Bad News For DNR Land

[Dave_Schuldt]

http://www.capitolforest.com/stopthebill.html

[catbirdseat]

Capitol Forest volunteers discovered last week that a bill was presented to the Legislature to eliminate DNR law Enforcement presence on forest trust lands throughout the state. This bill was submitted by Senators Doumit and Jacobsen.

 

As you know, Fish and Wildlife officers are mandated to enforce game and fish violations. They are known to be very understaffed with their current obligations. They will unlikely staff additional officers specifically for protection of forest resources, campground vandalism, extended homeless camping, drug labs, ATV violations, stray target practice, abandoned stolen vehicles, garbage and other problems that ran rampant in the forests when DNR officers were not present.

 

This bill makes no sense at all. DNR officers are already dedicated to the protection of the state forest resources. Fish & Wildlife have other enforcement focuses than to protect forest lands.

 

This will be a lose, lose for all concerned if this legislation is passed. Our homeless problem will return. Vandalism and theft of forest products will increase without the presence of dedicated DNR law enforcement staff. The system has worked well in recent years. It seems strange the legislature wants to fix something that is not broken.

 

Contact your legislators and let them know how you feel about this change in trust forest protection.

 

SENATE BILL 5818

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State of Washington 59th Legislature 2005 Regular Session