FWP Fisheries Director Ousted?

[Beignet]

Sorry for posting a link, but what’s going on at FWP? Seems they’ve eradicated of a lot of long-built institutional knowledge in the past few years.

FWP puts fisheries chief on administrative leave

Eileen Rice was a proponent of research and native fisheries but she also supported Montana’s anglers in preserving their favorite fishing spots and species.

missoulacurrent.com

 

[rogerthat]

Wasn’t Mike Volesky cited for trespassing and than put on admin leave? That makes me skeptical of this article trying to sensationalize everything

 

[rogerthat]

Top FWP official nets 4 plus months of paid leave following hunting violation

The hunting violation appears to be intertwined with longstanding familial disputes.

www.bozemandailychronicle.com

 

[Beignet]

Wasn’t Mike Volesky cited for trespassing and than put on admin leave? That makes me skeptical of this article trying to sensationalize everything

I was a little dubious about them rolling every single other ouster into the same piece as well. The attrition rate is especially high though, which I’m also dubious about.

Billings Gazette also has an article about Ryce’s leave. Behind a paywall for me though.

 

[RandanP]

Dang, fisheries are the highest functioning division in the agency. I guess someone thought they needed to drop down a peg or two.

She’ll get a year or two of pay and “retire”. Pretty standard procedure at FWP these days.

My guess is that job will be very hard to fill.

 

[cowboy]

My guess is that job will be very hard to fill.

Won’t be hard to fill at all. Just ask MOGA who they want GG to appoint to the position.

 

[Sytes]

Wasn’t Mike Volesky cited for trespassing and than put on admin leave? That makes me skeptical of this article trying to sensationalize everything

That's the wonderful intent of ZootownCurrent flashpan media.

 

[Beignet]

The Billings Gazette is just as “sensational” in their piece.

"This is the latest shakeup in an agency that has been plagued by numerous management issues. Mike Volesky, chief of operations, has been on administrative leave since last October after he was cited while hunting. In March, the case was dismissed, but Volesky remains absent."

They go on to mention other examples as well.

 

[mtmiller]

To be fair, this is an opinion piece, but thought there might be some interest.

Something's rotten at Montana's Fish, Wildlife and Parks • Daily Montanan

Columnist George Ochenski said something is definitely rotten at the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Department.

dailymontanan.com

 

[Fire_9]

To be fair, this is an opinion piece, but thought there might be some interest.

Something's rotten at Montana's Fish, Wildlife and Parks • Daily Montanan

Columnist George Ochenski said something is definitely rotten at the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Department.

dailymontanan.com

I just came here to post this. I hope a lot more comes out on how the department has been treating employees

 

[Forkyfinder]

I hate to ask - but is this always the case for Red ties in MT? Chitting on public resources and access i mean...

 

[Beignet]

I’ll don my tinfoil hat for a moment and tie that opinion piece into mule deer mismanagement…

I’ve wondered for a bit if the line that some of you hear from biologists that “everything is fine” is in part due to employees being afraid to speak up and face repercussions?

 

[Stone_Ice_1]

I hate to ask - but is this always the case for Red ties in MT? Chitting on public resources and access i mean...

It has not always been that way, but for the last 10-12 years or so it has been.

I’ll don my tinfoil hat for a moment and tie that opinion piece into mule deer mismanagement…

I’ve wondered for a bit if the line that some of you hear from biologists that “everything is fine” is in part due to employees being afraid to speak up and face repercussions?

Yes, a fair number of biologist know what the situation is with mule deer but are handcuffed by the agency. Some send in their recommendations for their area that would help the situation and are rejected before it even sees the commission. Many get sick of it and leave, some stay, maybe with the idea that it will get better or that they like living in Montana and there aren't many biologist positions in Montana outside of the state agency.

 

[Forkyfinder]

It has not always been that way, but for the last 10-12 years or so it has been.

That is strange - i wish i understood the shift.

 

[Beignet]

I hadn't previously made an association between FWP's recent report on the true extent of fish toxicity in the Clark Fork watershed with Ms. Rice's departure before reading Ochenski's opinion piece. It is conjecture at this point, but the possibility of her dismissal coming as a result of environmental transparency makes for a compelling and damning narrative.

​

 

[Sytes]

I heard... it was an inside swingers party and one couple was booted thus the camp is folding tents... Would make a great sitcom or movie "FWP 911" or "Super troopers Swinging FWP".

Rumors.

 

[HighWildFree]

I heard... it was an inside swingers party and one couple was booted thus the camp is folding tents... Would make a great sitcom or movie "FWP 911" or "Super troopers Swinging FWP".

Rumors.

Easy on that crack pipe there Infowars

 

[Sytes]

We can create any rumor that floats whatever liberal intent is desired.
Heck, pretend this is not a political event and we're back to shagadelic swinger parties!

Pick your desire and play your violin.

 

[Nameless Range]

Montana, and in particular State Government, is a small town and word gets around.

I’d wager we’ll get a bit more to the story sooner than later.

 

[Jock Conyngham]

After talking to a number of insiders still there and some gone, a group of us wrote a long guest opinion piece that will start to appear statewide next week. You will recognize at least some the co-authors’ names…but the sources asked for anonymity, or they would be marched out the door, no reason given and no warning, as quickly as Eileen was. Just the fact that she had a terrific reputation and was one of the last of Temple’s administration to have a fish and wildlife science background should get your attention, along with the sheer number forced out over the last couple of years. In addition to that the number of people now retiring with 22 or 23 years in, when they would reach full retirement benefits at 25 years, says a lot. It’s more than a few. The agency is a shell of the nationally known place it was, and that’s because of two directors but more so the governor who appointed them. Some of you will downplay it, but I suggest you talk directly to some FWP bios who have been there awhile before you pass too much judgment.