2009-2015 Strategic Plan PDF Format   See Also: WDFW 2007-2009 Biennium Strategic Plan Budget Submittal [PDF Format - 2.11MB]

2009-2015 Strategic Plan June 13, 2008 Introduction The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving, protecting, perpetuating and managing the state’s fish and wildlife resources. We do this by applying an underlying conservation ethic to our work while providing commercial and recreational opportunities that result in economic benefits to local communities and the citizens of Washington state. Our much-treasured quality of life in the Pacific Northwest depends on healthy and thriving fish and wildlife populations. As the steward of these resources, WDFW is committed to continue building a solid and sustainable foundation that supports both resource and human needs now and in the future. To fulfill this commitment and achieve our mission, WDFW will continue to: Identify, seek funding and fix ailing facilities and infrastructure. Focus on developing partnerships with other agencies and organizations, tribes and citizens that make us effective and efficient. Educate youth and adults to foster a stewardship ethic toward fish and wildlife. Seek policy support and stable funding to manage the increased demands placed on fish and wildlife resources in the state. To help achieve these goals in increasingly challenging times, the department has undergone several administrative changes. The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is providing more oversight and playing a key role in setting department policy and direction. WDFW’s executive leadership team has also expanded from a one-deputy to a two-deputy structure to sharpen responsibilities and promote the changes that are necessary to increase the effectiveness of the department. The new positions, which report to the director, include the deputy director of Resource Policy and the deputy director of Operations. As members of the leadership team, they are accountable for department performance at all levels. Mission Statement The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) serves Washington’s citizens by protecting, restoring and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats, while providing sustainable and wildlife-related recreational and commercial opportunities. Legislative Declaration As defined in Chapter 77 RCW, WDFW is Washington’s principal agency on species protection and conservation. Legislative mandate (RCW 77.04.012): “Wildlife, fish, and shellfish are the property of the state. The commission, director, and the department shall preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage the wildlife and food fish, game fish, and shellfish in state waters and offshore waters. The department shall conserve the wildlife and food fish, game fish, and shellfish resources in a manner that does not impair the resource. In a manner consistent with this goal, the department shall seek to maintain the economic well-being and stability of the fishing industry in the state. The department shall promote orderly fisheries and shall enhance and improve recreational and commercial fishing in this state. The commission may authorize the taking of wildlife, food fish, game fish, and shellfish only at times or places, or in manners or quantities, as in the judgment of the commission does not impair the supply of these resources. The commission shall attempt to maximize the public recreational game fishing and hunting opportunities of all citizens, including juvenile, disabled, and senior citizens. Recognizing that the management of our state wildlife, food fish, game fish, and shellfish resources depends heavily on the assistance of volunteers, the department shall work cooperatively with volunteer groups and individuals to achieve the goals of this title to the greatest extent possible. Nothing in this title shall be construed to infringe on the right of a private property owner to control the owner’s private property.” Department Goals To achieve its mission, WDFW will continue to focus its activities on the following six goals: Achieve healthy, diverse and sustainable fish and wildlife populations.   Ensure sustainable fish and wildlife opportunities for social and economic benefit.   Ensure effective use of current and future financial resources in order to meet the needs of the state’s fish and wildlife resource for the benefit of the public.   Implement processes that produce sound and professional decisions, cultivate public involvement and build public confidence and agency credibility.   Promote development and responsible use of sound, objective science to inform decision-making.   Create an environment that nurtures professionalism, accountability, enthusiasm and dedication in order to attract, develop and retain a workforce that can successfully carry out the mandate of the department.