State needs right enforcement when it comes to fish, wildlife

I just finished reading the story about the Swiss snaggers, which I thought was well done, and I agree wholeheartedly with Trooper Dan Dahl, that something needs to be done to curtail this type of behavior on the Kenai Peninsula as well as other areas within Alaska.

But, as an old retired "brown shirt," I believe the state has "made it's own bed" so to speak.

We do not have "game wardens" or wildlife protection officers anymore, we have troopers doing some wildlife enforcement work.

These men and women are recruited to be troopers first, not game wardens. Although I believe they are dedicated to their jobs, they cannot possibly do justice to our fish and wildlife resources without the proper training, proper management and proper funding.

The current administration is extremely "blue shirt" slanted and will stay that way until the people of Alaska stand up and demand proper enforcement of our fish and wildlife laws.

Fish and Wildlife protectors are a special breed of people, they are not your everyday road trooper or local police officer. Their jobs demand working unconventional hours and in many cases under difficult conditions. They deserve to have managers and supervisors who are familiar with their jobs and the trials that go with that job.

The need to be a separate department of state government, whether that be in Public Safety, Fish and Game or DNR.

They are professional people, in a demanding career. If our natural resources are to survive for our children and their children to love and enjoy, then Alaskans must act now and demand results from state government.

Ken Merrill, Kenai