Bill Would Eliminate DNR Law Enforcement

[Knocker of rocks]

Bigtex, you say that the WDFW officers would be doing more DNR work instead of doing just WDFW work, but there will be more WDFW enforcement, isn't that correct? Are they eliminating any positions or just moving the personnel?

Yes there would be more WDFW Officers with the addition of the 10 or DNR Officers. Basically the guys who wear a DNR uniform today would be wearing WDFW uniforms.

Look at it this way. There are numerous events at the Beverly Dunes every year, DNR typically brings in officers from all over the state to work it considering there are only 2 DNR Officers in E WA. Sometimes WDFW may send an officer there to help, but they aren't required to do so. But if this bill were to happen it would be WDFW that would have to man/work the event, and they would probably most likely use the local officers instead of relying on officers from other areas, which could mean less officers working fish and wildlife duties in that area. This type of situation could be seen at other DNR areas that have "events" throughout the state.

Wouldn't this also require the re-categorization of DNR lands to now be WDFW lands? How does that work?

When I've seen the Discovery Pass being enforced at Mt. Si. it was the WDFW writing the tickets.

I'm positive Mt Si is DNR, and not WDFW

[bigtex]

If all they are going to do is change the name of the LEO"S from DNR to WDFW where is the cost savings. Just taking the money from one empty checkbook to put it in another empty check book.  Now if they were going to eliminate the positions all together I'd be in favor of it

This bill isn't about cost savings but more about a "one-stop" for natural resource law enforcement. Basically instead of having someone call WDFW to complain about someone dumping on DNR lands and then being transfered over to DNR law enforcement, WDFW would be the agency.

[bigtex]

Bigtex, you say that the WDFW officers would be doing more DNR work instead of doing just WDFW work, but there will be more WDFW enforcement, isn't that correct? Are they eliminating any positions or just moving the personnel?

Yes there would be more WDFW Officers with the addition of the 10 or DNR Officers. Basically the guys who wear a DNR uniform today would be wearing WDFW uniforms.

Look at it this way. There are numerous events at the Beverly Dunes every year, DNR typically brings in officers from all over the state to work it considering there are only 2 DNR Officers in E WA. Sometimes WDFW may send an officer there to help, but they aren't required to do so. But if this bill were to happen it would be WDFW that would have to man/work the event, and they would probably most likely use the local officers instead of relying on officers from other areas, which could mean less officers working fish and wildlife duties in that area. This type of situation could be seen at other DNR areas that have "events" throughout the state.

Wouldn't this also require the re-categorization of DNR lands to now be WDFW lands? How does that work?

When I've seen the Discovery Pass being enforced at Mt. Si. it was the WDFW writing the tickets.

I'm positive Mt Si is DNR, and not WDFW

That's correct.

[bigtex]

I think it would work like it does now where it is WDFW managed lands...

This bill fits in nicely to the DP, and the past failed attempt to merge DNR, Parks, and WDFW... Why not make them all Park rangers? Don't park rangers know all the fishing laws?   I kinda see this a one bite at atime ot make the 3 merge but couldnt get it done the first time because they wanted to do it too quick.

There have been a lot of legislation over natural resource law enforcement. In the past 5 years there has been:
-Move WDFW LE to State Patrol
-Move WDFW and DNR LE to State Patrol
-Create a state natural resource police agency, basically remove DNR and WDFW LE and create their own agency
-Merge all functions of DNR, WDFW, State Parks (not just LE)
-Eliminate WDFW, DNR, and State Parks LE and have the Sheriff handle it.

Under state law state "park rangers" only have authority on State Park lands.

[bigtex]

Here is the only down side that i can come up with... WDFW will become the "woods police" that deals with all the catch all issues that are non game realted. This seems to be the trend to move the WDFW away from thier core misson. the state often comes up with some new "enforcement" action and just thows it out there for some agency to "take care of"

In a way I disagree with you. WDFW just doesn't decide they are going to start enforcing/"take care of" a new law, they are required to do so under state law. WDFW is now required to regulate the pet store industry, cold storage areas, aquatic invasive species, etc. And typically they don't receive any additional funding for it. The legislature basically says WDFW enforce this new subject area with what you have.

