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Isolated Patrols. Public does not see the officer Radio dispatching Lost contact with public Contributes to “us versus them”. Community Based. Allows citizens to put a face to officers Allows officers to have meaningful contact with public Let both sides get to know one another.
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IsolatedPatrols • Public does not see the officer • Radio dispatching • Lost contact with public • Contributes to “us versus them”
Community Based • Allows citizens to put a face to officers • Allows officers to have meaningful contact with public • Let both sides get to know one another
New Program • Develop close working relationship with citizens • Be proactive • Dedicated to improving the quality of life for the people • Promote mission of VDGIF
Expand Contacts • Community-based • Flexible to adapt to needs of each community • Everyone within community • Everyone encouraged to provide input • Each person should be made to feel their interest/concern is as important as anyone’s
House Bill 38 • Reallocates existing sales tax collections to VDGIF Game Protection Fund Amount • Based on the latest National Survey, agency will receive $12.3 million in FY 2001 • Additional funding capped at $13 million
How was HB38 supported? • Received support from consumptive & nonconsumptive users • Passed both houses of VA General Assembly unanimously
Important Implications of HB38 • Creates new environment for the agency in terms of resources AND constituent base • Increases current agency budget from approximately $36 million to $48 million
Political Realities • Newly empowered constituents expect to be served by agency • At the same time, traditional users - hunters, anglers and boaters - wish to retain their status as primary constituents
Virginians’ Attitudes Toward Fish, Wildlife, and Outdoor Recreation Survey of 806 Virginia State Residents
More Than One-Half Are Interested in Information • About viewing wildlife • What to do with injured wildlife • Dealing with nuisance wildlife • Enjoying wildlife around their homes
Within The Last Two Years Responsive Management Percent (N=157)
Virginia Wildlife Viewers’ Attitudes Toward Nonconsumptive Wildlife Use Survey of 811 Virginia Nonconsumptive Wildlife Users
Non-Consumptive User Percent (N=4) Responsive Management
Virginia Hunters’ Attitudes Toward Hunting and Wildlife Management Survey of 826 Licensed Virginia Hunters
Hunters Survey Percent (N=826) Responsive Management
Virginia Anglers’ Attitudes Toward Fishing and Fisheries Management Survey of 793 Licensed Virginia Anglers
Anglers Survey Percent (N=826) Responsive Management
Virginia Boaters’ Attitudes Toward Boating Survey of 849 Virginia Boaters
Boaters for Mandatory Boating Safety Classes Percent (N=849) Responsive Management
People boating in Virginia during the past two years, that experienced any interference from jet skiers that took away from their enjoyment Percent (N=849) Responsive Management
Virginia Landowners’ Attitudes Toward Fish and Wildlife Management Survey of 291 Virginia Landowners
Q18-23. Percent of Virginia landowners that felt that each of the following is important (very and somewhat), for their tract of land. Percent (N=291) Responsive Management
Q70-73. Percent of Virginia landowners who said that legal liability is a concern (major and minor) when considering allowing access to their land for… Percent (N=291) Responsive Management
Q74. Prior to this survey, would you say you were familiar with this [recreational use] statute, you knew about it but were unclear how much protection it really provided, or you were totally unaware that a law like this existed? Percent (N=291) Responsive Management
Research Conducted • What programs were available to strengthen ties between the communities and VDGIF • Material on wildlife and environmental issues related to crime prevention very limited • “Neighborhood Watch” programs have been successful for other law enforcement agencies
Materials Developed • In order to provide direction and uniformity developed a Wildlife Crime Watch Manual • Recognizable logo • Road Signs for participating communities • Hand out brochures patterned after crime prevention literature based on wildlife and environmental issues
Agency Wide Program • Wardens act as liaisons • Biologist will be available upon request of communities participating • Biologist will be able to present their concerns to communities • Plans for web site quick link
Why Wildlife Crime Watch? • Most law enforcement efforts are re-active • Damage is already done • Put emphasis on preventing damage by eliminating the opportunity for violators • Communities can make a difference in what goes on in their area • Law enforcement understaffed
VDGIF Mission Statement Why WCW Starting WCW The WCW Meeting The Role of Members Problem Solving Organizational Structure Phone Trees The Role of Law Enforcement in WCW Pro-Active Efforts Sponsors Resources References Blank forms such as bylaws etc. Manual Contents
Emphasis on Wildlife and the Environment • Put emphasis on issues important to VDGIF • Give in order to get • Give traditional crime prevention training • Act as liaisons with other agencies • Get them interested in items important to VDGIF
Communities Set Agendas • Each one decides on meeting schedule • Each one is encouraged to define the problem(s) as they see them • Emphasis working together • Have at least one community event, pot luck supper, etc.
Coordinate training sessions Emphasis on how to report suspicious activities Explain how to use Phone Tree Put on programs which further the mission of VDGIF Develop partnerships with other agencies to assist participating communities Liaison Officers
Developing understanding between outdoor recreationalists and landowners Share concerns of all groups All age groups from youth to elderly are important Develop understanding among citizens of the diverse uses of wildlife Importance to allow others to practice their sport Not to be possessive to the point excludes others Emphasis
Emphasis on Youth • Conduct programs of interest to them, internet • Conduct outdoor programs • Stress they are the future leaders • Build trust and cooperation
Partnerships • Due to financial constraints funding for this program will come from forming partnerships with businesses, or groups • Funding needed for signs, bumper stickers, tee-shirts and other items to develop an identity. • Buchanan County Board of Supervisors, Virginia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Virginia Deer Hunters Association
In October of 1999 Buchanan County opened for deer season first time in over 20 years Effort was made to limit hunting by concerned citizens Warden Troy Phillips met with Ralph McGlothlin Warden Phillips obtained support from Buchanan County Board of Supervisors Fletchers Ridge Chapter formed with 38 people First WCW Chapter