COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PLAN2004 THROUGH 2009

MARCH 2004

STATE OF NEVADAKenny C. Guinn, Governor

DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFETerry R. Crawforth, Director

NEVADADEPARTMENT OFWI~DLlFE

BOARD OF WILDLIFE COMMISSIONERS

Tommy A. Ford, Chairman ; Las VegasChris Mackenzie, Vice Chairman Carson CityClint Bentley Las VegasBill Bradley RenoDavid McNinch RenoJohn.T. Moran Jr. Las VegasEric J. Olsen FallonBradley D. Quilicy LovelockMike Riordan : Jiggs

Strategic Plan Revision Team

David CatalanoLarry NeelChris Vasey

Ken GrayGabe Pincolini

John HimesJon Sjoberg

Ron MillsJohn Swisher

The Nevada Department of ~ldljfe receives funds from Federa~ A~d In Sport Fish and W~ldlite Restoration Acts. ~ederal and Stale law stale that there shall be no differences in theIrealment of individuals because of race, calor. creed. religfon. nalionalof9!n, sex or disabilily. An~one rece~v~ng alleged dlscriminalory treatment In any Department program, aCU\lity orfacilily snould report illo either:

DiredorNevada Departmenl of Wildlife1100 Valley RoadReno. Nevada 69512·2817

US Fish 31'1d WjldliflJ Service

~:£:~;~n~~~~~: InteriorWa'Shinglon, D.C. 20240

AGENCY PROFILE

• A headquarters office, three regional offices and 27 field offices house thefunctions of agency management, information and education, public service,air operations and radio dispatch communications.

• Total staff consists of 223 full time equivalent personnel.

• Twelve wildlife management areas provide 125,000 acres of wildlife habitat.

• Four fish hatcheries annually raise 2.2 million fish for stocking into 36 streamsand rivers, and 61 lakes, reservoirs and ponds.

• NDOW has responsibility for wildlife resources and the enforcement of wildlifeand boating safety laws on 109,894 square miles of land, 667 square miles ofwater and 529 streams flowing 2,750 miles.

RESOURCE PROFILE

• In spring 2003, Nevada had estimated populations of 108,000 deer, 18,000pronghorn, 5,300 desert bighorn sheep, 1,500 California bighorn sheep, 210Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, 6,600 Rocky Mountain elk, and 340 mountaingoats.

• Nevada's upland game resource includes chukar and Hungarian partridge;sage, blue and ruffed grouse; snowcock; California, Gambel and mountainquail; ring-necked pheasants; mourning dove and wild turkey. Waterfowlassociated with the state's aquatic resources include northern pintail, mallard,American wigeon, redhead and wood ducks as well as Canada and snowgeese.

• Nevada's topography ranges in elevation from 500 to 13,000 feet. Associatedvegetative communities vary from Mohave desert to alpine zones, and includethe majority of the Great Basin ecosystem. Because of the wide variation invegetative types and ecosystems, Nevada has a rich diversity of non-gamewildlife which includes 450 species of birds, 128 mammal species, and 54species of reptiles.

• Nevada's aquatic resources incorporate parts of the Colorado River andSnake River basins and numerous internal drainages. In addition to thenative cutthroat trout, redband trout, bull trout and mountain whitefish,introduced game fish including black, hybrid (wiper) and striped bass, catfish,walleye, panfish, and rainbow, brown and brook trout are available foranglers. Seventy-eight species and subspecies of native nongame fishspecies and subspecies and twelve endemic amphibian species reside inNevada's waters.

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OUR MISSION

To protect, preserve, manage and restore wildlife and its habitat for theiraesthetic, scientific, educational, recreational and economic benefits to citizens ofNevada and the United States, and to promote the safety of persons usingvessels on the waters of this state.

OUR CHARTER

THE NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE IS COMMITTED TO ...

THE RESOURCE

o To a leadership role in the conservation and management of the state'swildlife resources.

o To a management program which is carefully designed to result in healthywildlife populations throughout the state.

o To the wise human use of wildlife through consumptive and non-consumptiveuses.

o To the maintenance and enhancement of Nevada's wildlife diversity.

o To the maintenance and enhancement of Nevada's diverse wildlife habitats.

PUBLIC SERVICE

o To recognize the social, economic, political and environmental diversity thatcharacterizes Nevada, and strive to determine and then meet the manydifferent needs and desires of the public.

o To increase the level of citizen interest and involvement in the managementof the state's wildlife resources.

o To enhance citizen understanding of the state's extremeiy diverse wildliferesources and how these natural resources add significantly to the quality oflife in Nevada.

o To the distribution of information that is designed to inform and educate thepublic about the values of the state's wildlife.

o To promote safety for the public who use and enjoy the state's Wildlife, landsand waters.

OUR EMPLOYEES

o To a diverse, well trained, efficient and effective empowered work force with acollective responsibility to the mission of the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

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OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

In doing our work to fulfill our charter and accomplish our mission, all employeeswill:

• Obey the law and tell the truth

• Communicate openly and honestly with each other and the public

• Treat each other fairly and equally

• Promote a safe, non-hostile and professionally satisfying work environment

• Operate within authorized bUdgets

• Make recommendations and decisions based on sound program principlesand the best information available

• Be credible, courteous and professional with the pUblic and each other

• Promote teamwork

• Be sensitive to all points of view

• Be responsible for the accomplishment of our mission, the image of ouragency and the credibility of our products

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INTRODUCTION

In 1995 the Nevada Department of Wildlife began the process of developing aComprehensive Management System (CMS), to better meet the changingexpectations of residents and visitors and better address the ongoing andsignificant demands on Nevada's Wildlife Resources. CMS is "a new way ofdoing business" through which an agency more fully involves the public in thedecisions it makes with regards to its services and products. In response to thatpublic involvement, it is the intent of the Department of Wildlife to continue to dowhat the agency already does well, and to change what the agency needs to dodifferently.

Phase I Phase II

Evaluate the Inventory Phase I resultsResource InventoryDevelop revised Desired Outcomes, Goals and Objectives

Program level review and draft plan revisionsProduce Revised Strategic Plan

I------------~------------_r-------------------------------------------------

Phase IV Phase ill

PHASE I = INVENTORY PHASEPHASE II = STRATEGIC PLANNING PHASEPHASE III = OPERATIONAL PLANNING PHASEPHASE IV = EVALUATION PHASE

Figure 1. Comprehensive Management System Model for the NevadaDepartment of Wildlife detailing the Strategic Plan Revision Phase (Phase II).

The CMS process consists of four distinct phases (Figure 1). Phase I is aninventory phase in which stakeholder input is used to build and define both wherethe agency is now, and where we want to be in the future. Phase II is thestrategic planning phase, during which an agency strategic plan is developed todefine desired outcomes and map out the guidance for how to get there. PhaseIII is the operational planning phase in which the strategic plan is implemented,and Phase IV is the evaluation phase when the agency will measureachievements and successes and refine the strategic plan to provide guidancefor another planning cycle.

