FWP Wildlife Chief Being Reassigned

[Gerald Martin]

FWP wildlife chief reassigned, leaving wildlife division’s future uncertain

sources inside Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks revealed that Wildlife Administrator Ken McDonald has been reassigned to a different position. McDonald reportedly will now be heading up a “habitat lease program.”

missoulacurrent.com

Looks like Director Worsech has been successful in taking one more step in shaping the department into something more to his liking.

 

[Ben Lamb]

Aside from that, the move to short term habitat easements over buying new WMA's and permanent access with conservation easements should be the most concerning part of this piece.

The dept will be paying more money for less overall access.

 

[Dougfirtree]

Sounds like Voldemort has just about taken control of the Ministry of Magic, now.

 

[Hunting Wife]

SMFH. I don’t think folks realize the depth of damage being done to the agency right now. Everyone with the experience and fortitude to speak up for the resource is being removed. Also never thought I’d see the day that biologist jobs in Montana would get zero applicants.

You could not pay me enough to work for FWP under this administration.

 

[Gerald Martin]

IMO, Director Worsech has concentrated on focusing his efforts on making the department run to his standard of “efficiency” without regard to the real in the field and on the ground consequences to the personnel under his leadership and the resources his department is mandated to manage and protect.

Same thing with the politically driven elk management policies he’s pushed since becoming Director.

Wildlife comes last.

 

[shoots-straight]

Are Montanan's this stupid?

 

[DFS]

Are Montanan's this stupid?

Yes

 

[drifter52]

Are Montanan's this stupid?

Would you want to work under the current administration?

 

[brocksw]

Might seem a little dramatic but, if there was enough FWP staff unhappy with current management couldn't they sign a joint letter requesting his removal and stage a walkout? That would have pretty major implications within the agency and it would receive national attention.
Or would that be an overreaction?

 

[wytex]

SMFH. I don’t think folks realize the depth of damage being done to the agency right now. Everyone with the experience and fortitude to speak up for the resource is being removed. Also never thought I’d see the day that biologist jobs in Montana would get zero applicants.

You could not pay me enough to work for FWP under this administration.

To me this is one of the saddest parts, losing folks like yourself.
Hoping for the best for Montana's wildlife.

 

[drifter52]

This administration is going to do what it wants how it wants and anyone who stands in their way or disagrees will get replaced or reassighned

 

[TheTone]

Might seem a little dramatic but, if there was enough FWP staff unhappy with current management couldn't they sign a joint letter requesting his removal and stage a walkout? That would have pretty major implications within the agency and it would receive national attention.
Or would that be an overreaction?

I’ve wondered that myself. FWP is or was unionized as well, I would think they could use some leverage as well

 

[brocksw]

I’ve wondered that myself. FWP is or was unionized as well, I would think they could use some leverage as well

It just seems to me that in the public sector, with a high profile agency like the FWP, and considering the scrutiny that Hank has put them under, there is no way he could get away with just letting everyone walk out and replacing them with kool-aid drinkers. GG would be forced to remove him and find someone else.

But if there's enough of them that truly disagree with what's going on? Or maybe there's more support from the Bios than we believe?

 

[SAJ-99]

It just seems to me that in the public sector, with a high profile agency like the FWP, and considering the scrutiny that Hank has put them under, there is no way he could get away with just letting everyone walk out and replacing them with kool-aid drinkers. GG would be forced to remove him and find someone else.

But if there's enough of them that truly disagree with what's going on? Or maybe there's more support from the Bios than we believe?

He is executing GG's orders. Who is the staff going to write a letter to?

 

[BuzzH]

I’ve wondered that myself. FWP is or was unionized as well, I would think they could use some leverage as well

Problem is the same politicians that are destroying wildlife have also worked extra hard to destroy the clout of public sector unions.

These guys play the long game and the public buys it...hook, line, sinker.

Start a thread about Unions...sit back and watch the comments.

 

[marshman]

Problem is the same politicians that are destroying wildlife have also worked extra hard to destroy the clout of public sector unions.

These guys play the long game and the public buys it...hook, line, sinker.

Start a thread about Unions...sit back and watch the comments.

You are spot on this one, sad reality.

 

[Mountain Mule]

"The 2021 Legislature was the first session where Director Hank Worsech prohibited staff from testifying on bills so McDonald was less visible."

This is absolutely absurd. Why would a director of a program that is supposed to be managing wildlife using best practices stop experts in the field from speaking on the issue? Would their voice and opinion not be valued among the conversation? Would you limit the voice of transportation, health care, or other experts from voicing their opinion on their respective fields?

 

[Jwill]

That article paints such an awful picture of where the MT FWP is headed. Guess this is what reaping the whirlwind looks like...

 

[Beignet]

Forced or coerced attrition of experienced, competent, non-appointed management at state and federal agencies - the folks who actually get things done on a day to day basis - has sadly become part of a certain political playbook in this day and age.

 

[Hunting Wife]

But if there's enough of them that truly disagree with what's going on? Or maybe there's more support from the Bios than we believe?

I know many of them. Not one enjoys or feels secure in their job right now.