On July 31, shortly before leaving for its August recess, the Senate confirmed Sam Hamilton as the next Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) by unanimous consent, reports the Wildlife Management Institute.? President Obama nominated Hamilton in early June and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a confirmation hearing on July 22.? Although Committee members did criticize the agency's implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and a few environmental groups raised concerns about Hamilton's leadership, the nomination was largely non-confrontational.

Most mainstream conservation organizations, ranging from Ducks Unlimited to the National Wildlife Federation, expressed support for Hamilton, citing his long history with the FWS and his ability to forge collaborative conservation partnerships.? Hamilton has worked for the FWS for more than 30 years, the last 10 of which were as the Regional Director for the Southeast (see more detailed biography in June 2009 ONB).? During his tenure there, he fostered a number of creative solutions to conservation problems, including a habitat restoration of bottomland hardwoods for carbon sequestration.

In his testimony during his confirmation hearing, Hamilton shared his conservation vision, citing the most important thing he has learned in his natural resource career: "No single entity, whether federal, state or private, can ensure the sustainability of our nation's fish and wildlife resources working independently.? The conservation challenges of the 21st century can only be successfully addressed through collaboration among stakeholders, government and nongovernment, public and private.? I have spent a career building collaborative partnerships that allow for the development of ideas and the creation of solutions that are beyond what any one entity, working on its own, could have achieved or, in some cases, even envisioned.? I have been particularly conscientious in recognizing the essential role played by states in creating any comprehensive and successful conservation initiative."

Yet, in the weeks after his nomination, the organization Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) criticized Hamilton, suggesting that he would simply "extend the policies of the Bush era rather than bring needed change."? In its objections, PEER cited its 2005 survey of 1,400 FWS biologists across the country that suggested the Southeast region's employees were not pleased with their leadership.? Nearly half of the respondents in Hamilton's region reportedly said, "Commercial interests have inappropriately induced the reversal or withdrawal of scientific conclusions or decisions through political intervention."? More than a third reportedly responded that they feared "retaliation" for expressing "concerns about the biological needs of species and habitats."? In addition, a Florida civic organization said that Hamilton and other FWS leadership undermined critical habitat designations for the Florida panther.

When asked about the accusations during his confirmation hearing, Hamilton responded by saying that the PEER survey had been done when morale was low throughout the agency.? Regarding the panther, he stated that mistakes had been made, but that they were caused by scientific misunderstandings and not due to intentional undermining of conservation efforts.?

During the hearing, Hamilton listened to Committee members' concerns about the FWS's implementation of the ESA.? Committee Ranking Member, Senator James Inhofe stated: "To date, the Obama Administration's implementation of ESA has been neither transparent nor science-based. However, you have a reputation for being fair-minded. And, you have told me you believe that public-private partnerships are one of the best ways to effectively protect species and habitat. I ask for your assurance that, under your leadership, we can expect improvements in transparency as well as in the science the Service uses to make decisions. I also hope that before taking any action, you will consider the economic impacts on jobs and local communities."

Despite these criticisms, Hamilton's confirmation came relatively quickly, with no formal objections being raised by senators.? He will take over leadership of the agency immediately. (jas)