The Department of Wildlife completed its first CMS Phase I inventory in July1996, followed by an intensive process to develop a Comprehensive StrategicPlan to guide agency direction and work program activities, using the Phase Iinventory data through a Phase II Planning Team composed of employees

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representing a broad spectrum of agency disciplines and experience. The finalstrategic plan document was completed and implemented in August 1997,initiating the first round of operational CMS application for the Department. Tocorrespond with Nevada's biennial budget planning cycle, the Department'sstrategic planning process is intended to apply for a 6-year period, with the initialstrategic plan providing guidance through 2003.

A second revolution of the CMS planning cycle was initiated in June 2003 withappointment of an employee-based Strategic Plan Revision Team. A Phase Iinventory process was initiated beginning in July 2003 to incorporate input from avariety of stakeholders including employees, sportsman and conservationgroups, the Wildlife Commission and the general public. This input wasincorporated into a phase II plan revision process with the end product as thecompletion of this document in February 2004, which will serve as the strategicplanning guidance for Department operations beginning with FY05 programs andthrough 2009.

Unlike many agency strategic plans, this plan focuses on what the agency does(products) rather than what the agency manages (resources). In developing thestrategic plan, six "product areas" were used to describe the core functions of theagency. Each product area is described in terms of what the agency currentlydoes and what the public receives, relevant input from our 2003 Phase Iinventory, desired outcomes related to agency vision and future direction, andgoals and objectives (the "why" and "how much by when") to establish theprogram emphasis and direction for the agency through 2009. A key intent ofthis broad strategic direction and guidance within the plan is to provideassistance and direction for development and revision of individual, Bureau-leveloperational plans which will implement Department activities at the detailed workprogram level.

Habitat Management and Enhancement describes the agency's key role in theprotection, management, restoration and acquisition of habitats which areessential for the future of Nevada's wildlife species. Wildlife Management andConservation, incorporating subsections for game wildlife, aquatic wildliferesources and the maintenance of wildlife diversity, includes core agencyfunctions for the monitoring, management and conservation of the state'sresident wildlife. Information Delivery provides information and education toour public and the agency's employees to maximize the understanding,appreciation and use of our wildlife resources. Resource Protection andPublic Safety represents NDOW's regulatory and enforcement functions.Internal Services, with subsections for agency management and funding, areactivities essential to the efficient management of agency operations. CustomerServices, including public service and documents and access, are agencyprograms which represent important outreach services to our traditional customerbase and other citizens of the state.

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CMS Phase III, or the implementation phase for this strategic plan guidance, willinvolve the Department Management Team coordinating with operationalemployees of the agency to develop and implement work plans and programs,corresponding with Bureau-level program plans which are built from the strategicdesired outcomes, goals, objectives, and supplemental strategies, beginning inState FY05. A key success element of this process will be ongoing evaluation, orCMS Phase IV, as a part of operational planning and implementation. Thatevaluation cycle will vary depending on the individual product area and activity,but the incorporation of continual evaluation of our successes, failures, andachievement of measurable target objectives is essential to build a more effectiveCMS planning approach with each renewal of that planning cycle.

The Strategic Plan Revision Team recognizes the tremendous volume ofvaluable ideas and recommendations provided by department employees andother stakeholders during the inventory process used to develop this plan. Theconstraints of strategic level planning prevented incorporation of many of thosespecific strategies and ideas into this plan document, although they were used tobuild the included Desired Outcomes, Goals and Objectives and assisted greatlyin identifying strategic priorities and direction. To insure that such a valuableresource is not lost that strategy-level inventory input has been incorporated intoa separate Operational Planning Resource Book which is intended to assist indeveloping Bureau-level operational plans and priorities.

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HABITAT MANAGEMENT AND ENHANCEMENT

Habitat is the key to the success of all wildlife populations. The advocacy ofeffective habitat management is an integral function of the Nevada Department ofWildlife (NDOW) providing a key avenue through which we accomplish ourmission. NDOW is committed to the active management of wildlife habitats inNevada and pursues opportunities to maintain quality habitats, improve deficienthabitats and restore habitats that have been lost or degraded through alternateland uses or catastrophic events like wildfire. Major projects include fisherydevelopment, range preservation and restoration, wildlife water development,wildfire management, maintenance and development of wildlife managementareas, water rights and land acquisitions, consultation with other land managersand water manipulation to benefit wetlands.

NDOW has acquired properties containing important wildlife habitats throughoutNevada and has applied aggressive management practices for the protection,maintenance and enhancement of these properties for wildlife and public use.The Wildlife Management Areas Program will apply the best available science toachieve the highest standards possible when managing these select properties.

Although most of our customers believe NDOW is doing a satisfactory job inprotecting habitat, 80 percent of the respondents to the public survey conductedas part of this plan's development inventory felt that existing wildlife habitatscould be improved. The public also acknowledged the need for more emphasison wildlife viewing opportunities and game management as a whole. With theknowledge that habitat is the key to the health and diversity of all wildlife species,the following desired outcomes, goals and objectives will provide direction toNDOW for the protection and improvement of wildlife habitats in Nevada.

Desired Outcome: Wildlife habitats that are in good ecological'condition, capable of supporting a diverse array of wildlife species

GOAL: Habitat is the key to the success of all wildlife populations. Effectivehabitat management is an integral function of the Department of Wildlife. NDOWwill preserve and protect quality habitat and enhance deficient habitats.

Objective: Maintain, protect and enhance wildlife habitats on wildlifemanagement areas (WMA) by applying good science and best managementpractices through the implementation of Comprehensive Management Planson all WMAs through 2009.

Objective: Rehabilitate a minimum of 10,000 acres of critical big gamehabitat by 2009.

Objective: Actively support and implement protection or restoration actionsfor important wildlife habitats identified in species management plans,

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conservation agreements, recovery plans and other planning processes,through partnership with other cooperators.

Objective: Secure at least five significant conservation easements or landand/or water acquisitions for lands with high wildlife values to protectimportant habitats for a diversity of aquatic and wildlife species by 2009.

Objective: Improve 180,000 acres of habitat for upland game species and700,000 acres of habitat for big game species through enhancement ofnatural water sources, and improvement and creation of constructed waterdevelopments by 2009.

Objective: Inventory, evaluate and apply maintenance where required toall constructed wildlife water developments in the state by 2009.

GOAL: The Nevada Department of Wildlife functions in consultation with otheragencies and entities in order to provide the best scientific data, technicalassistance and cooperative management toward the improvement of wildlifehabitat. Communication and cooperation with other governmental agencies,public and private landowners and the mining industry is essential inaccomplishing NDOW's mission. NDOW will consult and cooperate with aU ofthese entities to effect permit compliance, best management practices,protection, and enhancement of Nevada's wildlife and their habitats.

