All has led the charge on this front for years, and we’re excited to announce that a broad coalition has come together to support SB5, Game Commission Reform. This reform package bill offers a comprehensive, three-pronged approach to modernize wildlife management and protect New Mexico’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
Updating the Mission for Wildlife
The first step is updating the Department of Game & Fish’s mission to reflect the evolving ways New Mexicans connect with wildlife. For decades, wildlife management in New Mexico has been disproportionately focused on game species, leaving many non-game species without adequate protection. From hikers and birdwatchers to photographers and wildlife advocates, our love for wildlife transcends hunting and fishing alone. However, the Department’s outdated mission and funding limit its ability to manage all wildlife species, leaving many vulnerable to threats like wildfires, flooding, and habitat loss. Modernizing the mission will enable the Department to address today’s challenges and prioritize the conservation of all wildlife, including species critical to healthy ecosystems.
Reforming the Game Commission
The second piece of the package addresses the broken State Game Commission, a decision-making body whose original purpose was to shield wildlife management from politics. But in recent decades, commissions have become very politicized. SB5 addresses this issue with reforms to ensure that the Commission is balanced, science-based, and representative of all New Mexicans. It will establish clear qualifications for Commissioners, ensuring they bring expertise in areas like biology, conservation, and rural and urban interests. It also ensures input from underrepresented groups, such as Indigenous communities, to reflect the diverse values of all New Mexicans. By giving wildlife experts, tribal communities, and all stakeholders across the state a voice, we can build a system that better reflects the diverse values of New Mexicans.
Securing Sustainable Funding
Lastly, SB5 tackles the looming funding crisis. The Department of Game & Fish is primarily funded through hunting and fishing license fees, which haven’t increased in nearly 20 years. This system is unsustainable and excludes many New Mexicans who enjoy and benefit from wildlife in other ways, such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography. SB5 proposes modest increases in license fees, along with additional diversified funding sources, like $10 million from the Government Results and Opportunity Fund, to secure sustainable, equitable funding for wildlife conservation. This balanced approach will provide sustainable funding to protect New Mexico’s wildlife and landscapes.
Wildlife conservation must serve everyone, not just a select few. Historically, wildlife management systems across the U.S. have excluded diverse perspectives and prioritized a narrow set of interests. SB5 represents an opportunity to build a more inclusive system that values all New Mexicans and the ways they connect with nature. By addressing structural inequities, we can ensure that wildlife conservation contributes to broader environmental justice goals, benefiting people and ecosystems alike.
SB5 reflects the collective efforts of wildlife advocates, environmentalists, animal protection supporters, hunters, anglers, conservationists, and community leaders who share a commitment to preserving New Mexico’s wildlife heritage. With support from organizations ranging from Animal Protection New Mexico and Audubon Southwest to Trout Unlimited and the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, the reform bill reflects the values of all New Mexicans who cherish our wildlife heritage.
Now is the time to act. By modernizing our wildlife management system, we can ensure thriving ecosystems, healthy wildlife populations, and a sustainable future for generations to come.
Wildlife Commissioners Who Stand For Wildlife Become Targets
When wildlife commissioners stand for true wildlife conservation, they become targets of the pro-trophy hunting lobby.
When Wildlife Commissioners Stand for Wildlife, They Become Targets
Last fall, three current and former Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commissioners signed on to an opinion piece showing support for the Proposition 127 ballot initiative. Their courageous endorsement reflects a commitment to protecting Colorado’s mountain lions, lynx, and bobcats from trophy hunting, trapping, and unnecessary harm. However, their principled stance has generated backlash from pro-trophy hunting groups, culminating in a lawsuit.
The lawsuit suggests that signing an op-ed advocating for mountain lion protection somehow violates the state’s open meetings law, which stretches legal reasoning to absurd lengths, suggesting this criticism is less about lawbreaking and more about intimidation. The goal appears to discourage other commissioners from advocating for ethical wildlife policies that center coexistence by making an example of those who dare to speak up.
This isn’t the first time such tactics have been used. In Washington, wildlife commissioner Lorna Smith faced similar legal harassment for her pro-wildlife stance while Dr. Fred Koontz, a former Washington wildlife commissioner, resigned after facing intense political pressure and hostility from special interest groups, illustrating the personal toll these tactics take on those who prioritize ethical wildlife stewardship.
These lawsuits are part of a troubling pattern—well-funded groups weaponizing the courts to stifle the speech of wildlife commissioners who espouse a different ideology. Is this really about preserving tradition, or is it about maintaining power and control to protect the status quo?
I’d argue it’s the latter. Groups like the ones bringing this lawsuit demand “non-ideological” appointees to wildlife commissions when appointees have backgrounds in coexistence or ecological stewardship but don’t object when appointees come from hunting, agricultural, or industry backgrounds that align with their consumptive values. Why is it acceptable to champion one ideology while silencing another?
This double standard reinforces outdated values and undermines democratic processes. Wildlife commissions are meant to represent diverse perspectives and prioritize decision-making for wildlife as part of the public trust. When intimidation tactics force out commissioners who support science-based, compassionate policies, we all lose.
