Updates on State Wildlife Action Plan

A Spokane Audubon Society Presentation

Washington’s State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) has been updated with emphasis on habitat and ecosystem conservation. Highlights and changes are shared and discussed in this presentation by WDFD.

Protecting wildlife habitat is especially important for at-risk species in Washington, including the Sharp-tailed Grouse, American White Pelican, Marbled Murrelet, Northern Spotted Owl, and Sandhill Crane. The updated SWAP also expands its focus to include rare plants and highlights conservation efforts happening at local, statewide, and even cross-border levels.

The plan is designed to align with other conservation programs across Washington and neighboring states, support national efforts to secure long-term funding, and improve access through online maps and tools. It is expected to be approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in early May 2026 and will be available on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

Tonight’s speaker, Wendy Connally of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, will share highlights from the updated plan. Wendy previously gathered input on the plan in 2023 and now returns to present the final version. She has extensive experience in conservation, including leading work in habitat protection, rare species recovery, and community science. In her current role, she collaborates with partners and the public to make the plan more effective and accessible. Over the past two years, she has worked with more than 100 experts and hosted briefings for tribes, agencies, and community groups to help shape this latest version of the plan (2025–2035).

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