Objective: Maximize positive proactive communication and cooperation withstate and federal government agencies, other public and non-governmentalorganizations, and private landowners with wildlife or land management(wildlife habitat) responsibilities resulting in the best management, protection,and enhancement of Nevada's wildlife and their habitats, including WMAs,through 2009.

Objective: NDOW will insure permit compliance, and pursue and implementall opportunities to mitigate impacts from active mining activities throughappropriate habitat conservation strategies through 2009.

Desired outcome: Aquatic habitats that are in good ecologicalcondition, representing Nevada's variety of natural and man-madeaquatic habitat types.

GOAL: Active management and restoration of Nevada's aquatic habitats isessential to preserve the state's natural heritage and maximize the potential forhealthy aquatic ecosystems and angling opportunities. NDOW will pursue andsupport the management and restoration of aquatic habitats to insure themaintenance of healthy sport fish and native aquatic species populations.

Objective: Actively support the management and restoration of key riparianaquatic habitat to benefit sport and native fish species, including nativesalmonids, as identified in fisheries management plans, species managementplans and other planning processes.

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Objective: Develop and implement habitat improvement/enhancementprojects for lake and reservoir fisheries identified in fisheries managementplans or other planning processes.

Objective: Actively support and implement protection or restoration actionsfor important native aquatic species habitats identified in speciesmanagement plans, conservation agreements, recovery plans and otherplanning processes.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION

GAME AND FURBEARER MANAGEMENT

Nevada has a rich legacy of innovative and successful game wildlifemanagement. Important game species such as desert bighorn sheep andpronghorn, which were severely depleted in the early 20th century, have beenrestored to abundance in suitable habitats. NDOW has been aggressive in therelease of big game animals and upland game birds into unoccupied habitats orhabitats that were well below carrying capacity, and most of these releases haveresulted in the establishment of viable game populations that are now enjoyed bysportsmen and the public, including the introduction of species such as chukarand wild turkey. These efforts will continue. Significant concerns remainregarding wildlife habitat conditions in many areas of the state and over declinesin some key species such as sage grouse; to insure the continuation of pastsuccesses, significant species planning and an aggressive effort to rectifydegraded habitats has occurred and will be continued. Species plans will berealistic, will be implemented and most important, they will result inimprovements for wildlife. Wildlife health and disease issues must be addressedthrough improving habitat, keeping animals within the carrying capacity ofhabitats, and monitoring and then reacting to health and disease problems.Monitoring efforts (survey and inventory) will be used to determine howpopulations are doing in relation to habitat conditions and harvest strategies.Monitoring will be used to detect health and disease problems, and it will be usedto determine the successes and failures of habitat projects and gamereestablishment efforts. The air operations program will continue to be a vitaltool used to monitor the achievement of goals and objectives of the agency.Other appropriate survey and inventory techniques will be applied as well.

The protection and improvement of critical game habitat will be paramount.Although the Department will manage populations to the capacity of existinghabitat, NDOW will always strive to improve and increase habitat and thuswildlife populations. The Game and Habitat bureaus will work hand in hand tomeet the many challenges and opportunities that will confront the agency whenaddressing habitat issues.

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Predator management will continue to be a controversial issue. However, byusing scientific processes in predator management along with educating thepublic on predator management issues and monitoring results, this issue willdecrease in intensity.

Our game resources belong to the people of Nevada, and the pUblic must beeducated and informed on in-depth and up to date issues affecting Nevada'sgame resources and their habitats. The Game and Conservation Educationbureaus will work together to insure that the proper information is beingdistributed in a factual manner.

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Desired Outcome: Healthy and secure game and furbearer populationsin concert with their habitats, providing the public with recreationalopportunities including hunting, trapping, and viewing.

GOAL: Wildlife resources in Nevada beiong to the people of the state and thepreservation, protection, management, restoration and use of these resourcesare the responsibility of the Department of Wildlife. NDOW will maximize gamepopulations within the carrying capacity of existing habitats in concert withspecies management plans using sound scientific practices.

Objective: Establish or enhance at least one big game herd per year usingactive trapping and transplant through 2009.

Objective: Establish or enhance at ieast four upland game bird populationsper year pending the availability of donor stock, through 2009, with priorityemphasis on native upland game bird species (sharptail grouse, mountainquail), ruffed grouse and turkey.

Objective: Ensure the consistency of statewide waterfowl populationmanagement objectives with Pacific Flyway Council species managementplans through 2009.

Objective: Update and/or complete game species management planningprocesses to insure timely gUidance for program planning and budgetpurposes through 2009.

Objective: Evaluate existing survey and inventory efforts required to meetthe biological, scientific and management needs of game and furbearerspecies, and modify as required by January of 2005.

GOAL: Wildlife that are in poor condition or animals that are concentrated withintheir habitats are more likely to contract diseases. That is why wildlife health,quality habitat conditions and wildlife diseases are so interrelated. It is importantthat the Department monitors for diseases and then reacts to these diseasesusing the best scientific practices available. It is also important that theDepartment try to prevent disease outbreaks by maintaining healthy wildlifepopulations, which includes keeping game populations within the carryingcapacity of their habitats. NDOW will be responsive to wildlife health issues

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that may playa role in the well being of wildlife populations and humanhealth.

Objective: Establish a wildlife health and disease program by fall of 2004

Objective: Minimize die-offs of big game populations through 2009 bymaintaining populations at carrying capacity, excluding artificial feedingand minimizing adverse interactions with domestic livestock.

Desired Outcome: Wildlife damage to agricultural crops and private landinfrastructure is prevented, reduced or mitigated to an acceptable level.

GOAL: State law mandates that NDOW address big game depredation issueson private land. Several programs are available to assist landowners who areexperiencing problems with big game depredation including the Deer andAntelope Damage Compensation Program, the Elk Incentive Program and theElk Damage Compensation Program. In order for these programs to besuccessful, it is important that they be administered in a timely and consistentmanner across the state. NDOW will implement effective programs toprevent, reduce where prevention is impossible, or mitigate wherenecessary wildlife damage to private lands and property in a consistentmanner.

Objective: Develop and implement a program which provides long termsolutions to private landowners for reducing mule deer and pronghornimpacts by 2007, including necessary Legislative support.

Objective: Achieve no less than an 80 percent satisfaction rate from privatelandowners who have filed complaints by 2007.

Desired Outcome: Predator populations actively managed in acceptablfi'balance with game populations and species of special concern atlocalized levels.

GOAL: Predatory animals are an integral element of Nevada's wildlife resourceswith both positive and negative effects on the maintenance of healthy, productiveecosystems. Nevadans appreciate predators for the role they play in maintaininghealthy ecosystems, but many sportsmen are concerned that predators are outof balance with game populations within the state. The Department now receivesadditional funding from hunting application fees for the management ofpredators. Predator management needs to be based on good science andprojects must be designed so that the outcomes can be monitored and resultsdisseminated to the public. NDOW will implement predator management toprovide a balance between predators and populations of game andsensitive wildlife that are in jeopardy.