For instance, former wildlife commissioner appointee Gary Skiba—a respected career CPW biologist—stepped down after enduring a smear campaign. Other commissioners nationwide have faced escalating threats that jeopardize their safety and that of their families, forcing them to resign. Why should standing for wildlife protection come at such a high personal cost?
These attacks are not just undemocratic; they’re counterproductive. Colorado’s wildlife belongs to all Coloradans, and decisions about their lives should reflect public values, science, and ethics—not the narrow interests of trophy hunting groups. The CPW commissioners who supported Prop 127 exemplify these principles, yet they face harassment for prioritizing long-term ecological health over short-term gains.
As environmental crises escalate, we need leaders willing to challenge the status quo and advocate for ethical stewardship. The question isn’t whether we can afford to prioritize coexistence; it’s whether we can afford not to. Colorado’s wildlife heritage depends on our ability to rise above narrow interests and embrace policies that reflect compassion, science, and public trust.
Colorado’s wildlife belongs to all Coloradans. Decisions about their future should be made by leaders guided by science, ethics, and a commitment to public interest, not by the influence of special interest groups. Now, more than ever, we as advocates need to stand up for leaders who prioritize responsible stewardship and who support wildlife protection rooted in the values of compassion, science, and ethics.
Wildlife for All stands with these wildlife commissioners and ask all Coloradans who care about ethical and science-driven wildlife management to do the same.
Michelle Lute, PhD, is a former state wildlife biologist in New Mexico and the Executive Director of Wildlife for All, an organization dedicated to just, democratic, and compassionate wildlife management.
Make Nuisance Trapping in California More Humane
Tell the WRC: Make Nuisance Trapping in California More Humane
Did you know that much of the trapping happening in your state or community isn’t for fur or sport, but under “nuisance animal” laws? These laws allow year-round trapping of many species, often with little oversight or accountability. Unfortunately, this means countless animals are caught in inhumane traps, suffering needlessly without any regard for their ecological role or welfare.
That’s why humane wildlife operators are some of the strongest advocates in our coalition. These professionals specialize in teaching coexistence and safe exclusion methods for dealing with wildlife in homes and buildings—no poisons, no traps. They represent the future of compassionate wildlife management, showing that coexistence is not only possible but practical.
Action Alert for California
Tomorrow, January 15, the California Wildlife Resources Committee (WRC) meets at 9 a.m. PT in Sacramento to discuss several critical wildlife management topics. This informal meeting provides an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration on state policies.
On the agenda is Item 5, a proposed amendment to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 472, concerning the ways nongame animals can be killed.
Our coalition’s humane wildlife operators are advocating for critical revisions to this proposal, including editing section 401, regarding issuance of permits for animals who cause damage, as well to:
- Specify the list of native species that can be trapped and killed.
- Shorten the allowed time length for traps to minimize suffering.
- Add a clause requiring that animals who cannot be relocated must be humanely euthanized immediately.
Right now there is little protection for nongame mammals suspected of causing damage to property – no bag limits, no time limits – which, as was brought to the attention of the Committee, is not in keeping with the Commission’s own policies. This is alarming for anyone who cares about ethical, science-based, and humane wildlife management.
Make sure your comments are respectful. This agenda is a dialogue and our partners are proposing changes to the WRC that aim to reduce unnecessary suffering and ensure that California’s wildlife policies prioritize ethics and coexistence over outdated methods. We need buy-in rather than opposition!
How You Can Help
If you live in California, your voice is crucial! Here are three ways you can take action:
- Email the WRC to share your support for humane amendments to Section 472 and to add protections for animals to Section 401 (see bold bullet under #2).
- Attend the WRC meeting virtually or in person.
- When you comment, tell commissioners you’d like the same protection for ALL native carnivores—from wild canids, like fox and coyotes, to other native meso-predators like badgers, skunks and raccoons—that is given to bobcats, beaver, deer, elk and gray squirrels through regulation Title 14 Section 401, which requires a person to apply for a permit to take animals suspected of damaging property.
- Spread the word about humane wildlife management practices and the importance of coexistence.
California has an opportunity to lead the way in creating compassionate and science-based wildlife policies. Let’s ensure that animals, ecosystems, and ethical values are at the heart of every decision. Together, we can hold the line for wildlife and work toward a better future for all species.
Prevent Bobcat Trapping in Indiana
We need your voice to prevent bobcat trapping in Indiana.
In 2024, Indiana lawmakers passed a bill mandating the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to establish a bobcat trapping season by 2025, the first in decades. This decision will allow up to 250 of these elusive and once-endangered wildcats to be trapped and killed in southern Indiana.
Indiana’s bobcats have faced significant challenges over the years, with unregulated hunting and habitat loss leading to their designation as an endangered species in 1969. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, they were removed from the state’s endangered list in 2005.
Bobcats Trapping Isn’t Necessary
The legislators pushing forward this proposal, despite a clear lack of demand from the public and no scientific evidence to justify it, raises serious ethical concerns. In fact, the state rallied in 2018 to defeat a similar measure.
