The Teanaway Community Forest in Upper Kittitas County is almost a year old, and WDFW and DNR are looking at how to manage it. DNR has taken more of the day-to-day role. State agencies have submitted their proposed 2015-17 budgets to the governor.
As part of the 2015-17 budget DNR is asking for funding of an additional DNR Law Enforcement Officer to mainly patrol the Teanaway Forest. In addition DNR is requesting funding that would go to DNR to fund the equivalent of half a WDFW Officer to work the Teanaway. Basically DNR would get a new LEO position, and DNR would get funding for half a Fish and Wildlife Officer position that they will pass on to WDFW.
Up until 2013 there were a whopping two DNR LEOs in Eastern WA; one in Ellensburg and the other in Colville. A bill in 2013 funded brand new positions in Yakima and Monroe. If this budget proposal were to pass it would bring the current DNR LE force of 12 to 13, and bring the number of DNR LEOs in Eastern WA from 3 to 4.