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Objective: Develop and implement science based, annual predatormanagement plans to prioritize predator control needs and actions based onspecific wildlife population data and monitoring.

Objective: Revise and implement the Mountain Lion Plan by January 2005.

AQUATIC SPECIES MANAGEMENT

Although Nevada is the driest state in the nation from a climatic perspective, itoffers a tremendous variety of opportunity for sport angling. Aquatic resourcesare under continuous demand for enhanced opportunities in the face ofincreased population growth anda desire on the part of the public for recreationalpursuits. NDOW must actively manage existing sport fishing resources to meetthose demands and expectations, seek expanded opportunities, and addresschanging demands for the types of angling opportunities while dealing withcyclical changes in climatic conditions that significantly impact the extent andquality of aquatic resources. New and innovative approaches, such as theincreased development of urban fishing programs accessible to rapidlyexpanding urban populations and increased reliance on self-sustaining andunder exploited fishery resources, are essential to meet the future needs of ourstakeholders. Fishery maintenance through salmonid production and stockingwill continue to be a key element of NDOW's sport fishing programs, but cannotbe relied on to accommodate all of the future demands for angling recreation.Significant opportunities exist through underexploited sport fish resourcesstatewide, and an aggressive marketing and information approach is essential toinsure that our stakeholders are aware of and can effectively utilize thoseresources.

Nevada is also unique in having one of the highest levels of aquatic speciesendemism in the nation, but our unique endemic aquatic species are highlythreatened as a consequence of isolated species distributions, inherent climaticvariability, and historic practices which have negatively altered key aquatichabitats. The protection and preservation of Nevada's unique aquatic speciesresources will be an important focus of our fisheries program into the future.Responsible management and an increased interest in endemic aquatic speciesother than fishes by the scientific community and the public will require changesin program emphasis to insure that native aquatic systems are managed from anecosystem approach incorporating the needs of a full suite of aquatic speciesincluding endemic fish, amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans. Substantialthreats exist to both native aquatic species and sport fisheries from undesirable,invasive aquatic species which already exist in Nevada or have a high potentialfor future introduction. An aggressive and proactive approach to planning andmanagement for native aquatic species will be required to insure healthy andviable populations of all endemic species into the future, to conserve aquaticspecies currently requiring State or Federal protected status to the point suchprotections are no longer needed, and to preclude the necessity of future species

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listings under the ESA which would substantially limit management opportunitiesand constrain state authority.

Desired outcome: Recreational fishing opportunities within the potentialof fish populations and their corresponding habitats.

GOAL: Sport fishing resources in Nevada are widely distributed but limited, andbecause of that are under significant and increasing demand from the public toprovide a broad variety of angling opportunities, ranging from stream fishing fornative salmonids to reservoir angling for trophy quality warm water species suchas striped and black bass. NDOW will manage Nevada's existing fisheriesresources in an efficient and productive manner to maximize and diversifyrecreational opportunities for Nevada's angling public.

Objective: Increase angling use days by 10 percent statewide by 2009,compared to the 1994-2003 angler use trend baseline.

Objective: Develop and implement Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs)based on sound science and management principles for all major waters inthe state by 2007.

Objective: Provide a diversity of angling opportunities statewide through2009.

Desired outcome: Secure, stable and diverse native aquatic wildlife . 'c

populations.

GOAL: Nevada has a substantial and important natural heritage of endemicaquatic wildlife species and is ranked sixth nationally in species endemism, but isalso ranked fourth nationally in endemic species at risk, a legacy of past landmanagement practices and the unique characteristics of our isolated aquatichabitats. Aggressive and innovative management is essential to preserve andprotect the state's unique aquatic natural heritage. NDOW will proactivelymanage native aquatic wildlife species using sound scientific principles toprovide long term stability, avoid declines in status, and to recover Stateand Federal special status species.

Objective: Improve special status and federally listed aquatic species statusand where feasible, remove or reduce threats to the point that special statusprotection is not required.

Objective: Actively conserve all native aquatic wildlife species to insurehealthy, viable populations; to the extent possible preclude any additionalprotected status designations or ESA listings for native aquatic wildlifespecies.

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Desired outcome: Aquatic habitats free ofAquatic Nuisance Species.

GOAL: Aquatic nuisance species represent a significant and ongoing threat toendemic aquatic. species and sport fisheries nationwide, and Nevada isparticularly vulnerable to new species introductions because of its numerousisolated aquatic habitats, many of which contain imperiled endemic species.Impacts from already extant nuisance species are substantial and a severeimpediment to aquatic species conservation and management of existingfisheries. NDOW will reduce the impacts from aquatic nuisance species toresident sport and native fisheries, and implement strategies to prevent theintroduction of new nuisance aquatic species.

Objective: Reduce the impacts of aquatic nuisance species to importantsport fish and native aquatic wildlife populations and habitats through 2009.

Objective: Develop and implement a program for the prevention and controlof aquatic nuisance species introductions by 2007.

CONSERVA TlON OF WILDLIFE DIVERSITY

NDOW is charged by statute to protect, preserve, manage and restore all ofNevada's wildlife. NDOW is dedicated to maintaining healthy populations of andhabitats for all wildlife species through sound science, data management andsynergistic partnerships. Through our efforts the aesthetic, scientific,educational, recreational and economic values of Nevada's wildlife will beenhanced and preserved for all generations.

NDOW will strive to be recognized as a leader in the knowledge of Nevada'swildlife diversity and ecological processes, with the most comprehensiveinteractive database for wildlife in Nevada. The primary products of our programare exemplary public service, highly respected science and significant restorationof naturally functioning ecosystems. The outcome of investment in thoseproducts is a well-educated, informed public that is actively supportive ofNevada's diverse wildlife heritage.

Desired Outcome: Healthy, diverse wildlife popUlations and habitatswithin naturally functioning ecosystems.

GOAL: Recognizing that healthy, naturally-functioning wildlife populations andecosystems are vital to the quality of life for human populations that drawphysical and intellectual sustenance from the resources within them, NDOW willmaintain healthy, diverse wildlife communities that satisfy mankind'sdesires for diversity, knowledge, and enjoyment and meet ourresponsibility to maintain species diversity at the local, regional, and globalscales.

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Objective: Fully incorporate program priority species into species, taxa orhabitat plans by 2009.

Objective: Implement conservation actions for key species as identified byspecies priority matrix rankings through 2009.

Desired Outcome: Effective conservation ofpriority wildlife speciesthrough the completion and implementation of cooperative planningproducts.

GOAL: Collaborative conservation planning has become the premier method foreffecting achievable, meaningful, on-the-ground wildlife conservation.Conservation challenges are often too big to be adequately addressed by anysingle agency. The "cost of doing business" (setting aside lands, manipulatinghabitats, redistributing populations, monitoring results, etc.) has becomeprohibitive and often requires the pooling of effort and resources if real change isto be expected. NDOW will work closely with stakeholders andconservation partners to develop and implement functional wildlifeconservation plans that will have a positive effect on the conservation ofpriority wildlife species.