These legislators claim the bobcat population threatens game like deer, rabbits, and turkeys, but research does not support these claims. Rather, it shows that bobcats play a key role in controlling rodent populations, helping maintain balance in the natural world.
The proposed trapping methods—foothold traps and cable snares—are widely recognized as inhumane. These traps often cause prolonged suffering and can unintentionally capture non-target animals such as pets and endangered species.
Instead of prioritizing the protection of Indiana’s wildlife, this effort seems more aligned with catering to a small group of recreational trappers. Without a comprehensive population survey, there is no solid scientific justification for allowing a hunting or trapping season. Their population is still recovering from coming within a breath of extinction and remains fragile.
January 16th Bobcat Trapping Regulations Public Hearing
Mark your calendars! The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) is holding a critical public hearing on January 16th where you can comment on the proposed quota of 250 bobcats to be trapped and snared. This is an opportunity to make your voice heard and demand a quota of ZERO for bobcat trapping.
Event Details:
- When: January 16th, 5:30 PM
- Where: Johnson County Fairgrounds (Scott Hall), 250 Fairgrounds Street, Franklin, Indiana
If you care about bobcats and their vital role in Indiana’s ecosystems, this is your chance to stand up for them! We want to fill the room with supporters, so please attend if you can.
Can’t Attend? Here’s How You Can Help:
If you’re unable to attend the hearing, you can still make a difference by submitting a written comment:
- Email: Send your comment to abonar@nrc.in.gov
- Online Submission: Use the NRC’s Rulemaking Docket and select “Bobcat Amendments” to submit your feedback.
Even if you’ve already submitted a comment or spoken at the November hearing, your work isn’t done. Encourage at least two friends to participate by submitting a comment or attending the hearing. Additionally, consider writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper to raise awareness about this issue.
Tips for Writing Your Comment or Testimony
Whether you’re speaking at the hearing or submitting a written comment, here’s a simple outline to follow:
- Introduce Yourself: Share your name and where you’re from.
- Express Your Concern: Explain why you care about bobcats and why you oppose the proposed trapping quota.
- Make Your Ask: Politely and firmly request a bobcat trapping quota of ZERO.
If you need assistance crafting your testimony or comment, send us an email.
Pack the Room for Bobcats!
The Indiana chapter of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is asking for people to show up at the meeting and rally for bobcats. They will provide buttons for attendees to wear in support of bobcats. Even if you choose not to speak, your presence and visible support can make a huge impact.
It’s time to get loud again. This time, your voice can once again be the difference. The DNR is required to listen to public opinion before making its final decision, and the time to act is now.
30th Anniversary of Wolf Reintroduction: Changing the Narrative
Wolf #9, the mother of the first pups, in the Rose Creek acclimation pen, 1995. Credit: NPS, Barry O’Neill
30th Anniversary of Wolf Reintroduction: Changing the Narrative
Today, January 12, marks the 30th anniversary of the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho, of a monumental moment in conservation history. On this day in 1995, 8 wolves crossed the border into the park, beginning their journey back to their historic range—a landscape they had been eradicated from due to settler colonialism and misguided predator eradication policies.
Truck carrying wolves driving through Roosevelt Arch with school children watching, January 12, 1995. Credit: NPS, Diane Papineau
Reintroducing wolves was a bold step toward righting this wrong. While the process was—and is—hard on individual animals, it was a larger victory for restoring the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Wolves, as keystone species, play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Their return to Yellowstone has profoundly shaped the park, benefiting everything from riparian corridors to aspen and willow groves to beavers and songbirds.
Their journey back to the wild is a testament to what we can achieve when we prioritize science and ethics in wildlife management. Yet as we celebrate this milestone, we must also acknowledge the ongoing work to protect and advocate for wolves.
Three decades later, we’re still battling the same misinformation and resistance we saw at the reintroduction. How is it that we’re still fighting the same anti-wolf rhetoric?
The truth is, culture and narrative hold immense power. For 30 years, mainstream culture has been flooded with messages that paint wolves as villains rather than acknowledging their intrinsic value, vital ecosystem role, and the wild inspiration they provide. The stories that do tell these benefits are often overshadowed by fearmongering and baseless hatred.
To truly protect wolves, we must reframe the conversation. This doesn’t mean arguing every Internet troll into submission with facts. You can’t change a perspective based on emotion with logic, no matter how much it makes sense.
Reframing the conversation means flooding the national dialogue with a narrative of value for wolves, using compelling stories that showcase wolves as essential, sentient beings. It means refusing to let sensationalist media “both sides” this issue and instead, ask them to tell the story of wolves with clarity and compassion. It means fighting back against misinformation with arguments that upend the point, such as showcasing how many unattended cattle grazing on public lands die from disease and weather versus from wolves (hint: it’s orders of magnitudes of difference).
Crystal Bench wolf acclimation pen, October 1994. Credit: NPS, Jim Peaco
We’ve seen the power of narrative change before—now it’s time to apply it to save wolves. Share their stories, show up at meetings, and amplify their importance until the negative voices are drowned out by a chorus of support for wolves and wild nature.
