Former Pennsylvania game wardens question timing of cost-saving study
A new study says Pennsylvania wildlife agencies could save millions, but former deputies are questioning the timing and impact of the cuts
HARRISBURG, Pa. —
A new study by the Wildlife Management Institute, commissioned by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and Fish and Boat Commission (FBC), has recommended cost-saving measures that could save up to $34 million annually by consolidating departments and cutting field offices.
Former deputies question timing of study
The study, which also suggested eliminating the deputy warden program, was released just two weeks after the program ended on Sept. 1, prompting former deputies to call for greater transparency within the commission.
“We deserve a right to know, and so do the sportsmen and the public,” said Gary Fisher, a former deputy warden.
Some former deputies are questioning the timing of the study’s release.
“Why are they just talking about these two weeks after we’re fired versus prior to or when we are fired?” said Kale Geiswite, a former deputy game warden. “And if they’re saying that this isn’t a merger of the two agencies, then why are we acting on those things that the feasibility study is saying need to occur before a merger occurs?”
Former deputies have filed a right-to-know request seeking additional studies and their dates.
Game commission says study does not recommend merger
The Pennsylvania Game Commission described the study as a high-level assessment and emphasized that more work is needed.
“This report stopped short of calling for a merger,” said Steve Smith, executive director of the Game Commission. “What this report essentially is, looks at the current existing frameworks between our two agencies and finds ways that we can achieve a lot of efficiencies, short of a merger within the existing structure that we have.”
Staffing concerns raised ahead of hunting season
As hunting season approaches, former deputies have expressed concerns about the impact of staff reductions.
“I have concerns for our full-time officers. I have concerns for their safety. I have concerns for the amount of workload that’s going to be placed on them, and their work-life balance, I think, is going to be very thrown off,” Geiswite said.
The Game Commission stated that state game wardens respond to 99% of calls and assured that the decision to cut deputies was not influenced by the study.
“So, we are confident that they have the ability to continue to perform their job and meet the demands of Pennsylvania sportsmen and women, and all the residents of Pennsylvania,” Smith said.
The Game Commission says that there are no plans for a merger at this time and that they are continuing to evaluate the results of the study.