Objective: Complete and implement a Comprehensive Wildlife ConservationPlan (CWCP) incorporating all wildlife species to satisfy Federal requirementsfor agency access to Wildlife Conservation and Re-investment Program(WCRP) and State Wildlife Grant (SWG) funds by October 1, 2005.

Objective: Complete and implement a Comprehensive Sage Grouse Plan(with all Local Plans fully integrated) meeting Policy for the Evaluation ofConservation Efforts (PECE) requirements by June 10, 2004.

Objective: Actively participate in collaborative planning process includingNevada Partners in Flight, Intermountain West Joint Venture (IWJV) and BirdConservation Region (BCR) conservation planning and implementation,utilizing timelines and priorities defined in the Wildlife Diversity program plan,to achieve mutual conservation objectives through 2009.

INFORMATION DELIVERY

NDOW is a public service agency. The success of the agency is directly relatedto its ability to communicate with its stakeholders. The agency, including eachindividual employee, is responsible for maintaining communications with thepublic. The Department offers structured communication through programs suchas Hunter Education, Angler Education, Wildlife Education, the VoiunteerProgram, Public Affairs, and Boating Education in order to insure a safe,knowledgeable user public. While structured programs are essential, successfulpublic relations ultimately depend on the day-to-day contact of the Department'semployees with customers. It is essential that all NDOW employees have an in-

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depth understanding of the principles of effective communications, that they arewell informed with current knowledge about a wide variety of the Department'sactivities and policies, and that all employees participate in information deliveryon a formal or informal leveL

The primary purpose of educational programs is to foster a more informed publicable to make well informed decisions about Nevada's wildlife. A variety ofeducational opportunities are provided by employees when Departmentprograms are represented, ranging from informal fieid or office contacts to formalWildlife Commission and advisory board presentations.

Department methods to inform the public include telephone contacts, pressreleases, newspaper articles, e-mail, web site, radio and TV programs, and otherdirect communication methods. The primary purpose of this level of publiccontact is to answer specific hunting, fishing, trapping and boating questions, andprovide information about wildlife in generaL In doing so, NDOW serves as avaluable resource to both the sporting public and general public. The public hasindicated a desire for increased NDOW programs teaching wildlife conservationin the schools and a need for more information about hunting, fishing, andwildlife. This will be accomplished by utilizing NDOW employees as points ofpublic contact; promoting NDOW as a source for wildlife and recreationinformation; and emphasizing NDOW's role in public education.

Desired Outcome: Well-informed employees with timely full access tocurrent information.

GOAL: NDOW employees throughout the state are expected by the public to bereliable sources of information on a variety of topics, agency issues, andinitiatives that change constantly and rapidly. The job demands of ouremployees require quick access to information resources and an internalcommunications network capable of facilitating a wide array of job-relatedtransactions and information deliveries. NDOW will improve informationdelivery to and information access for all its employees, enhancing theirjob and public contact effectiveness, through electronically-facilitatednetworking.

Objective: Develop and implement an agency-wide intranet system, withproficiency training to allow participation by all employees, by 2009.

Desired Outcome: Data management capabilities to addresses theinformational and analytical needs ofNDOW employees, other agencies; .and the public. '. .'.

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GOAL: Today's wildlife management applications and solutions require detailedknowledge of species distribution and status, and an understanding of howspecies interact with the changing landscape. The ability to store, process,anaiyze, and share data electronically with meaningful geo-referencing isessentiai to successfully implement science based wildlife and habitatmanagement programs. NDOW will develop and maintain a progressive,interactive data management program accessible to all internal andexternal customers.

Objective: Provide a fully functional interactive data management programfor internal customers by the end of 2005.

Objective: Provide appropriate data management system access for allexternal customers by the end of 2007.

Desired Outcome: A public educated in the basic principles ofand·issues affecting wildlife management, so they can make informed-.;;'decisions on wildlife related issues.

Goal: During the inventory segment of this planning process, many employeesfelt that there was a strong need to provide the public with more in-depthinformation on the biological processes involved in wildlife management includinghabitat relationships and predator management. A knowledgeable public will beable to make well-informed decisions about Nevada's wildlife and enhance theirview of wildlife as a positive quality of life indicator. NDOW will contribute tothe public's knowledge by providing information and implementingprograms that teach wildlife conservation principles.

Objective: Develop information delivery programs for the following topicsthrough 2009: predator/prey relationships; habitat loss; wildlife/habitatrelationships; human/wildlife conflicts; endemic terrestrial and aquaticspecies; and nuisance aquatic species.

Objective: Provide at least one outdoor wildlife interpretive facility in eachNDOW region by 2009.

Objective: Develop and implement seminars for at least three additionalspecies by 2009.

Objective: Develop a wildiife viewing program centered on a collection ofwell-established wildlife watching opportunities, including appropriate facilities onNDOW WMAs, by 2009.

Desired Outcome: A public with greater tolerance and understanding (91":wildlife that has been displaced by human development or is attractedto:Careas of human activity. .:,

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GOAL: Nevada's human population is increasing at the highest rate in thenation, and the urban expansions associated with that population growth willcontinue to encroach on wildlife habitat. The resulting conflicts cannot beresolved solely by individuai incident responses. NDOW will work to minimizehuman/ wildlife conflicts by developing greater public acceptance ofwildlife near human living space.

Objective: Decrease human/wildlife complaint calls by five percent per year,using a 2003 baseline adjusted for urban population growth, througheducation of the public on resolution strategies.

Objective: Pursue regulatory changes to allow assistance from privatecontracted services for resolution of urban wildlife conflict incidents.

GOAL: Wildlife interactions involving public safety concerns will continue tooccur and must be dealt with as a priority agency responsibility. NDOW willprovide a timely and efficient response and resolution to all human/wildlifeconflicts that pose a threat to public safety.

Objective: Provide appropriate training, equipment and resources to allappropriate personnel for properly resolving wildlife complaints involvingthreats to pUblic safety by 2007.

Desired Outcome: A public that appreciates Nevada's wildliferesources, informed of and making use of wildlife-related recreational'pursuits.

GOAL: A public well versed in outdoor pursuits and ethics will receive themaximum benefit from NDOW's programs and Nevada's wildlife resources.NDOW will educate the public by implementing programs that teachoutdoor recreation knowledge and ethics and promote a safe recreationalenvironment.

Objective: Increase the participation in hunter and angler education classesby five percent statewide by 2009, compared to a 2003 baseline.

Objective: Reduce firearms safety related violations by 20 percent by 2009,compared to a 1999-2003 baseline.

Objective: Develop and implement a Wildlife Diversity element forNDOW's education program by the end of 2006.

GOAL: Providing current and timely information to the public will result inimproved user satisfaction and long-term appreciation of NDOW's mission.NDOW will effectively inform the public about consumptive and non­consumptive wildlife recreation opportunities utilizing the most efficientand cost-effective media.

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.

