One of the principles is to complete strategic and six-year plans for Fisheries, Wildlife, and Parks Programs to clarify public expectations, allocate resources and define a common direction for FWP and its partners. After the document is finalized, the department plans to develop six-year plans for the program. After completion of the six-year plan, yearly workplans are to be developed for each biologist expending GL and DJ money. One goal of the strategic planning process is to address concerns expressed by biologists relating to workload. Some staff voiced the opinion they are not working on what they think are the highest priority items because all things are considered a priority and there is not enough time to do every task adequately or completely.
Many staff believe their workload is largely driven by the public and special interest groups.
The new process is intended to identify priorities, and workplans are to be used to ensure there is time and money needed to address those priorities. Workplans are to be budget-driven. Department management is hopeful this process will help determine staff priorities and thus reduce workload. We recommended department management incorporate the number of work days per task into the future workplan development process. As currently planned, and when fully implemented, the strategic planning process should help the biologists prioritize their activities and allow them time to accomplish those activities.