So CFM what is your point? Something in particular or just in general? Any suggestions as to what could be done....who or what would you cut, reduce or change? Salary rates for all those positions are determined by surveys of similar positions nationwide within all types of government and private industry. You ask why someone wouldn't take the opportunity to move to a private job with better salary. Well in my case which is similar to many if not all other bios it would mean changing our consideration/perspective of the natural resources we work with from one of conservation to one of pure profit making for our employer. I personally could have a much higher salary and level of perks if I chose to join the commercial industry....but that would also mean having to change my way of working with natural resources. Glowballs perspective of state workers using the context of DOT employees shows a lack of any knowledge of WDFW employess and what they do....maybe he should try volunteering for a field project sometime so he may speak with actual knowledge of what he is talking about. ltlcleo I knew you were raised right....e-mail me as the fishies be in mass quantities below the cabin. Nuff said...continue to piss and moan.