How You Can Help Wolves:
First, we need to change the culture around wolves. This is something everyone can contribute to, whether you live in a state with wolves or not. If your state doesn’t have wolves yet, you can still focus on changing the conversation around wildlife—especially other maligned species that are often treated as pests. We need to reshape how people think about wolves and predators in general, building a culture that values their ecological roles and intrinsic value.
If you do have wolves in your state, we need to build power on the ground. That means paying close attention to state legislatures, wildlife commissions, and agency personnel appointments—because these are the people and systems making decisions about wolves. We also need to fight for cultural change, telling stories that show the value of wolves beyond numbers on a population chart.
This is a long-term fight. It’s about winning hearts and minds *and* pushing for policy change at every level. What if you could get your city council to adopt a pro-wolf resolution? Or influence a land grant university to stop labeling wolves and other predators as “nuisance” species? Think about the spheres of influence you already have—whether it’s through community groups, schools, or even your local library.
Not everyone has to be the one giving testimony at a hearing—that’s okay! There are so many ways to contribute. You can volunteer to help research for a nonprofit, amplify messaging, or organize events in your community. Maybe you start a wolf working group or create a local coalition.
And examples of grassroots action are everywhere. Just look at the Wolf Welcoming Committee, which was started by Susan Prince and Jennie Sharp in Sisters, Oregon. These two tenacious women founded the group in order to positively influence public opinion about wolves and to create an accepting environment as they re-establish in Central Oregon. Now wolves are thriving in the nearby Metolius River watershed, and this mighty little groups is poised to be ambassadors for their wild and human neighbors alike. So with a little motivation, one or two people *can* make a difference—and together, we can build a movement that reforms state policies to protect wolves and ensure their future.
Additionally, now is the time to get involved in your state’s Wildlife Action Plan revision, most states are starting the process of revising them to be finalized in 2025. This is a once in a decade opportunity to ask that wolves be included on the list of SGCN if they aren’t already.
Something you can do year-round is monitor your state wildlife commission (if your state has wolves, if not: help a state that does) or board meetings and participate by giving written and oral testimony. Whether or not wolves are on the agenda, there are opportunities to give public comment about coexistence, robust science and genuine conservation efforts that your state should be engaging in. This is an opportunity to build relationships with the ultimate wildlife decision-makers in your state. We can’t give the opposition more fodder to say we don’t care about wildlife because we don’t show up. Use our talking points on our website and download our advocacy toolkit.
Finally, when your state wildlife commission has an opening for a new or possible reappointment of a commissioner or board member, engage in the state’s process for suggesting candidates or if they don’t have that, help identify and then write letters of support for good candidates. If your state senate has a confirmation process, that is another opportunity to support candidates with strong backgrounds and expertise in conservation.
Let this 30th anniversary inspire us to continue fighting for wildlife, ensuring their place in the ecosystems they call home. Join us in honoring 30 years of Yellowstone’s wolves and in working toward a future where all wildlife can thrive.
Together, we can reclaim the story of wolves—and their rightful place in the wild, keeping their legacy alive for generations to come.
Grizzly Bears Stay Protected – For Now
Grizzly Bears Stay Protected – For Now
In cautious good news, this week brought a significant development in wildlife conservation: grizzly bears stay protected. The Biden administration declined to remove grizzly bears from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) list, rejecting petitions from Montana and Wyoming to delist the iconic species. Their announcement also resolved a court-ordered settlement with Idaho, which petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to strip protections from all grizzlies in the lower 48.
While this is a positive step toward ensuring the continued survival of grizzly bears, it’s essential to approach the news with cautious optimism.
The good: USFWS concluded that grizzly bears remain threatened by habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change. Maintaining ESA protections recognizes the importance of addressing these ongoing threats before delisting is even considered.
The proposed single Distinct Population Segment (DPS) is a positive step toward recognizing the need for connectivity between currently isolated grizzly populations, which often suffer from limited genetic exchange. However, the new DPS map excludes significant portions of these bears’ historic range (they were found everywhere in the Great Plains and West except deserts) and substantial areas of ideal grizzly habitat.
The warning signs: This decision is not without concerning caveats. While the agency declined the petitions from Montana and Wyoming, it “compromised” with a proposal to allow private landowners to kill bears to protect livestock, and without a permit if livestock are in imminent danger.
The USFWS also proposed a new rule that would designate a management area for grizzly populations in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Washington. This plan, while still under review, suggests removing ESA protections for grizzlies outside this area and loosens the restrictions on when grizzlies can be killed.
Our take? Safeguards must remain in place until grizzlies are not only fully recovered but also safeguarded by state-level regulations capable of ensuring their long-term survival. And we, as advocates, must remain watchful as this rulemaking process unfolds.
Narrative Note: What Does “More Tools and Flexibility” Mean?
