This group will have a challenge, I'm sure. I wish them well.
WDFW NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov/November 17, 2017
Contact: Nate Pamplin, 360-902-2693
WDFW Budget and Policy Advisory Group sets first meeting Dec. 6 on long-term finance plan
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has appointed a 20-member advisory committee to help the department with strategic planning, development of legislative proposals, and future budget requests.
The group's kick-off meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, in Room 186 of the South Puget Sound Community College campus in Lacey, 4220 6th Ave. Its first task will be to help WDFW develop a long-term revenue plan in response to legislative direction.
When they enacted the 2017-19 biennial state operating budget, lawmakers directed WDFW to complete three tasks to improve the department's long-term financial stability and operational efficiency:
Develop a long-term plan to balance projected expenses and revenues by providing prioritized options for spending reductions and revenue increases.
Identify and implement management improvements and operating efficiencies.
Conduct a "zero-based budget review" to accompany the department's proposed 2019-21 operating budget.
The Legislature also directed WDFW to obtain public input on revenue options and to report its activities quarterly to the Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Governor's budget office, and the Legislature.
Nate Pamplin, WDFW policy director, said this process represents the department's first comprehensive management, operations, and financial review in more than 10 years.
"Rapid population growth and recent state and federal budget trends pose major challenges for fish and wildlife management," Pamplin said. "The advisory committee will provide valuable perspectives and recommendations about the role the department plays in conservation and the outdoor economy."
Pamplin said the advisory group members reflect the wide range of the department's current and planned programs and services. A list of the members appears below.
All meetings of the advisory group will be open to the public and will include public comment opportunities.
WDFW Budget and Policy Advisory Group
Name
Affiliation
City
Jason Callahan
Washington Forest Protection Association
Olympia
Gary Chandler
Association of Washington Business
Olympia
Bill Clarke
Trust for Public Land and Trout Unlimited
Olympia
David Cloe
Inland Northwest Wildlife Council
Spokane
Tom Davis
Washington Farm Bureau
Olympia
Mitch Friedman
Conservation Northwest
Seattle
Ron Garner
Puget Sound Anglers
Monroe
Andrea Imler
Washington Trails Association
Seattle
Eric Johnson
Washington State Association of Counties
Olympia
Fred Koontz
Conservationist
Duvall
Wayne Marian
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Olympia
Andy Marks
Coastal Conservation Association
Auburn
Greg Mueller
Washington Trollers Association
Westport
Craig Partridge
Capitol Land Trust
Olympia
Mike Peterson
The Lands Council
Spokane
Mark Pidgeon
Hunters Heritage Council
Kent
Butch Smith
Ilwaco Charter Association
Ilwaco
Jennifer Syrowitz
Audubon Society
Seattle
Rachel Voss
Mule Deer Foundation
Yakima
Dick Wallace
Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups
Olympia