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State Fish and Wildlife Director Resigns by Associated Press Times-News, December 1, 2008

OLYMPIA - The director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is resigning after 10 years in the position.

Jeff Koenings said in a statement today that he will leave Dec. 11 to pursue new challenges, but he didn't specify his plans.

The state Fish and Wildlife Commission has appointed Phil Anderson as interim department director. Anderson has been the department's deputy director for resource policy since July 2007.

Koenings has overseen 1,500 employees and management of more than 640 animal species, including butterflies, elk and salmon.

He recently led negotiations that resulted in British Columbia and Alaska agreeing to reduce harvests of chinook salmon.

Koenings says he's most proud of the agency's stewardship of wild salmon, rebuilding relationships with tribes, and bringing a science-based approach to fish and wildlife management.

He plans to use his experience to benefit national and international fisheries programs, he said.