Word choice with federal and state agencies often signals more than the average reader knows. In defending the proposed rule, outgoing USFWS director Martha Williams described it as providing “more tools and flexibility” for managing grizzly bear populations. Unfortunately, in this context, such language often translates to increased opportunities for lethal measures. States like Montana and Wyoming, in particular, have a track record of prioritizing hunting and lethal predator control over coexistence strategies.
This underscores the need for vigilance. The rulemaking process includes environmental analysis and a public comment period, giving advocates and concerned citizens an opportunity to ensure grizzly bears don’t lose critical protections.
Grizzly bears are an apex predator and a keystone species, playing an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Yet their survival depends on more than federal protections—it also requires a cultural shift toward coexistence. Human-wildlife conflict remains one of the biggest threats to grizzlies, especially in areas where their habitat overlaps with human activity.
States that petitioned for delisting often fail to invest in proactive measures like bear-proof trash systems, livestock guardian programs, and public education. Instead, they rely on reactive, lethal strategies that exacerbate conflict rather than solve it.
Photo of Grizzly 399 and Spirit by C. Adams, Grand Teton National Park
Focus Your Fight: Remembering Grizzly 399
This news also arrives on the heels of our collective heartbreak over the loss of Grizzly 399, the world’s most famous grizzly bear. At 27 years old, the matriarch captivated millions with her resilience and grace, becoming a symbol of what is possible when people choose to coexist with wildlife. Her death in a vehicle collision serves as a stark reminder of the precariousness of grizzly populations, the role we play in their lives, and the urgent need to protect their future.
The decision to keep grizzly bears on the ESA list is an important victory, but it’s just one step in a much larger fight. This announcement kicks off a rulemaking process that could weaken protections in the future. We must remain engaged, ensuring that public comments and environmental reviews prioritize ethical and science-based strategies centering coexistence.
In December, 15 national, regional, and state environmental, tribal, and animal welfare groups filed a petition to the USFWS to adopt a new approach to recovering grizzly bears in the U.S. Northern Rockies. Based on a new science-based report by Dr. Christopher Servheen, the former USFWS Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator who served in that role from 1981-2016, the report details site-specific management actions to aid in the bears’ recovery and calls for a new approach to managing the bears as one unified population with natural connectivity between ecosystems rather than continuing with the current practice of managing isolated populations of bears. As you advocate for these iconic bears, lift up this research and its conclusions in your advocacy.
Grizzlies symbolize the wildness and resilience of North America’s landscapes. To honor Grizzly 399’s legacy, let’s commit to advocating for a future where grizzlies thrive. We can start by participating in the upcoming rulemaking process, advocating for state-level regulations that prioritize coexistence, and supporting organizations working to protect grizzly habitats.
How You Can Help Grizzly Bears Stay Protected
- Stay informed about the USFWS rulemaking process and participate in the public comment period.
- Show up at the meetings: FWS will present more details about the decision at several public meetings later this month. They include:
- Jan. 28, 2025: Missoula, at the Hilton Garden Inn, 3720 N. Reserve St. Information meeting 3-5 p.m., public hearing 6-8 p.m. MST
- Jan. 29: Coeur d’Alene, ID. Information meeting 3-5 p.m., public hearing 6-8 p.m. PST
- Jan. 30: Virtual meeting https://www.fws.gov/grizzlyrulemaking
- 6-8 p.m. MST
- Feb. 10: Cody, WY. Information meeting 3-5 p.m., public hearing 6-8 p.m. MST
- Show up at the meetings: FWS will present more details about the decision at several public meetings later this month. They include:
- Advocate for ethical, science-based management strategies centering coexistence at the state level—many states have wildlife commission meetings this month.
- Support organizations working to promote coexistence and protect grizzly habitats.
The fight for grizzly bears is far from over. Let’s honor Grizzly 399 and her legacy by ensuring these incredible creatures continue to roam wild and free for generations to come.
WDFW Escalates War on Wolves with Columbia Pack Decision
WDFW Escalates War on Wolves with Latest Lethal Removal Decision
Columbia Pack victim of manipulated narrative and anti-coexistence bias
For Immediate Release: January 7, 2025
Olympia, Wash.—Yesterday, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced it approved the lethal removal of wolves from the Columbia Pack in yet another disheartening step away from science-based, ethical wildlife management. The department’s increasingly aggressive actions against wolves over the past eight months signal a disturbing trend that prioritizes a narrow set of interests over Washington’s ecological health and public interest.
A troubling element of this decision is the department’s apparent manipulation of depredation data to bolster their narrative. In previous incident reports from last fall, WDFW grouped related depredations together, presenting a cohesive picture of wolf-livestock interactions. Now, these incidents are inexplicably listed separately in the data grid on their website, inflating the appearance of conflict and providing a skewed justification for lethal removals. This approach erodes public trust and raises serious questions about the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
In response, Wildlife for All issued the following statement:
“Since last year, WDFW has displayed an uncharacteristically aggressive stance toward wolves, authorizing lethal actions at an alarming rate,” said Michelle Lute, Ph.D. in wolf conservation, executive director of Wildlife for All. “This approach ignores a growing body of research that shows killing wolves often exacerbates livestock conflicts rather than reducing them. The loss of pack members can disrupt social cohesion, leading to more unpredictable and problematic wolf behavior. Additionally, this tactic undermines the hard-won but ongoing recovery of wolves in Washington, a species that both remains at risk and is critical to healthy ecosystems.