Objective: Distribute information about recreation opportunities to 250,000people per year.

Objective: Develop and implement an agency media plan to maximize theeffectiveness of pUblic information efforts by 2006.

Desired Outcome: A majority of the pUblic aware of what the NevadaDepartment of Wildlife is and what it provides.

GOAL: To build public awareness of and participation in the agency's services,the Department must develop an increased public awareness of the agency,Nevada's wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities. A greater publicunderstanding of the value of hunting, fishing and non-consumptive wildlifeappreciation will help ensure a broad base of customer support for the agencyand for wildlife. NDOW will actively generate public support for NDOW andits programs.

Objective: Develop a marketing program and marketing plan with specificgoals and objectives by 2005, and implement that program and plan through2009.

Objective: Train and educate all employees in marketing concepts andattitudes to assist in marketing plan implementation by 2005.

Objective: Demonstrate enhanced public interest in wildlife relatedrecreational opportunities by increasing the sale of hunting and fishinglicenses by 5% by 2007, compared to a 2004 baseline.

Desired Outcome: Committed volunteers actively participating in NDOW.programs and activities.

Goal: The Department's volunteer program has demonstrated since its inceptionthat it is a valuable asset to the implementation of agency activities, and providesan important function in educating participants about the agency and wildlife.NDOW will maintain a vigorous Volunteer Program that connects people towildlife, is fun and rewarding for participants and productive in verytangible ways toward achieving the agency mission.

Objective: Increase the number of volunteer projects and volunteer hours by10 percent by 2009, compared to the 2002 project activity baseline.

Desired Outcome: A weI/-informed Wildlife Commission capable ofmaking science-based decisions to provide hunting and trappingopportunities in concert with public input and desires.

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...

.': ..•.. .

GOAL: The demand for big game hunting opportunities continues to increase inNevada, and the desire for hunt opportunities substantially exceeds supply forboth resident and non-resident hunters. The numbers of tags issued for the malesegment of any big game population, within reason, and how these tags aredistributed among user groups are not biological decisions but rather aresociological decisions. Close coordination and a dedicated partnership betweenscientists and policy makers are essential to identify opportunities for increasingbig game tag numbers. NDOW will provide sound biologicalrecommendations and status/trend data associated with herds or speciesto sportsmen, the Wildlife Commission and County Advisory Boards toManage Wildlife.

Objective: Increase big game hunting opportunity by at least 10 percent,compared to the 2000-2003 baseline independent of environmentalconditions affecting population increases/decreases, by recommendingvarious harvest and season setting strategies.

RESOURCE PROTECTION AND PUBLIC SAFETY

NDOW will achieve protection of Nevada's wildlife resources and enhancedpublic safety by utilizing well-trained employees who are prepared to inform andeducate the pUblic, and are committed to enforce wildlife and watercraft laws andregulations. Public compliance is the goal, and NDOW utilizes several avenuesto achieve it. Major avenues of education and information dissemination includeinformational brochures, interacting with our customers on an individual or groupbasis, and media presentations and advertisements. NDOW also conductspatrols, investigates violations, initiates prosecutions, and involves the publicthrough the Operation Game Thief program.

Voluntary compliance is defined as a participant's choice to abide by all rules andregulations, while willful non-compliance is defined as a participant's choice tobreak the rules while in full knowledge of them. Willful non-compliance is furtherbroken down into two categories, premeditated crimes and crimes of opportunity,for the purpose of targeting these violations.

The general public and employees continue to support increased lawenforcement efforts and presence.

Desired Outcome: A public that voluntarily complies with aI/laws andregulations, resulting in the enhanced protection of wildlife resourcesand greater public safety.

GOAL: NDOW will maximize voluntary compliance by informing andinvolVing the public, regulating and monitoring participation, and enforcinglaws and regulations.

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Objective: 90 percent of all participants in NDOW-regulated activities involuntary compliance by 2009.

GOAL: The unique challenges to wildlife and boating law enforcement createdby Nevada's combination of vast rural areas and intense urban developmentrequire aggressive maintenance of the infrastructure supporting enforcementoperations. NDOW will utilize state-of-the-art communication andinformation technology to serve public and employee safety needs.

Objective: Provide an efficient two-way communication system withimproved coverage and technology by 2009.

GOAL: NDOW Game Wardens will be well trained in all aspects of officersafety and survival, thereby ensuring and enhancing the well-being of theofficer, public and criminal element.

Objective: Promote and enhance officer training for advanced techniques infirearms, personal defense, subject control and other areas of officer safetythrough 2009.

Desired Outcome: Willful noncompliance in Nevada is neitherworthwhile nor advisable. Crime detection is high, risk of apprehensionis high, and successful prosecution is a societal priority with substantialpenalties and consequences sufficient to serve as deterrents to crime.

GOAL: NDOW will aggressively pursue detection, apprehension andsuccessful prosecution of premeditated wifdlife violations and crimes ofopportunity against wildlife resources.

Objective: NDOW will reach an annual rate of 90 percent for all detectedcrimes solved in a given year by 2009.

Desired Outcome: Knowledgeable boaters engaged in safe andenjoyable recreation on Nevada's waters.

GOAL: NDOW has the primary responsibility in Nevada for boating lawenforcement and the promotion of boating safety, and recent changes in theregulatory environment will increase the challenges to maintaining our nationalleadership role in this arena. NDOW will implement programs and provideinformation to teach safe boating skills, meet state-mandated certificationrequirements, and encourage a safe boating environment.

Objective: Reduce per capita boating accidents by 20 percent (2003 base)by 2009.

Objective: Increase voluntary boating education participation by 5 percentper year through 2009.

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Objective: Ensure mandatory boating education participation at 95 percentper year through 2009.

Objective: Decrease the number of personal floatation device (PFD)violations per vessel contact by 20 percent and increase voluntary boater useof PFDs by 30 percent by 2009.

Objective: Decrease the operating under the influence (OUI) rate of allchecked boaters by 20 percent by 2009.

INTERNAL SERVICES

AGENCY MANAGEMENT

NDOW has responsibility for fiscal management, including the administration andmonitoring of numerous Federal Aid grants, operation of facilities, personnelmanagement, and agency administration. To effectively maintain pUblic trust, theDepartment must continue to demonstrate fiscal accountability and compliancewith all regulatory authority. The Department must provide functional, accessibleand safe facilities for the pubiic and our employees. Most important to theaccomplishment of our mission is a well-informed, professionally qualified,motivated work force which provides technically competent, consistent, andfriendly service to our customers. The Department is committed to a wellorganized, cost-effective approach to mission accomplishment which is framedthrough the effective implementation of an agency Comprehensive ManagementSystem. .

NDOW has made substantial improvements since 1997 in agency management,which is reflected through positive feedback from our employees andstakeholders. However, achieving excellence in agency management is acontinuous process; areas of successful improvement must be maintained andefforts continued to improve all facets of internal agency management. Effectiveand efficient program development and management, internal communicationand information delivery is essential to accomplishment of our mission, and newchallenges are present in areas such as integration of fiscal managementsystems to meet changing state government standards and requirements.

