WA HB1311

Reclassifies the gray wolf from "endangered" to "sensitive" status in Washington, implementing the Department of Fish and Wildlife's February 2024 recommendation presented to the commission on June 22, 2024

Maintains protections for wolves under the "sensitive" designation, including prohibition of hunting, protection from unlawful take and harassment, and continued listing as a priority habitat and species

Wolf population has grown steadily for 14 consecutive years since the first pack was confirmed in 2008, with wolves now expanding from northeast and southeast Washington into the north, central, and south Cascades

Requires the sensitive status designation to remain until the department's next proposed review, with reversion to endangered status only if the population becomes vulnerable or declines below current levels

Directs the Department of Fish and Wildlife director to implement the reclassification as soon as practicable upon the act's effective date