Oregon Public Broadcasting

Big changes are afoot at Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. The agency is looking for a new director after its longtime chief resigned this week.

That’s not the only change in Washington, as Democratic Governor Chris Gregoire prepares for a second term. Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins reports.

Fish and Wildlife is one of those state agencies that has a very vocal constituency – hunters and fishermen.

For the past decade, Director Jeff Koenings has managed the often conflicting demands of sportsmen, commercial fishermen and conservationists.

Recreational fishermen in particular have been pushing for more access and complain Koenings favors commercial fishing interests. Now he’s tendered his resignation to the Fish and Wildlife Commission, which is appointed by the Governor.

Jeff Koenings: “I think the philosophical differences just became too great to overcome and we had to have a parting of the ways.”

Also resigning from a top Washington State post is Jone Bosworth, head of newly created cabinet-level Department of Early Learning.

The Governor’s office says other departures are possible as Gregoire transitions into her second term.