Moses Lake man to fill state post

Perry appointed by governor to WDFW commission

MOSES LAKE — Chuck Perry just happened to see his name on the Web site for Governor Christine Gregoire Tuesday morning.

The longtime Moses Lake resident was one of four people appointed by the governor to be a commissioner of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

"I can't help but be excited because I never dreamed of being in this position even a couple of months ago," Perry said.

Perry said the position is a real honor, and said he looks forward to learning and contributing to the department. As a commissioner, Perry said he wants to maintain a good wildlife population and also maintain access for hunters and fisherman in Washington.

The board will be a new endeavor for Perry, but his relationship with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is nothing new. He worked in the lands program of the department for 33 years before retiring a few years ago. Among Perry's experiences are those in rangeland and wildlife habitat.

"I am extremely interested in land management that results in good natural resources and wildlife habitat," Perry said.

Perry now operates a consulting firm, called Rangelands Northwest, and works with ranchers around the state with rehabilitation and sustainability issues.

"I work with ranchers," Perry said, "and really anybody else interested in developing wildlife habitat lands."

Perry also currently serves on the state's noxious weed board and is member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

With the appointment of four new commissioners, Gregoire spokesperson Jerry Gilliland said the governor is looking at taking the commission in a new direction. He added that Gregoire is looking to make sure the commission is balanced. In a press release issued by the governor's office, Gregoire said Perry is an expert in grazing and rangeland management. The governor's office also said that Perry represents Gregoire's commitment to include both talented and fresh-faced officers in her administration.

The state senate must confirm each of the candidates for the nine-member commission, but Gilliland said the position is effective immediately and the four will serve until they are confirmed.

In his new position as a commissioner, Perry isn't quite sure what's in store but says he looks forward to contributing and learning. According to the WDFW, the commission's primary role is to establish policy and direction for fish and wildlife species and habitats in the state.

Perry admits that he's not an expert at fish or fish management, and said he plans on doing a lot of catch up on the subject in the next few weeks. Perry said some of his favorite outdoor activities include upland bird and big game hunting.

"I'm really interested in hunting and fishing because I've done it all my life," Perry said.

Perry was nominated for the post by Jim Sizemore, a Centerville resident and vice president of the Washington Cattleman's Association. The two served together on the Washington Rangeland Committee, which Perry said represents a variety of groups including agencies and groups like the cattleman's association.

"The purpose of that organization is just to make sure Washington rangelands are recognized as a major resource in the state of Washington," Perry said.

Sizemore said Perry was one of three people the association was supporting for the WDFW post.

Sizemore said his organization is real pleased that the governor has given them the opportunity to contribute names, and said he hopes there is an open dialogue between the governor's office and those interested in land management issues in the state.

"He understands the issues that are facing the rancher, especially in Washington state," Sizemore said of Perry.