Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 30, 1997
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke appoints veteran natural resources advisor

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today named a seasoned veteran of natural resource issues in Washington to a new post on his policy staff. Curt Smitch, a former director of the state Department of Wildlife who currently serves as the assistant regional director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will become a special assistant for natural resources beginning Aug. 11.


"My goal is to leave a legacy of increased fish runs so future generations will have the opportunity to fish for salmon in the Northwest," Locke said.


"These complex and intertwined issues are reaching a critical juncture," he said. "Curt Smitch's background is a great match with the priorities I want to work on including our water crisis, addressing critical salmon issues, and doing our best to avoid federal endangered species listings."


A biologist by training, Smitch served as an assistant director of the state Department of Fisheries for several years. He has worked on natural resource policy at state and federal agencies for the past 14 years. His annual salary will be $96,469.


Smitch emphasized the stewardship these natural resource challenges require. "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to help Governor Locke make real strides in solving these vital and very difficult issues before we end up fighting over the last salmon," Smitch said.


Bern Shanks, director of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, praised the decision. "I applaud Governor Locke's selection of Curt Smitch as a special assistant for natural resources. He has built a career in the federal and state governments dealing with critical natural resource issues and he cares passionately about them. He is the right person at the right time to help us tackle salmon, habitat restoration and other difficult issues," Shanks said.


"The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission and I look forward to working closely with Curt and Governor Locke," Shanks added.


Washington Forest Protection Association executive director Bill Wilkerson said forestry companies have a long history of working with Smitch through the landmark Timber, Fish and Wildlife agreement process. "We welcome this appointment. We've gained tremendous respect for Curt Smitch through direct experience across the table from him and look forward to working with him on natural resource issues," Wilkerson said.


Locke also announced he and Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber are nominating Smitch to represent Washington and Oregon on the Pacific Salmon Commission, replacing Bob Turner on the panel charged with implementing the 1985 Pacific Salmon Treaty between the U.S. and Canada. The nomination to the salmon commission now goes to President Clinton, who appoints the panel's four U.S. members.


Governor Kitzhaber said Smitch brings extensive experience in Northwest natural resources issues. "He understands how important salmon is to our economy and our heritage and will provide strong leadership on the Pacific Salmon Commission," Kitzhaber added.

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