“WDFW’s decision-making should reflect the best available science, and offer more transparency into the current use of coexistence strategies, not only to protect livestock but also honor the public’s overwhelming support for wolf protection. Wolves are a public trust species—belonging to all Washingtonians—and play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Decisions about their management should be made transparently, ethically, and in alignment with science—not shaped to fit a narrative that disproportionately favors lethal control. Wildlife for All demands that WDFW halt this escalation of lethal actions and recommit to meaningful coexistence solutions that respect both wildlife and communities.”
See our previous statement on WDFW’s war on wolves.
###
About Wildlife for All
Wildlife for All is a national organization dedicated to reforming wildlife management to be more democratic, just, compassionate and focused on protecting wild species and ecosystems. Through research, advocacy, and education, we aim to protect wildlife and ensure that policies reflect the values of all Americans.
January Wildlife Commission Meetings
It’s time to get active in January Wildlife Commission Meetings.
January Wildlife Commission Meetings
Welcome to 2025, wildlife advocates! As we start this new year, let’s kick it off with activism.
Wildlife commission meetings are critical opportunities to influence state policies and ensure that wildlife is managed in a way that reflects ecological principles and public values. Your voice matters. Whether you choose to attend in person, speak virtually, or submit comments, participating in these meetings is a meaningful way to stand up for wildlife.
Below is the list of every state with a wildlife commission meeting in January, listed from first to last by date. As you plan your comments and engagement, use the resources on our Resources Page and Advocacy Toolkit to prepare. Check below for meeting details by state and instructions for how to engage. Let’s make a difference!
Oklahoma
Meeting Date: January 6
Location: Oklahoma City
Details: Click here for agenda and details
Notes: It’s not clear how to comment or speak; we suggest emailing the department to ask. It’s also unclear if there is a virtual participation option.
Louisiana
Meeting Date: January 7
Location: LDWF Headquarters, Joe L. Herring Room, 2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Details: Click here for agenda and details
Notes: The website does not have an agenda up yet and it is unclear how to speak or comment, as well as if virtual participation is allowed. From the website: “The Commission meets the first Thursday of every month. Unless otherwise noted, Commission meetings begin at 9:30 am. Commission meetings are open to the public. A live audio/video stream of each meeting is also available via Zoom for those who are not able to attend in person.”
Colorado
Meeting Date: January 8-9
Location: CPW Headquarters – Hunter Education Building, 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216
Details: Click here for agenda and details
Speaking Deadline: January 3 for virtual attendance. To speak in person (recommended), arrive early and grab a blue card to sign up to speak. Virtual speaking deadline was Friday, January 3 at noon.
If you are only able to provide written comments, please email all Commissioners at least 24-hours in advance of meeting start time at dnr_cpwcommission@state.co.us.
Notes: See our Colorado action alert page for more details, including talking points.
Alaska
Meeting Date: January 9
Location: Best Western Lake Lucille Inn, 1300 W Lake Lucille Drive, Wasilla, Alaska 99654
Details: Click here for agenda and details
Notes: Comments due January 3; use this form. Meeting notice and agenda here.
Iowa
Meeting Date: January 9
Location: Des Moines
Details: Click here for agenda and details.
Notes: The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. Teleconference: 442-242-3609 PIN: 883 789 392#. Video conference: meet.google.com/sco-mbns-qva. If you are unable to attend the business meeting, comments regarding agenda items may be submitted for public record to Alicia Plathe at Alicia.Plathe@dnr.iowa.gov or 6200 Park Ave Ste 200, Des Moines IA 50321 up to 24 hours prior to the business meeting.
Utah
Meeting Date: January 9
Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center, 1157 South Waterfowl Way, Farmington, Utah
Details: Click here for agenda and details.
Notes: Unless otherwise noted, all Wildlife Board meetings are on Thursdays at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center, 1157 South Waterfowl Way, Farmington. Board meetings begin at 9 a.m, unless otherwise indicated. Feedback occurs at Regional Advisory Council (RAC) meetings; the last one was in December. If you wish to comment during a RAC or Board meeting, you must attend the meeting in person — you may not submit comments online during the meeting. When you come to the meeting, pick up a comment card, fill it out and speak at the podium when your name is called. Find the full schedule here. Agendas and minutes are here. Learn how to make a presentation to the RAC or Board.
Michigan
Meeting Date: January 9
Location: Lansing Community College – Downtown, 600 North Grand Avenue, Michigan Room, Lansing, MI 48933
Details: No agenda is available yet.
Notes: The meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. It is unclear how to comment or if it is possible to speak virtually. Public comment guidelines are available on the website.
