Larry Phillips of the DFW makes a good case (Point of View, Sunday, March 9) for greater legislative support for the contributions made by the Department of Fish and Wildlife toward all that we get from Washington’s natural resources.
That’s not just hunting and fishing license holders, but everyone.
Current lackluster budget support reflects an outdated model in which legislators look at DFW as a closed system of harvesters (license holders) whose fees pay for the agency’s operations.
A more complete comprehension of DFW and Washington’s constituents would recognize the integral role that is logically served within the administration of wildlife and the habitat that sustains it.
Since DFW’s primary metric are healthy populations to be hunted and fished.
And those are only possible within healthy habitats.
Then the way to see the role of DFW is stewardship and conservation.
The constituency of license holders along with their premium, helps pay for the larger benefit of sustainable natural resources for every Washingtonian.
Legislators, get with the program.
Art James
Port Ludlow