2007-2009 Financial Overview of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

2007-2009 WDFW Budget

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) budget is comprised of four funding categories including the state General Fund, the state Wildlife Account, federal funds and private/local funds.

WDFW’s 2007-09 biennial operating budget is $348 million. About 50 percent of the operating budget comes from federal, local and private funds for contracts and services. The state General Fund provides about 30 percent of the WDFW’s operating budget, and the state Wildlife Account makes up the remaining 20 percent of the operating budget. The Wildlife Account is comprised of recreational hunting and fishing license sale proceeds. WDFW also received about $78 million in capital funds in the 2007-09 biennium.

WDFW’s budget includes dozens of dedicated sub-accountsâ€"funds with specifically defined uses.

A significant budget reduction is anticipated in the 2009-11 biennium, due to expected shortfalls in the state General Fund and the Wildlife Account.

Gov. Chris Gregoire has proposed a $30 million reduction in WDFW’s 2009-11 budget. The governor’s proposed WDFW budget can be viewed at http://www.ofm.wa.gov/budget09/highlights/#naturalresources .