WA Fish and Wildlife commissioner accuses agency director of retaliation

A federal lawsuit filed Thursday accuses the leaders of the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife of attempting to silence a member of the citizen panel that oversees the agency in retaliation for her ongoing criticism of their administration.

Director Kelly Susewind and Deputy Director Amy Windrope targeted Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Lorna Smith, manufacturing allegations about her conduct to incite an investigation by the governor’s office, according to the lawsuit. The complaint contends that the probe has harmed her reputation and could lead to her removal.

“I have been outspoken,” Smith said in a statement. “The Commission cannot operate effectively and wisely if commissioners feel bullied or are hesitant or afraid to speak or vote freely.”

The suit also accuses Susewind and Windrope of making defamatory statements and unfounded allegations against attorney Claire Davis and the wildlife advocacy group she leads, in an alleged rebuke for her critical comments and numerous lawsuits the group filed against the department

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/04/03/wa-fish-and-wildlife-commissioner-accuses-agency-director-of-retaliation/