South Dakota
Meeting Date: January 9-10
Location: Ramkota Convention Center, Pierre
Details: Click here for agenda and details
Notes: The meeting is January 9, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. and January 10, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Public comments are welcome during the meeting. To provide comments, join the meeting in person or via Zoom.To join via conference call, dial 1.669.900.9128 | Webinar ID: 912 6417 6710 | Passcode: 970458. Watch the Livestream here. To speak, register by 1 pm by emailing: Liz.Kierl@state.sd.us. Testifiers should provide their full names, whom they are representing, city of residence, and which proposed topic they will be addressing. You can also submit a public comment using this form. Here is a helpful page on how to effect change with the department and commission. Full meeting schedule for the year is here.
Tennessee
Meeting Date: January 9-10
Location: Dyersburg
Details: Click here for agenda and details (note no agenda is available at the time of webpage publishing)
Notes: No agenda listed and it is unclear how to watch remotely, or how to provide comments.
Hawai’i
Meeting Date: January 10
Location: 1151 Punchbowl St. Room 132 (Kalanimoku Building), Honolulu, Hawai‘i
Details: Click here for agenda and meeting details
Notes: Meeting starts at 9.a.m. Attend in person and arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the meeting start time in order to add your name to the sign-in sheet. Virtual attendance is available; register by January 9. To speak virtually, email blnr.testimony@hawaii.gov. Include your name and the agenda item on which you would like to testify. Once your request has been received, you will receive an email with the Zoom link. Requests may be also made during the meeting. Meetings will be livestreamed at: https://youtube.com/c/boardoflandandnaturalresourcesdlnr To submit a comment, email blnr.testimony@hawaii.gov no later than 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting to ensure time for BLNR Member review.
New Mexico
Meeting Date: January 10
Location: New Mexico State Library, Piñon Room, 1209 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe, NM 87509
Details: Click here for agenda and meeting details.
Notes: Meeting starts at 9 a.m. Comment in person by signing up to speak via a card. Register in advance to attend this meeting virtually via Zoom here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. The commission may hear verbal public comments from virtual attendees at this meeting. If comments are taken, you will be asked to virtually raise your hand and then acknowledged to speak when it is your turn. A live webcast of this meeting will be available on the commission’s Webcast page and on our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/NMGameandFish. Comments will not be taken on the live webcast or on YouTube.
Washington
Meeting Date: January 10
Location: Olympia
Details: Click here for agenda and meeting details
Notes: To listen to the meeting, please access it at the Zoom Link. In-person: Registration closes 15 minutes before Open Public Input and 15 minutes prior to any individual agenda items that have a public comment period. Virtual: You must sign up by 5 p.m. the day before each meeting begins, for this meeting 5 p.m. January 9. If you are unable to participate, you can submit your comments on the Commission contact page. Written comments can also be emailed to commission@dfw.wa.gov, or sent by postal mail to: Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, Post Office Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504-3. If you wish to provide written comment to the Commission at an upcoming meeting, it needs to be received by 8 a.m. on the Thursday before the Commission meeting so that Commissioners have time to review them before the meeting starts.
New Jersey
Meeting Date: January 14
Location: Assunpink Wildlife Management Area – Central Region Office, Large Conference Room 1 Eldridge Rd., Robbinsville Twp, NJ
Details: Click here for agenda and details
Notes: Meeting starts at 10 a.m. Agenda not online at time of webpage publishing. Comments are only in person “in order to guarantee the best opportunity for public participation.” Listen online via GoToMeetingor call in +1 (312) 757-3121 Access Code: 848-342-077
Arkansas
Meeting Date: January 15-16
Location: Little Rock
Details: Click here for agenda and details (note no agenda is online at time of webpage publishing).
Notes: Unclear how to speak at meetings or provide virtual testimony or written comments. 2025 meeting schedule is here.
California
Meeting Date: January 15
Location: Natural Resources Headquarters Building 715 P Street, Second Floor Sacramento, CA 95814
Details: Click here for agenda and details
Notes: Public comments must be submitted by January 14. To participate in the meeting remotely, you may join via Zoom or by telephone directly at https://wildlife-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/82507253166. If you join via Zoom on your computer or mobile phone app (Options 1, 2, and 4) use the “raise hand” feature to indicate that you would like to participate in the conversation. If you join via phone only (Option 3), press “*2” to virtually raise your hand to indicate you would like to participate in the conversation; if you press *2 again, you will lower your hand. When the committee chair calls on you, you may need to unmute yourself as well. You also have the option of turning on your video during committee meetings. Please see the meeting agenda for full instructions regarding speaking at the meeting.
Ohio
Meeting Date: January 15
Location: Wildlife District 1 Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus, OH
Details: Click here for agenda and details
Notes: Meeting starts at 6 p.m. Public comments are accepted during the meeting. Comments for open forums during Ohio Wildlife Council meetings must be about a current rule proposal. If you have a topic that is not a current rule proposal, please email the council with your comment or question (wildlife.council@dnr.ohio.gov), or speak to a council member before or after a meeting or email the Division of Wildlife at wildinfo@dnr.ohio.gov. Speakers must register by 5:00 p.m. the Monday before the meeting. The Public Comment Form will need to be completed and submitted to wildlife.council@dnr.ohio.gov. Along with the form, submit any handouts you plan to provide.
