A young WDFW biologist, Erin Peterson, a mother of two, died in a tragic accident while snorkeling the Wind River to count summer steelhead this fall. I had the privilege of working with Erin and she was a brilliant scientist and the kind of person who brings out the best in everyone she interacted with. If you have the means I would humbly ask that you join me in supporting her family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-erin-petersons-daughters
Help support the family of young WDFW biologist killed in tragic accident
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Erin was a coworker to several members of this forum. She had an incredible passion for fish and their environment.
If someone donates $100 to the above link I’ll send them a dozen lake flies and take you fishing to Coldwater Lake located in the Mt. St. Helens National Monument. I have all the gear if needed.
If someone donates $100 to the above link I’ll send them a dozen lake flies and take you fishing to Coldwater Lake located in the Mt. St. Helens National Monument. I have all the gear if needed.
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Hello - I am so very sorry for the loss those of you who knew Erin Peterson must feel about this tragedy, especially if you worked with her at the Department. Maybe you've even realized some of the issues that led to Erin's tragic death. I’ve been deeply concerned about the circumstances surrounding Erin and Mary Valentine's tragic deaths and the role that the negligence noted and fined by Labor & Industries, by the Department may have played.
I am trying to respectfully reach out to Mark Owens to see if he would be willing to share any information or insights regarding the situation. So far, I’ve contacted the Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission several times, spoken with a few Commissioners, and written letters, but the response by 5 of the nine Commissioners has been overwhelmingly silent. I sent two letters to the Commission and I would like to share them with Mark and/or Mary Valentine's husband if they are willing to take a look.
I left a message for Mark on his GoFundMe page yesterday but haven’t heard back yet. I would appreciate any help in connecting with him or if any of you were close, if there is anything that you might be able to help me with. The L & I investigations found "serious" and "willful serious" safety violations by the Department and I believe these dedicated women and their families deserve justice.
Please let me know if you can help me. Thank you - Ron
I am trying to respectfully reach out to Mark Owens to see if he would be willing to share any information or insights regarding the situation. So far, I’ve contacted the Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission several times, spoken with a few Commissioners, and written letters, but the response by 5 of the nine Commissioners has been overwhelmingly silent. I sent two letters to the Commission and I would like to share them with Mark and/or Mary Valentine's husband if they are willing to take a look.
I left a message for Mark on his GoFundMe page yesterday but haven’t heard back yet. I would appreciate any help in connecting with him or if any of you were close, if there is anything that you might be able to help me with. The L & I investigations found "serious" and "willful serious" safety violations by the Department and I believe these dedicated women and their families deserve justice.
Please let me know if you can help me. Thank you - Ron
Just curious what led you to be “deeply concerned”? Do you work for WDFW, have a loved one that works for them, just looking out for state employees… are you a lawyer?
I don’t mean to come off as cynical a$$, but just looking for some context.
Hi Paul - I understand your concern, and in times like these, a bit of skepticism is entirely justified. I truly respect and appreciate your thoughtful response.
My name is Ron Reed, and I live in Spokane. I’m a retired business owner, having founded, owned, and operated a technology company with my wife for 28 years before selling it in 2017. Now, at 72, my focus is on the future of my four granddaughters and the health of our planet. I’m not a lawyer — just a grandfather who deeply cares about the world we’re leaving behind.
The reason I’m “deeply concerned” stems from witnessing the ongoing mismanagement within the department over many years. When the 2021 State Auditor’s Report was released, I was alarmed by the findings, which confirmed my fears about the department’s culture. I believed then, as I do now, that such mismanagement would inevitably lead to tragedies like those experienced by Erin Peterson, Mary Valentine, and their families.
My frustration has only grown as I’ve seen a lack of genuine concern from the majority of the Commissioners during my ongoing communications with Chair Baker and the rest. I’ve raised these issues twice with the Governor’s office, where I was assured that they share my concerns. However, as you likely know, once Commissioners are appointed and confirmed by the Senate, there is no mechanism to remove them. The same holds true for the Director and upper management — only the Commission has the authority to address those issues.
I’d be happy to privately share the letters I mentioned, should you be interested. I would like to share them with Mark Owens if you know him. They come from a place of deep concern and reflect the urgency I feel on these critical issues.
My name is Ron Reed, and I live in Spokane. I’m a retired business owner, having founded, owned, and operated a technology company with my wife for 28 years before selling it in 2017. Now, at 72, my focus is on the future of my four granddaughters and the health of our planet. I’m not a lawyer — just a grandfather who deeply cares about the world we’re leaving behind.
The reason I’m “deeply concerned” stems from witnessing the ongoing mismanagement within the department over many years. When the 2021 State Auditor’s Report was released, I was alarmed by the findings, which confirmed my fears about the department’s culture. I believed then, as I do now, that such mismanagement would inevitably lead to tragedies like those experienced by Erin Peterson, Mary Valentine, and their families.
My frustration has only grown as I’ve seen a lack of genuine concern from the majority of the Commissioners during my ongoing communications with Chair Baker and the rest. I’ve raised these issues twice with the Governor’s office, where I was assured that they share my concerns. However, as you likely know, once Commissioners are appointed and confirmed by the Senate, there is no mechanism to remove them. The same holds true for the Director and upper management — only the Commission has the authority to address those issues.
I’d be happy to privately share the letters I mentioned, should you be interested. I would like to share them with Mark Owens if you know him. They come from a place of deep concern and reflect the urgency I feel on these critical issues.
A lot of us have issues with the commission and/or some aspect of wdfw. Although it sounds like your intentions are good please keep in mind the family and friends of these individuals will be going through different stages of grief and may not want to be contacted... my 2 cents
I am aware of that, Billy. If that's the case, I have no plans to press it. My intentions are with the greatest respect for these families.