WDFW Enforcement Staffing Facts

[dbllunger]

All,  I have seen a couple threads about issues and needed support for WDFW.  I agree we need to put pressure on the politicians who fund WDFW.  The largest issue I think is the terrible staffing issues within the Enforcement Division.  I think this is the section that has the greatest affect on the quality of hunting/animal survival.  We all know that the best bucks in this state are poached every year.   So here are a few facts.

1994
Both department of Fish and Wildlife were merged in 1994.  There were at that time 177 commissioned enforcement positions.

2008
There is currently 137 commissioned enforcement positions.

2009
The governers office is requiring cuts that would cause 10 more commissioned enforcement positions to be eliminated.  We would only have 127 if the budget happens.

***IMPORTANT*****
There was a study and report done and provided to WDFW by the IACP (International Chiefs of Police Association), and their recommendation was in order to handle the territory, calls for service, and provide adequate enforcement.  IACP said WDFW should have a total of 262 commissioned enforcement positions in 2008.  That is almost 100% understaffed according to a group who should know what staffing levels need to be at. 

****Even More Important*****
     The politicians in this state control the funds, and they can specify where WDFW spends the money.   So they could pay for more positions (hey how about just back to what we had in 94..now there is a concept.) and not allow the money to be used in other areas.  If everyone called or emailed their representatives and told them they would start to listen.  Also make a few emails for the lazy hunters and just help them cut and paste.  Yes you have to do the work for them, but at least they will get the info sent on in more numbers.

Just thought I would pass this on.
 

[huntnphool]

This was sent to me through my gun range.


"Hello: I am writing to let you know about an important legislative hearing regarding the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and our operational budget. The hearing is sponsored by the House General Government Appropriations Committee and will take place tomorrow night, January 28, 2009, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in House Hearing Room C of the John O’Brien Building. A number of natural resource agency directors will present agency budget overviews and respond to Committee questions. These presentations will be followed by a formal public hearing. Many of you know that the Governor’s operational budget proposal for next biennium reduced WDFW by $30 million and 157 full time positions. This reduction is primarily driven by a 20% cut to state general funds, a proportion that is two to three times greater than any other natural resource agency. Reductions at this level will have serious impacts to our customer services, including enforcement, providing access to recreational opportunities, and conservation of our state resources. Interim Director Phil Anderson will provide the Committee with details as to projected budget impacts. It will be important for the Committee to understand how service reductions will occur. It will be even more important for legislators to hear related concerns from our stakeholders. A number of legislators have questioned the proposed disproportionate state general fund cuts and may be willing to adjust reduction levels to WDFW if strong stakeholder support exists. Please consider attending this important hearing. If you have any questions feel free to call. Joe Stohr, Deputy Director Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 360.902.2650"