Advisers debated whether U.S. Endangered Species Act listings for species whose primary range is foreign yield measurable conservation gains; suggestions included prioritizing high evolutionary distinctiveness and documenting listing outcomes before petitioning further.

WDFW staff unveiled a draft statewide white sturgeon conservation plan, recommended aligning an oversized‑sturgeon definition with Oregon and closing several Columbia River pools in permanent rules, and asked the commission to delegate rule updates to the director; the committee agreed to report that recommendation to the full commission.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to delegate authority to the director to pursue rule changes aligning sport white sturgeon size limits with Oregon and to allow permanent closures with emergency rules when needed.

Representatives for Manulife met with the Pittsburg town board to introduce themselves, describe timber-management plans tied to a conservation easement and carbon-credit agreement, and promise community meetings to discuss recreation and harvest levels.

The House Transportation Committee heard ESSB 5203, which would require WSDOT and WDFW to develop an integrated wildlife habitat connectivity strategy, create two dedicated accounts for corridors and crossings, and report to the legislature by Dec. 1, 2026; testimony ranged from conservation groups urging passage to rural landowners and local officials raising concerns about outreach and cost.

Governor emphasizes balancing growth and conservation with new water supply initiative.