Budget Advisory group established

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

That job should pay $100K+/per person in addition to pre-paid anxiety meds.

Looks like a long day with an impossible mission, but I'm half inclined to sit in on that to see how realistic or delusional the process is.

Well I think you have the correct assessment right there. Those who have been around the agency know the drill and nothing new here. Different dog, different pony, that is all.

With Senator Pearson gone, the heat is off and it’s all just gonna be back slapping and atta boys...we sure are doing a good job!!

You know what’s really frustrating? THAT WE ALL SEE THE BS, AND YET, NOTHING IS CHANGING!! The good ol boys just keep screwing us over and we just gotta take it!

Senator Pearson's leaving could cripple any attempt at reform at WDFW, unless the Legislature continues to reduce General Fund appropriations to the Department. After the stunts of the last two years, I kinda' favor removing any and all GF appropriations and make the Department wholly dependent on licenses and fees and see where their spending priorities land.

EXCELLENT!!!

That might also open some eyes in the non-consumptive user groups as to the need to fund conservation.