Desired Outcome: A focused and responsive agency, clearly mission­oriented.

GOAL: A comprehensive management system (CMS) is essential in focusingthe direction of NDOW's work effort by establishing goals, fully describingresponsibilities, establishing clear accountability and helping the agencyanticipate change. NDOW will operate under a comprehensive management

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system including work program and biennial budget development, andoperational level planning development and implementation.

Objective: Continue to implement a Comprehensive Management Systemthrough 2009.

Objective: Provide timely, adequate direction and clear two-waycommunication for development of budget and planning projects (Level S,etc.).

Objective: Update and revise operational planning documents, with reviewof supplemental strategies, to support strategic planning desired outcomes,goals and objectives, corresponding with biennial budget developmentprocesses.

GOAL: A current, integrated, easy-to-use policies and procedures manualcompetently guiding employee activities is vital to the efficacy of agencyoperations. NDOW will maintain a fully-current, regularly-updated policiesand procedures manual accessible by all employees.

Objective: Update all agency policies and procedures and ensure availabilityto all agency personnel by 2009.

Desired Outcome: A Department fiscal system that is fully compliantwith all external and internal audit requirements; supplying reliable,current, and understandable information to employees for accurate,responsible budgeting and expenditure tracking. ... ' :..

GOAL: A reliable, accurate, accountable, and trusted fiscal system is essential tothe management of the agency. NDOW will ensure that our fiscalmanagement practices meet all regulatory requirements and managementneeds of the agency.

Objective: Complete the transition to the State of Nevada IntegratedFinancial System (IFS) by 2006.

Objective: Implement an electronic pre-purchase order recording system by2009.

Objective: Design and implement a comprehensive budget reporting processto all bureaus by 2007.

Objective: Conduct a comprehensive fixed asset review and physicalinventory by 2005, and maintain through periodic inspection and reporting.

Objective: Implement positive pay reporting access for all employees by2006.

GOAL: The management of Nevada's wildlife and watercraft safety programswould be impossible without the Federal Aid programs which assist in thecollection and allocation of revenues. NDOW will maintain an efficient,

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responsive Federal grant management program which meets our billing,reporting, compliance and monitoring requirements in a timely, accuratemanner.

Objective: Develop and implement a comprehensive grant management andreporting system by 2006.

Desired Outcome: High quality, professional fulfillment of theDepartment mission by agency employees.

GOAL: A professionally qualified, motivated work force, exhibiting high standardsof productivity and accountability, resulting in high-quality products and services,and respected by peers, partners, and customers, is essential to accomplish theagency mission. NDOW will recruit qualified personnel, and promote careerdevelopment through appropriate training, evaluation and professionalperformance standards.

Objective: Define consistent knowledge, skill and ability standards andprojected career ladders by job classification by 2009.

Objective: Each bureau will develop and implement a professional trainingprogram for its employees by job classification by 2006, incorporatingcontinuing education opportunities for employee professional developmentand enhancement of job skills.

Objective: Develop application strategies for all state-mandated employeetraining by 2004.

Objective: Develop a "new employee" orientation program by the end of2004.

GOAL: Effective leadership at all levels is essential to maintaining public trust,employee morale, and accomplishing the agency mission. Effective leadership inthe Nevada Department of Wildlife includes empowered and ethically-treatedemployees, demonstrating excellence by example and discipline. NDOW willimprove and increase leadership skills, management skills, professionalexpertise; and two-way communication during program and professionalevaluation.

Objective: Initiate and implement a leadership/management skills trainingprogram by the end of 2004, with all willing participants in some level of theleadership skills training program by 2009.

Objective: Develop an employee recognition program by the end of 2004.

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Desired Outcome: NDOW facilities that are safe, accessible to allpersons, well-maintained, and contribute to the accomplishment of theagency's mission.

GOAL: Agency infrastructure including administrative offices, fish productionfacilities and wildlife management areas are essential tools in effectively meetingobjectives for wildlife and fisheries management. Equipment also needs to bewell maintained, updated and meet current technological requirements. NDOWwill insure that agency facilities are designed and equipped to efficientlyaccomplish the agency's mission and are adequately maintained tomaximize longevity and minimize agency operational costs.

Objective: Maintain Department owned and operated pUblic, office and workfacilities in a safe, accessible, serviceable and aesthetic condition through2009.

Objective: Maintain and enhance eXisting fish culture facilities to meetidentified fisheries program planning needs through a refurbishment programcompleted by 2008 and an ongoing maintenance program.

Objective: Implement maintenance, enhancement and development projectsidentified in WMA CMPs, to provide the infrastructure to operate WMAs andfor the use and enjoyment of the public.

Objective: Implement a consistent replacement and acquisition prioritizationprocess for vehicles and equipment by 2005.

GOAL: An efficient and well organized Engineering Services program isessential to accomplish the agency's mission and to insure that the Departmentmeets all legal and safety requirements. NDOW will ensure that EngineeringServices are provided to meet agency needs in a timely and cost-effectivemanner.

Objective: Provide effective, timely engineering support services for agencyproject development, refurbishment and maintenance activities.

Objective: Create an accessible electronic records system to manageengineering records and information by 2007.

Desired Outcome: A safe and efficient air operations program withinNDOW serving the agency's needs in the accomplishment of its missionand programs. ';

GOAL: The Department of Wildlife owns two jet ranger helicopters and onefixed-wing aircraft, and employs two full time pilots. A clear vision and structurefor air operations is essential to insure that maximum value is received from thisimportant agency resource. NDOW will maintain an air operations program

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within the agency that is safe, efficient and cost effective, and that will beused to carry out the many facets of the agency's mission.

Objective: Continue to maintain a zero accident rate through 2009.

Objective: Develop a pilot training and qU~lifications program by 2005 inorder to maintain safe and proficient pilots with knowledge in wildlifeconservation/air operations relationships.

Objective: Maintain a cost effective and efficient air operations program thatoperates at least 20 percent below the cost of contract aircraft through 2009.

FUNDING

Funding for the Nevada Department of Wildlife is generated through receiptscategorized into nine areas:

• Wildlife funds are user fees received from license and tag sales, sales ofspecial permits, stamps, and boat registration and titling fees.

• User-based federal funds provided to the states through programs derivedfrom excise taxes paid by user groups.

• Appropriated federal funds, primarily for programs supporting non-traditionalterrestrial and aquatic wildlife species

• General funds appropriated through the Nevada legislature.• Partner-based Project Funds are special project funding sources, both federal

and non-federal, which provide project- or activity-specific grants for a varietyof agency actions.

• Nevada state motorboat fuel taxes.• Bond funds generated from the Question One bond issue.• Assessments including impact fees on the mining industry• Court-awarded civil penalties and forfeitures.• Miscellaneous funds including interest earned, land leases, and sales of

Department-produced publications.

