The UAC Perspective on the 2005 Utah Legislature

Big Changes Coming in DWR Personnel

Practically speaking, the bill coming out of Utah’s 2005 legislature that will probably have the biggest impact to our Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is H.B. 213. Among other things, this bill made major changes to the benefits all state workers can accrue for their retirement. In their attempt to resolve what was perceived as problem for Utah taxpayers, legislators have created some other problems that will affect taxpayers. Not to downplay this bill’s impact on other state agencies, but our DWR is standing right in the headlights and could take a substantial hit.

The DWR has dozens of employees statewide who are at or within several years of retirement. Most hold positions of responsibility in the agency. It has long been known that their retirements were going to create some staffing problems over the course of the next few years. This bill created a deadline in December, 2005, for the expiration of a major sick leave conversion benefit for state workers. Now, instead of these DWR employees retiring over the next few years, the change in benefits will surely motivate many, if not most, to leave by the end of 2005. The wealth of talent, skill and institutional knowledge that will leave with these employees will have a huge impact on the state’s wildlife management, an impact we may not fully realize for several years.

People will have to be hired at some level to fill vacancies in the agency, either for these jobs or to replace people who get promoted to these jobs. The DWR already has problems filling jobs because of the low pay, and lives with the constant threat of DWR employees going to the many jobs in other states and agencies that offer better pay and working conditions.

Our Utah DWR personnel manage a resource that contributes $1.4 billion to the state at various levels. That’s right, angling contributes $1.4 billion in taxes, jobs, goods and other funding each year to Utah’s economy according to a comprehensive U.S. Fish and Wildlife Survey. This is money that benefits each and every Utahn, not just hunters and anglers.

This situation should concern every angler and hunter in the state, as well as the many others who benefit from the wages, taxes or other income generated by wildlife pursuits.

Other Legislation

The base budget for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources was approved with the exception of a budget cut of $210,700 in on-going funds for law enforcement. Additionally, the DWR received $161,000 for Range Creek ($104,000 ongoing and $57,000 one-time, and also receive a one-time, $65,000 reimbursement for discount licenses.

The Legislature provided an allocation of $100,000 (one-time) for cougar and black bear depredation. The Department of Natural Resources received $2,000,000 (one-time) for watershed restoration. This money is non-lapsing so if the money isn't spent in the next fiscal year it will be carried over to the following year.

There was a one-time appropriation to the LeRay McAllister Critical Land Conservation Fund of $3,000,000. While this was less that we had hoped (the Governor's budget requested $5,000,000), it’s far better than the $400,000 received in 2004.We were unhappy with the stalling of S.B. 204. This bill would have diverted $3,000,000 of general fund money on an on-going basis for watershed restoration. This one that will be refocus on next session.

The issue of hunting permits on Antelope Island, S.B.187, was not heard in the House after being held up in the House Rules Committee. We anticipate that we will be dealing with this issue again next session.

Related links

Deseret News Article on H.B. 213, April 18, 2005
Salt Lake Tribune, May 10, 2005