POLL: Is WDFW fulfilling it's legislative mandates?

[bearpaw]

What are your thoughts? Is WDFW fulfilling it's legislative mandates?
Please grade their performance!

http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/

About WDFW

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving, protecting and perpetuating the state’s fish and wildlife resources. The department operates under a dual mandate from the Washington Legislature to:

• Protect and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats.
• Provide sustainable, fish- and wildlife-related recreational and commercial opportunities.

Department policy is guided by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission composed of nine citizen members appointed by the Governor. Department operations are led by a Director and an Executive Management Team. The Director is appointed by the Fish and Wildlife Commission.

[bigtex]

Here is the actual mandate as written into state law and last amended in 2000


RCW 77.04.012
Mandate of department and commission.

Wildlife, fish, and shellfish are the property of the state. The commission, director, and the department shall preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage the wildlife and food fish, game fish, and shellfish in state waters and offshore waters.

The department shall conserve the wildlife and food fish, game fish, and shellfish resources in a manner that does not impair the resource. In a manner consistent with this goal, the department shall seek to maintain the economic well-being and stability of the fishing industry in the state. The department shall promote orderly fisheries and shall enhance and improve recreational and commercial fishing in this state.

The commission may authorize the taking of wildlife, food fish, game fish, and shellfish only at times or places, or in manners or quantities, as in the judgment of the commission does not impair the supply of these resources.

The commission shall attempt to maximize the public recreational game fishing and hunting opportunities of all citizens, including juvenile, disabled, and senior citizens.

Recognizing that the management of our state wildlife, food fish, game fish, and shellfish resources depends heavily on the assistance of volunteers, the department shall work cooperatively with volunteer groups and individuals to achieve the goals of this title to the greatest extent possible.

Nothing in this title shall be construed to infringe on the right of a private property owner to control the owner's private property.

[bearpaw]

   Thanks for finding that for this topic. 

[bigtex]

I think the biggest problem for WDFW (and really all states) is in some cases they are almost forced into things. Federal laws such as the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act all impact WDFW decisions, and with the ESA almost every WDFW decision can be impacted by the ESA. So when WDFW (or any state) wants to change something the first thing they have to is basically look and see what they can do under federal law.

As an example, states don't have much say regarding migratory bird hunting. USFWS says how long of the season can be, what the limits are, what the methods of take are and let the states set the actual dates and any further restrictions. But WDFW cant come out with a regulation saying duck hunting is open 365 days a year like they could for fishing in the local trout pond.

You don't really see this with other natural resource type agencies. It's not like there is a federal law which states how states must run their state parks. Or how many trees DNR can cut down on DNR lands

[vandeman17]

I think the biggest problem for WDFW (and really all states) is in some cases they are almost forced into things. Federal laws such as the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act all impact WDFW decisions, and with the ESA almost every WDFW decision can be impacted by the ESA. So when WDFW (or any state) wants to change something the first thing they have to is basically look and see what they can do under federal law.

As an example, states don't have much say regarding migratory bird hunting. USFWS says how long of the season can be, what the limits are, what the methods of take are and let the states set the actual dates and any further restrictions. But WDFW cant come out with a regulation saying duck hunting is open 365 days a year like they could for fishing in the local trout pond.

You don't really see this with other natural resource type agencies. It's not like there is a federal law which states how states must run their state parks. Or how many trees DNR can cut down on DNR lands

I agree and the federal regulations paint with a broad brush when the states should have more say because they all face different factors. No one size fits all.

[ucwarden]

I think the biggest problem for WDFW (and really all states) is in some cases they are almost forced into things. Federal laws such as the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act all impact WDFW decisions, and with the ESA almost every WDFW decision can be impacted by the ESA. So when WDFW (or any state) wants to change something the first thing they have to is basically look and see what they can do under federal law.

As an example, states don't have much say regarding migratory bird hunting. USFWS says how long of the season can be, what the limits are, what the methods of take are and let the states set the actual dates and any further restrictions. But WDFW cant come out with a regulation saying duck hunting is open 365 days a year like they could for fishing in the local trout pond.

You don't really see this with other natural resource type agencies. It's not like there is a federal law which states how states must run their state parks. Or how many trees DNR can cut down on DNR lands

BigTex:

I have agreed with almost everything you have posted on this site, until now.  I partially agree with what you said, but I think you are giving WDFW an excuse for doing a very poor job.  This director clearly comes from a fisheries background, and it shows in his performance.  In my particular case; how he manages (or doesn't manage) enforcement.  He has been made fully aware of the "issues" with WDFW enforcement, but has either ignored the problems or is a part of them. 

I realize federal law trumps a good deal of the decision making WDFW faces, but they do a piss poor job with the part they can deal with.  When I was in the field, I knew the courts wouldn't sentence suspects to what we all believe they should, but I did what I could with what I had available.  I didn't just throw my hands up and say "it's out of my control".  You gotta fight for what you believe in, and work your butt off.  I just don't see this director, or WDFW management taking on the tough issues (tribal hunting, predator control, etc.) like I think they should, but go after fish or shellfish and they are all over it.

