Anderson Good Choice to lead WDFW

The treaty tribes of western Washington look forward to continuing to work with Phil Anderson as director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Anderson was named the department’s permanent director Saturday by the nine-member commission Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission. Anderson had been serving as interim director since last December, when Jeff Koenings resigned from the position.

“Phil is a fair and honest man,” said Billy Frank Jr., chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. “He is a strong advocate for the long-term interests of the region. He understands conservation and has a deep-rooted appreciation for the natural resources that make the Pacific Northwest so beautiful.

“He also knows the challenges to this ecosystem,” Frank added. “We will not always agree, but Phil has earned the respect of tribal leaders.”

WDFW press release:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/do/newreal/release.php?id=sep1209a

News stories:
Seattle Times:
State Fish and Wildlife Commission hires Phil Anderson as the department’s permanent director

Tacoma News-Tribune:
New Fish and Wildlife director knows job