Funding generated from wildlife revenues and federal excise taxes total 79percent of the Department's annual budget for wildlife programs. This relianceon user fees makes the Department highly dependent on revenues whichfluctuate with the availability of game and fish populations, and thus the annualvariability in angler and hunter participation reflected through license sales.

NDOW recognizes that traditional user-based funding sources such as the SportFish and Wildlife Restoration Act have limited growth potential and cannotcontinue to provide enhanced funding at a level which will accommodate costinflation and fully fund Department program needs. Over the last planningperiod, NDOW strove to expand its funding base to make it less dependent onthese funding sources. Federal user-based funding sources will continue to be acore element of the Department's funding strategy, but the successful pursuit of

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new and innovative funding strategies will be essential to meet our agencymission through 2009. The variety and complexity of NDOW's revenue sourcesalso present unique challenges to insure that all budget tracking, accounting,reporting and compliance requirements are met to the satisfaction of State andFederal monitors and the public.

Desired Outcome: A broadened funding base through partnerships withour stakeholders that affords access to new sources of funding whilemaintaining healthy and vigorous implementation of traditional fundingsources.

GOAL: Increasing demands on Nevada's wildlife resources constantly challengethe Department's financial capability. To meet these demands and fulfill itsmission, NDOW will broaden its funding base by seeking new sources offunding and building the partnerships necessary to access those sources.

Objective: Maintain stable funding from traditional sources (user basedfederal funds, General Fund, etc.) to maintain core programs and implementenhancement programs above the Level A baseline. (Level B programelements at 20 to 40 percent of work programs) through 2009.

Objective: Maximize the use of appropriation based enhancement programsto Federal Aid for wildlife (WCRP, SWG) through 2009.

Objective: Pursue conservation funding initiatives through Federal Aid andother grant programs (LIP, etc.) to provide funding for individual orprogrammatic private land-based conservation projects through 2009.

Objective: Develop the Department's capability to identify, compete for, andsecure funding from opportunistic, partner-based, funding sources (JointVenture, NFWF, ESA Initiatives, etc.) through 2009.

Desired Outcome: Public and employee trust from honest, wise, andefficient use of funds. ..

GOAL: The Department of Wildlife is committed to financial integrity and the wiseuse of funds. NDOW will continue to make honest, Wise, and efficient use ofall funds.

Objective: Collect all revenues in a timely and efficient manner, and recordall receipts accurately trackable by funding sources through 2009.

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CUSTOMER SERVICES

PUBLIC SERVICE AND DOCUMENTS

The State of Nevada requires the purchase of various documents before thepublic is allowed to participate in activities regulated by the Department. Thesedocuments have an inherent value and must be carefully controlled. In addition,customer demographics are important for license certification for federal funding,historical records for privileges, statistical analysis, and marketing opportunities.Capturing customer and document information through data entry is a criticalcomponent in the Department's ability to effectively manage the public serviceand documents programs and for securing matching federal dollars.

The public has access to these documents through statewide programs that offeralternative opportunities to obtain the license documents. Customers can obtainlicenses and/or privileges though license agents, the private contractor forapplication hunts, NDOW offices, and volunteer hunter education instructors.Customers can buy direct from the agents, from NDOW offices, or over theInternet or the phone, or through the mail for certain privileges.

Public input revealed that a large majority of respondents were satisfied with boatregistration, license purchases, hunter safety instruction, and the tag applicationprogram. A large majority of respondents were also satisfied with their contactswith NDOW office staff.

Based on recommendations from an agency audit and severe limitations in thecapabilities of the current inventory system, NDOW took a five-phase approachto plan, design, develop and implement a fully-integrated automated system forlicensing. Phase I through Phase IV have been completed and NDOW iscurrently in Phase V, which is the development and implementation of theNevada Wildlife Data System (NWDS). When completed NWDS will incorporatemodules for: Boat Titling and Registration, Hunter Education, NDOW Licensingand Revenue, Agent Revenue and Licensing (Point-of-Sale), Citation andRevocations and Boat Safety Certificates. This system will provide customerswith enhanced, 24-hour ability to transact licensing and registration business viathe Internet and phone sales. NWDS will also provide significant benefits tooperational aspects of NDOW's license functions. To date, the Boat Titling andRegistration module of the system has been completed including Internet BoatRegistration renewals. The development and implementation phase of thesystem will be completed by December 2005. The fully automated system isexpected to greatly facilitate the achievement of strategic objectives in severaldelivery areas, including public service/documents, compliance and enforcement,information delivery (including conservation education), and agency funding.

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•

Desired Outcome: A public satisfied with agency services and theprocurement of required documents.

Goal: Servicing the public by providing them ready and cost-effective access tolicenses and legally-required documents is essential for collection of revenue andinsuring a properly licensed public. NDOW will monitor public satisfactionwith service and document availability and will continually improvemethods of product delivery.

Objective: Maximize the customer satisfaction level with public service anddocuments through 2009.

Objective: Complete implementation of the NDWS system by December2005.

Objective: Complete a Special License and Permit (SLAP) program by 2005as a part of NWDS.

ACCESS

NDOW recognizes a strong public desire to enjoy the wildlife resources ofNevada, and the agency is dedicated to insuring that the people of this statehave access to Nevada's wildlife resources. A key element in achieving this isthe development of productive partnerships with landowners to allow publicaccess to and across private lands for hunting, fishing and non-consumptivewildlife enjoyment. Additional opportunities are created through accessacquisition, fishery enhancement through minimum pool agreements andpurchases of land and water rights and easements. Stakeholders haveexpressed the desire that NDOW place a high priority on the acquisition of legalaccess to wildlife habitats for recreational purposes.

Desired Outcome: Improved opportunities for the public to accesswildlife, wildlife habitats and recreational opportunities throughenhanced partnerships with public and private partners.

GOAL: NDOW will strive to provide the opportunity for the public to experiencequality outdoor recreation with improved access to wildlife by developing andimplementing a Private Lands Wildlife Program. NDOW will actively seek anddevelop public access and habitat enhancement opportunities on publicand private lands through productive partnerships and an activedevelopment program.

Objective: Develop and implement a Private Lands Wildlife Program toprovide public access to or through private lands, consultation service toprivate land owners to secure or improve wildlife habitat on private lands, andprovide information and/or assistance for the development of private lands toimprove wildlife values including additional fishing or hunting opportunities forthe public by 2005.

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Objective: Fully implement public use and access facility targets on wildlifemanagement areas as identified and prioritized in CMPs by 2009.

GOAL: The maintenance of adequate public access for recreational angling andboating on both private and public lands is critically important to insure that thepublic can participate in aquatic-based recreational activities, and to meet thefuture demands of anglers and boaters. NDOW will maintain and enhanceaccess to the variety of statewide angling and boating opportunities.

Objective: Develop and implement a plan for maintenance andenhancement of access to the variety of statewide angling and boatingopportunities, incorporating a site-based needs assessment, by 2007.

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