Washington Names Wildlife Chief

Tue., May 14, 1996

From Staff And Wire Reports

An Oregon biologist, outdoorsman and one-time smokejumper has been named Washington’s new director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Bernard Shanks - an avid fisherman, hunter and outdoor survival expert - said his priorities at the agency will be solving conservation problems, particularly dwindling salmon runs; making the department more efficient and customer-oriented; and securing a diverse, long-term funding base.

Shanks, of Portland, was selected for the $93,659-a-year post by the Fish and Wildlife Commission on Saturday over three other finalists.

Shanks’ tenure begins July 1, but he’s expected to start working with the commission and staff in mid-June to ensure a smooth transition.

Shanks has a Ph.D. in natural resources development and has served for the past year as environmental chief for the Metro Regional Government in Portland.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Washington Names Wildlife Chief

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

'I don't have anybody': Idaho is seeing its police flock to Washington agencies for better pay

Idaho lawmakers seek immigration status of HIV patients using state resources

‘Sick and wrong’: Boise firm designing Idaho firing squad chamber draws protest