In 2022, the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) embarked on a journey towards Inclusive Excellence with the establishment of the 2022-2026 Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan (the Plan). The Plan is a product of the “business case" for diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is based on measurable, sustainable outcomes that benefit the agency’s overall goals.

The Plan was segmented into four “core principles": Recruiting, Culture, Awareness, and Connecting.

These areas are where DWR must demonstrate excellence to best serve all Virginians and become a workplace where all can reach their full occupational potential. Each core principle has goals that are accomplished by executing specific Strategic Initiatives. To be intentional in producing results, the Plan features Targeted Outcomes which will ultimately determine success. While creating a diverse and inclusive workplace is the responsibility of every employee, some divisions are more responsible for the execution of specific initiatives than others. The Plan includes Accountable Divisions charts that assign responsibility for each initiative.

This third report will continue to assess DWR’s progress towards the desired outcomes highlighted in the Plan, address progress towards the recommendations from the 2024-2025 report, and recommend the next steps to ensure sustainable progress towards those outcomes. For each core principle, we will review the definition and goals and offer narratives based on analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data. Included are data from the 2025 Employee Climate Survey that are indicative of the workforce perspectives. Also, the report will gauge the progress for each strategic initiative using red (up to 25% accomplished or progressing), yellow (26-75% accomplished or progressing), and green (over 75% accomplished or progressing).