Another state agency that gets treated like this is the Liquor Control Board. Why were they tasked with marijuana regulation? The Dept of Health regulates tobacco/cigarettes, to me that seems like a better agency. But then again, while the DOH sets the policies for tobacco, the Liquor Control Board is the one enforcing it. The Dept of Revenue sets the policies for tobacco taxing, but the Liquor Control Board enforces it.

[Special T]

Here is the only down side that i can come up with... WDFW will become the "woods police" that deals with all the catch all issues that are non game realted. This seems to be the trend to move the WDFW away from thier core misson. the state often comes up with some new "enforcement" action and just thows it out there for some agency to "take care of"

In a way I disagree with you. WDFW just doesn't decide they are going to start enforcing/"take care of" a new law, they are required to do so under state law. WDFW is now required to regulate the pet store industry, cold storage areas, aquatic invasive species, etc. And typically they don't receive any additional funding for it. The legislature basically says WDFW enforce this new subject area with what you have.
Another state agency that gets treated like this is the Liquor Control Board. Why were they tasked with marijuana regulation? The Dept of Health regulates tobacco/cigarettes, to me that seems like a better agency. But then again, while the DOH sets the policies for tobacco, the Liquor Control Board is the one enforcing it. The Dept of Revenue sets the policies for tobacco taxing, but the Liquor Control Board enforces it.

Your words in red point out what i mean. the STATE makes them a catch all agency. what i like LEAST about that is the fact that the state then shirks more reponcibilty to SPORTSMEN for NON sportsman related issues.

[coyotecrazy]

WDFW officers are state officers. They have law enforcement powers anywhere in the state just like state patrol. They can even write speeding tickets on county roads etc. several WDFW units in eastern wa have radar units in their rigs. Looks like WDFW would get 10 more officers and I don't see what they are currently doing changing much. 

[bigtex]

WDFW officers are state officers. They have law enforcement powers anywhere in the state just like state patrol. They can even write speeding tickets on county roads etc. several WDFW units in eastern wa have radar units in their rigs. Looks like WDFW would get 10 more officers and I don't see what they are currently doing changing much. 

What changes is WDFW Officers would now be required to enforce the DNR laws on DNR lands. If there is a big ORV run/event in a DNR area right now WDFW probably wouldn't be there, DNR LE would be there. Under this bill WDFW would be the agency responsible for what occurs on DNR lands.

[bigtex]

I personally have no opinion on this bill. Just providing one viewpoint.

[BOWHUNTER45]

I think we have enough enforcement when it comes to Fish & wildlife ...we need more officers on the street and get the drug dealers off the street ..I see alot of wardens and DNR officers in skagit co 

[bigtex]

I think we have enough enforcement when it comes to Fish & wildlife ...we need more officers on the street and get the drug dealers off the street ..I see alot of wardens and DNR officers in skagit co 

Well stats are against you. A study done in 2008 found the amount of WDFW Officers needw to double, there have been about 7 or so new officer positions created since.

DNR only has one officer to cover Snohomish County to the Canadian border.

[christopheri]

Thoughts?

Im all for it!  That sounds like it would up the buget of the WDFW.

[bigtex]

The "intent" of the bill:

(2)The legislature further finds that the state can most effectively and efficiently protect the state's natural resources and the recreating public by combining the enforcement authorities and personnel of the department of natural resources with those of the department of fish and wildlife. In particular, the existing enforcement staff of the department of natural resources is far too constrained to effectively respond to the challenges facing state lands and would benefit greatly from a merger with the enforcement staff of the department of fish and wildlife.

(3) It is the intent of the legislature for the merger of enforcement agencies to enhance the state's enforcement capability in regards to both fishing and hunting laws and laws historically enforced by the department of natural resources. In carrying out this intent, the legislature expects the department of fish and wildlife to take seriously the new enforcement areas being given to its officers and consult frequently with the commissioner of public lands to ensure that the enforcement needs of the department of natural resources are being satisfied.

[Mudman]

I dont like it.  Wardens have enuff work to do short staffed as it is.  I think state is just trying to make a buck.

[bigtex]

Also, there are about 80 or so DNR employees with limited enforcement authority for only DNR land use violations. Under this bill these individuals would only be able to enforce ORV and some serious/rare fire laws. The authority to enforce all other DNR rules would be eliminated.