Washington Wildlife First
Highway Wolf, led by Mick Hellman alongside his creative partners Tal and Amber Morris, is proud to continue its Sanctuary Spotlight initiative to advocate for wolves. This month, the team is partnering with Washington Wildlife First, a nonprofit organization committed to transforming wildlife policies in Washington state, with a special focus on protecting wolves and other wild species.
Washington Wildlife First was founded in response to growing concerns about the way wolves are managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Wolves, a vital part of the state’s ecosystems, face threats from livestock conflicts and pressure from hunting interests. Washington Wildlife First’s work focuses on advocating for policies to reduce conflicts with domesticated animals and preventing unnecessary wolf killings. One of their current efforts involves working with the Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission. At the request of Governor Inslee, the Commission is beginning to create new rules in response to Washington Wildlife First’s petition, aimed at increasing accountability, transparency, and clarity when it comes to WDFW’s decisions involving the killing of wolves. Washington Wildlife First is heavily engaged in this rulemaking process, advocating for measures that will prevent unnecessary wolf killings and promote coexistence strategies between livestock and predators.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Highway Wolf in raising awareness about the importance of protecting wolves," says Fran Santiago-Ávila, Science & Advocacy Director of Washington Wildlife First. "Music comes from the heart and inspires harmony, which is exactly what we should be striving for among wolves and humans. Our partnership with Highway Wolf harnesses that power to inspire action for wolf protection and human-wolf coexistence.”
For the entire month of November, Highway Wolf is donating 100% of proceeds from purchases of the “Protect the Pack” Spotlight T-Shirt to Washington Wildlife First. "As musicians, we have a unique platform to connect with people, and it's important to us to use that platform for a cause we deeply care about," says Mick Hellman. "Washington Wildlife First is doing incredible work to protect wolves and reshape how wildlife is managed in Washington state. We're excited to raise awareness and support their mission." Highway Wolf encourages music fans and animal lovers to support Washington Wildlife First by joining advocacy campaigns, attending public meetings, or supporting their legislative efforts.
For more information about Washington Wildlife First, visit: http://www.wawildlifefirst.org/