Species status review

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) periodically reviews the status of protected species in the state to determine whether each species warrants its current listing or deserves to be delisted or reclassified.

State wildlife managers begin the review process by seeking information and data from the public, including non-governmental groups, universities, private researchers and naturalists, on each species. The public input period typically lasts one year.

WDFW uses the public information to update the status of each species and make a recommendation about the species' listing classification. Wildlife managers then solicit public comment on the draft status reviews for at least 90 days. WDFW staff ultimately present their recommendations to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, a citizen panel appointed by the governor, at a public hearing.

Current draft periodic status review documents and documents awaiting Commission action can be found at the links on this page. Other status review documents can be found by visiting WDFW's Publications webpage and searching for "Category: Status Reports."

Awaiting Commission action

The commission will make a determination on the listing classification of the species listed below. Check the commission webpage for public hearing dates and locations.

• None at this time

Draft status reviews available for public review

• DRAFT Periodic Status Review for the Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse in Washington (2024)
• DRAFT Periodic Status Review for the Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit (2024)

Tentative schedule to present findings to the Fish and Wildlife Commission