Dennis E. Heryford

We enjoy a vast assortment of natural resources throughout the nation. Our timberlands are magnificent, our plains and prairies splendid, and our deserts mysterious and alluring. From the old-growth groves of the western red cedars to the delicate baby's breath flowers we've grown to appreciate throughout the generations, we are truly blessed.

We, the public and as individuals, own properties covered with these natural wonders-"resources" as we've come to label them. Throughout the centuries of resource management we've evaluated our practices and made relevant adjustments to accommodate our needs while managing to protect our resources. We're not perfect, but we continue to learn, educate and share what we know with present and future generations of users.

However, our efforts have been challenged. Individuals and groups seek personal gain from the unauthorized harvest of natural resources. Others invade our properties and abuse the environment, leave behind piles of rubbish, contaminate our waters and otherwise abuse the lands.

Internationally, we have attempted to meet the challenges of these ravaging few by direct and indirect intervention. We've enacted new legislation, promulgated new rules, employed human resources and engineered new devices for the benefit of the resources. We have encouraged responsible public use of our properties while discouraging abuse.

As stewards of resources we need to continue to protect them. In addition to what we've already accomplished, we need to educate the present and future generations of users about the importance of these resources. We need to establish a network of communication where they can take a proactive role in this protection without jeopardizing their personal safety and experiences.

In the state of Washington, the Department of Natural Resources has established a law enforcement unit that responds to the very abuses discussed. We actively patrol the state's public lands, ensuring that the activities observed are responsible and legitimate. We investigate those illegal or improper activities discovered by others and prosecute those responsible for their abuse. We communicate directly with local county sheriff's departments, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Parks Commission, USDA Forest Service, USDI Bureau of Land Management, Native American law enforcement agencies and security representatives of private landowners in our quest to protect the resources and properties of the state. We utilize public user groups in these efforts by establishing volunteer stewardship programs, self-monitoring regulators, campground hosts and civilian forest watch programs.

The DNR's public education campaign includes providing forest and property users with information on how to report suspected or actual abuse to the appropriate authorities. Our primary concern is the emergent need for law enforcement intervention. The department encourages the reporting public to contact the appropriate sheriff's department first by utilizing the local 911 system or by dialing the department directly at 360-407-0657 or 360-407-0651. Officers will respond to the report and provide follow-up investigations to the complaints. Information obtained from these investigations is shared with our counterparts in the private and public sectors when appropriate.

By working together through engineering, management, public education and law enforcement intervention we will continue to close the door to abuse.

For information regarding the prevention of abuse and protection of properties and natural resources in your area, contact Dennis E. Heryford, chief investigator, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, 8410 Martin Way East, Olympia, WA 98516-5810; 360-407-0651.