Let’s not overreact.

The positions being created are likely because some folks are retiring, so the WDFW Director is re-organizing upper level operations. New positions require new money. And the last I saw, WDFW is getting less money, not more. So the new positions are likely just rearranging the functions with no increase in personnel, and reduced funding.

We can all express our opinions about WDFW but we may not fully understand the forces they face every day. They are caught between State politicians, F/W Commission members, Federal restrictions (ESA), Tribal expectations and pressures, historic expectations (particularly for hatcheries and stocking), fewer on-the-ground staff and resources, biological/social/economic realities, and some startling policy decisions beyond their control (F/W Commission).

I don’t envy the situation that WDFW leadership has to face, but it’s the reality they deal with every day they walk into their offices.