[bobcat]

I give them an "F" for their lack of willingness to do anything to control the tribal overharvest issue.

[Bigtine96]

I give them an "F" for their lack of willingness to do anything to control the tribal overharvest issue.

  in my opinion the most important issue we have.

[Oldguy]

After reading "Operation Cody", I am convinced that if this is the way the WDFW operates, there is no hope for a positive outcome without a thorough house cleaning of the whole department. Is there anything positive that the WDFW has done in way of creating better hunting or fishing opportunities?

[Bullkllr]

After reading "Operation Cody", I am convinced that if this is the way the WDFW operates, there is no hope for a positive outcome without a thorough house cleaning of the whole department. Is there anything positive that the WDFW has done in way of creating better hunting or fishing opportunities?

That's a very fair question. I would add " what has WDFW done to simply sustain opportunities we used to have". I know there are issues to deal with like population growth, habitat loss, ocean conditions for salmon, etc. that they have no control over- but the record in my lifetime seems pretty abysmal- especially in the last 20 years or so.

[Elkaholic daWg]

After reading "Operation Cody", I am convinced that if this is the way the WDFW operates, there is no hope for a positive outcome without a thorough house cleaning of the whole department. Is there anything positive that the WDFW has done in way of creating better hunting or fishing opportunities?

That's a very fair question. I would add " what has WDFW done to simply sustain opportunities we used to have". I know there are issues to deal with like population growth, habitat loss, ocean conditions for salmon, etc. that they have no control over- but the record in my lifetime seems pretty abysmal- especially in the last 20 years or so.

Yes, right after the DFW was merged with fisheries...

[buckfvr]

When you have inept management, and many of the departmental people, and down through the ranks know it, yet allow it, by not speaking there minds as a group, then they are just as guilty of the failure as the persons ultimately incharge.

The big problem with wdfw is they all have such great jobs that they are unwilling to take a risk to right the many wrongs that are going on all around them.  They feel since they are just following orders, its not their fault.  BUT IT IS their fault for not attempting to correct the failures.

That is why top to bottom house cleaning is necessary........they all deserve to be in line for handouts........they cost us millions in wages and benefits all while failing us.  ONLY IN a government job will you find this........SICKENING  !!!!!

[ucwarden]

When you have inept management, and many of the departmental people, and down through the ranks know it, yet allow it, by not speaking there minds as a group, then they are just as guilty of the failure as the persons ultimately incharge.

The big problem with wdfw is they all have such great jobs that they are unwilling to take a risk to right the many wrongs that are going on all around them.  They feel since they are just following orders, its not their fault.  BUT IT IS their fault for not attempting to correct the failures.

That is why top to bottom house cleaning is necessary........they all deserve to be in line for handouts........they cost us millions in wages and benefits all while failing us.  ONLY IN a government job will you find this........SICKENING  !!!!!

I am not criticizing anyone at all, so don't take this as such, but it's easy to complain about what is wrong, but much more valuable to do something about it.  I agree that it's time for a major regimen change, but now what are we all going to do about it?

[Special T]

I am not a turkey hunter but i have heard that they have done an excellent job with that. There WERE some old gaurd that did an excellent job in thier area, because those individuals LOVED thier position and what they did. the 2 names that escape me, however they were the blues elk MGR that was honored on here and a waterfowl bio/warden from the skagit area.

The stars that i have meet or heard about are INDIVIDUALS that have found a way to overcome the beurocacy that is the WDFW. There is no good leadership from the department on the hunting side. I think i have heard more "the cup is half empty" from them than "half Full".

I do think they do a good job at attacking poatchers that work the salt waters, but that is it.

[returnofsid]

Here is the actual mandate as written into state law and last amended in 2000


RCW 77.04.012
Mandate of department and commission.

Wildlife, fish, and shellfish are the property of the state. The commission, director, and the department shall preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage the wildlife and food fish, game fish, and shellfish in state waters and offshore waters.

The department shall conserve the wildlife and food fish, game fish, and shellfish resources in a manner that does not impair the resource. In a manner consistent with this goal, the department shall seek to maintain the economic well-being and stability of the fishing industry in the state. The department shall promote orderly fisheries and shall enhance and improve recreational and commercial fishing in this state.

The commission may authorize the taking of wildlife, food fish, game fish, and shellfish only at times or places, or in manners or quantities, as in the judgment of the commission does not impair the supply of these resources.

The commission shall attempt to maximize the public recreational game fishing and hunting opportunities of all citizens, including juvenile, disabled, and senior citizens.

Recognizing that the management of our state wildlife, food fish, game fish, and shellfish resources depends heavily on the assistance of volunteers, the department shall work cooperatively with volunteer groups and individuals to achieve the goals of this title to the greatest extent possible.

Nothing in this title shall be construed to infringe on the right of a private property owner to control the owner's private property.

I'm a bit bothered by how much of this 'mandate' is directed towards fish and how little is directed towards wildlife. 

In this sentence alone, I grade close to a failure...

The commission shall attempt to maximize the public recreational game fishing and hunting opportunities of all citizens, including juvenile, disabled, and senior citizens.