Massachusetts
Meeting Date: January 15
Location: MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, Massachusetts
Details: Click here for agenda and details (note agenda is not available at time of webpage publishing)
Notes: Unclear how to submit comments or speak at meetings, whether in person or virtually. Attendees can go in person or join via Zoom, passcode: 456456 or join via audio: (929) 205-6099. Webinar ID: 821 7021 4789, Passcode: 456456
Vermont
Meeting Date: January 15
Location: TBD
Details: Click here for agenda and details (note agenda is not available at time of webpage publishing)
Notes: Unclear how to comment or speak either virtually or in person. Full meeting schedule for 2025 is here.
South Carolina
Meeting Date: January 16
Location: 260 D Epting Lane, West Columbia, SC 29172
Details: Click here for agenda and details (note no agenda or detailed meeting information is available at time of webpage publishing)
Notes: Meeting starts at 10 a.m. Contact Sandy Rucker at 803-734-9102 or ruckers@dnr.sc.gov for more information or how to participate.
Wyoming
Meeting Date: January 16-17
Location: The Elk Room at the Wyoming Game and Fish Headquarters, 5400 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne
Details: Click here for agenda and meeting details
Notes: This meeting will be conducted in person and via Zoom (Webinar ID: 836 5448 7680—for January 16th only). Please note there are different links for each day. If you wish to speak to the Commission and comment on an agenda item in person, please complete the comment form provided at the meeting. If you wish to speak to the Commission and comment on an agenda item via Zoom, please submit an Advanced Agenda Item Comment Form, which is attached to the agenda, by Monday January 13 to toni.bell2@wyo.gov. The session on January 16 begins at noon, and the session on the 17th at 8 a.m. Here is the January 17th Zoom link (Webinar ID: 864 7851 9309).
New Hampshire
Meeting Date: January 21
Location: Fish and Game Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord, NH
Details: Click here for agenda and meeting details (note no agenda is available at time of website publishing).
Notes: Commission meetings are regularly scheduled at 1:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month. Meetings of the NH Fish and Game Commission are open to the public, unless otherwise noted. Many items happen at subcommittees; find a list of those here.
Texas
Meeting Date: January 22-23
Location: Austin
Details: Click here for agenda and meeting details
Notes: Comment online through 5 p.m. January 22 using the links in the meeting agenda.
Virginia
Meeting Date: January 23
Location: 7870 Villa Park Dr, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228
Details: Click here for agenda and details (note no agenda or details besides location and time were available at time of webpage publishing)
Notes: Meeting starts at 9 a.m. Public comment on agenda items and non-agenda items are welcome at any regularly scheduled Board or Board Committee meeting. Please see the meeting schedule for dates and additional details,
Nebraska
Meeting Date: January 23-24
Location: Lincoln
Details: Click here for agenda and details (note agenda was note available at time of webpage publishing)
Notes: It is not clear from the website how to speak at a meeting, or how to submit comments beforehand. It is also unclear if the meeting will be livestreamed and if virtual participation is possible.
Nevada
Meeting Date: January 24-25
Location: Reno
Details: Click here for agenda and details (note agenda was note available at time of webpage publishing)
Notes:Per procedures on website, public comment will be taken on each action item following Commission discussion and before any action is taken. Persons attending virtually wishing to comment are invited to raise their virtual hands in the virtual meeting forum during the appropriate time; each person offering public comment during this period will be limited to not more than three minutes. Submit written comments on items prior to the meeting at wildlifecommission@ndow.org or attend in-person and make a comment during the meeting.
Idaho
Meeting Date: January 28-29 (or possibly just January 29)
Location: Idaho Fish and Game – Headquarters, 600 S. Walnut Street, Boise, ID 83712
Details: Click here for agenda and meeting details.
Notes: It is unclear if the meeting is both January 28-29 or just January 29; the website has conflicting information. Watch via Zoom; call-in number is 253-215-8782 and webinar ID is 912 8782 3590. Per the website, “The Fish and Game Commission usually holds a public hearing in conjunction with each regular meeting. Members of the public who want to address the commission on any topic having to do with Fish and Game business may do so at the public hearing. All testimony will be taken into consideration when the commission makes decisions on agenda items at the meetings.” It is unclear how to submit comments in advance or if virtual comments/speaking is allowed. Here is the full 2025 meeting schedule.
Kansas
Meeting Date: January 30
Location: K-State Alumni Center, Tadtman Boardroom, Manhattan, KS
Details: Click here for agenda and details. (note no agenda was available at time of webpage publishing)
Notes: Meeting starts at 12 p.m. It is unclear how to sign up to speak, submit a comment, or if virtual participation is possible.
Georgia
Meeting Date: January 31
Location: A. W. Jones Heritage Center, 610 Beachview Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 3152
Details: Click here for agenda and details. (note the agenda link shows December information; the January agenda was not available at time of webpage publishing)
Notes: It is unclear how to sign up to speak, submit a comment, or if virtual participation is possible.Here is the full 2025 meeting schedule.
