WDFW, WDNR personnel need help

[sisu]

Everyone that hunts, fishes need to write their state representatives and senators to INCEASE funding for these departments.
I'm not going to tell you what to write but we need to start a campaign for the departments because the alternative is worse. So far they have been informed that cuts are coming, more is expected of the field workers, less will be put into funding for habitat, research, etc.
I know many of you are fed up with the WDFW but IF something is not done to help there will be less than we have now.

The situation is grim for the outdoor user if things don't turn around. Less money means less public access to lakes where previously we had access because they can afford to open them due to maintenance issues.

The same scenario is in place for the Department of Natural Resources. I'm not sure what is in store for BLM and other federal agencies but so far the state situation is not good.

If you can please send a note to your representatives and senators here in the state.

[wastickslinger]

Maybe thet should be a little more careful with their generous raises every year.  I know everyone is entitled to make a living but good grief I have seen some figures that blew me away.

[yelp]

go to lbloom.net and check out how much some individuals make.  He lists every state agency and the number of employee employed.  Wastickslinger you correct depending on the person.  I know I wish I got paid as much as some.

[wastickslinger]

I cannot speak for all departments, but the few I was able to look at blew my mind. Like I said, not meant to be an attack on all departments at all. But what I saw was beyond normal annual increases.

[DOUBLELUNG]

Maybe thet should be a little more careful with their generous raises every year.  I know everyone is entitled to make a living but good grief I have seen some figures that blew me away.

I'm not sure what you think you've seen WSS - but I left WDFW in part because I'd lost about 8% of my buying power after 7 years.  These are the generous raises we received (these are total pay adjustments, not just a cost of living or ...):
2001: 3.7%
2002: 0%
2003: 0%
2004: 0%
2005: 0%
2006: 3.2%
2007: 1.6%

Total average raise over 7 years: 1.2%/year, about 1%/year less than inflation.  Pretty F*ing generous!

I will support additional funding for WDFW once they put a majority of their employees in the field.  As long as over 50% of the workforce are in Olympia, I say they need to reprioritize.  It was well-known within WDFW that when it came to cutting jobs, the dear Dr. Koenings DELIBERATELY put on the chopping block hatcheries, game wardens, field bios, and access and wildlife area staff, because the public would feel those cuts the most and lobby for more funding for WDFW.  Anyone behind the scenes in a cubicle was pretty safe!  

[yelp]

Governor Gagoire makes about $13,000/month.  Most WMS (Washington Management Service) Positions make pretty good change, not sure they deserve it. 

DoubleLung is right on...the WDFW is actually losing jobs to private entities due to the lack of money. 

check out the lbloom.net it will blow you away what kind of money is paid out to DSHS, State Colleges, etc....

[Stalker]

Does all of the revenue from fishing / hunting tags go into the general fund so the political body does not have to be accountable where / how those funds are being spent / distributed???

[runamuk]

Does all of the revenue from fishing / hunting tags go into the general fund so the political body does not have to be accountable where / how those funds are being spent / distributed???

No fishing and hunting revenues are used for fishing and hunting related programs. 

[sisu]

I've been on the phone with some WDNR and WDFW personal that are the worker bees. Let me tell ya, they need to have a good kudo thrown to them and the Olympia representatives and senators in each of our districts need to hear that those departments need money not cuts. The state needs to realize how much money hunting and fishing moves into a state via  gas, lodging, food, gear etc. Out of state sports men and women spend lots of money as do in state. The tax revenue is good for the state and the additional spending is good for local business. I tried to find an ad that Wisconsin and Michigan ran a few years ago explaining just how much money was spent by sportsmen and women but just could not find it. If anyone can find the darn article post it or sent it to me in a PM.

Sisu

[yelp]

The WDFW Hive is made up of all queens and the few workers are wore out...

WDFW field staff "worker bees" have too many responsibilities....they do a little bit of everything and nothing gets accomplished or the time it really deserves.  The reprioritizing of duties seems to spread out the focus and attention. Its management.  The agency needs a crewcut bad "a lot" off the top.

[sisu]

The WDFW Hive is made up of all queens and the few workers are wore out...

WDFW field staff "worker bees" have too many responsibilities....they do a little bit of everything and nothing gets accomplished or the time it really deserves.  The reprioritizing of duties seems to spread out the focus and attention. Its management.  The agency needs a crewcut bad "a lot" off the top.

This is my point Yelp. I think if just us on this site can start a grass roots campaign to get something done maybe it will help the worker bees.

[sisu]

Small game (rabbits, squirrels, phesants, quail, grouse) 11 days, 8 trips, $500 per hunter.
Migratory birds (doves, ducks, geese) 8 days, 7 trips, $565 per hunter.
I blow this in gas. I work all summer to set up a stash for bird hunting. We use the bulk of summer employment to pay bills but I glean off just enough to last the season.  I know it drives my wife crazy, but she knows I love to go out looking for birds therefore she says nothing. I have one of the greatest wives in America...just ask Ray, & Pacyew.

[bbarnes]

Look at the jlark audit before you think they need more  money,they had 219 million dollars and are broke. They also recived a raise and our states broke,there needs to be accountability with this angency. When is the last time they have done a study on elk at MT SAINT HELENS these elk are starveing they have hoof root and the timber companys sprays on the clear cuts are also to blame, but still no funding to do a study. YOU cant even get the big game management to call you back.Maybe  there to busy takeing there AHE online during work hours while we the sportsman and tax payer are paying for it.

[luvtohnt]

I have worked with numerous biologists on Master Hunter projects, and if what we were doing was not their normal daily job they had to take unpaid days off to participate.

Brandon

[robb92]

The witch makes 12,500 a month her chief of staff makes 12,700 a month, to me if the state is short of cash they need to take a big pay cut.