WA SB5354

Allows counties to manage gray wolves as non-endangered when the state has maintained 15 breeding pairs for at least three years AND the county has at least three documented breeding pairs in areas not covered by federal Endangered Species Act protections

Requires counties meeting these criteria to enter interlocal agreements with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and local tribes for collaborative wolf co-management, including coordination with local law enforcement on problem animal reports

Establishes a work group to develop regional wolf management plans within six months, including representatives from cattlepersons organizations, county governments, conservation nonprofits, and range riding organizations, with tribal consultation

Regional plans must address livestock loss minimization, improved compensation programs, faster lethal control response times, habitat improvement for ungulates, and maintaining stable wolf population recovery objectives

Legislative findings cite Washington's wolf population grew 20% in 2023 to a minimum of 260 wolves in 42 packs, with 15 consecutive years of population growth, and note the February 2024 federal determination that listing wolves as endangered in eastern Washington was "not warranted"