The Wildlife Management Institute has selected a 34-year wildlife professional to fill the role of Western Field Representative. Chris Smith, Director of Special Projects for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP), will join the staff of WMI in mid-March. Chris brings extensive experience in working with western conservation issues having previously served as Deputy Director for Montana FWP for 11 years. Prior to that position, he was employed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, rising through the ranks to Assistant Director. He earned a B.S. degree in Wildlife Management and Fisheries Biology from the University of Alaska and an M.S. in Wildlife Biology from the University of British Columbia.

The Western Field Representative will work closely with the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) to identify and engage in conservation projects within the region. In addition, Chris will join other WMI staff in providing science and management expertise, program review and policy development, information and education, project coordination, and service to the profession and Institute partners. He has demonstrated an ability to develop partnerships in support of effective conservation, resolve conflict and to engage in strategic planning and decision-making.

Chris has represented Montana FWP on numerous Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' committees, including the Federal Budget and Legislative Committee and Endangered Species Policy Committee. He chaired the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee during the period when the Yellowstone population was initially delisted. An active member of the WAFWA, Chris chaired its Human Dimensions Committee and served on the Threatened and Endangered Species Committee, as well as the Resolutions Committee. He also participated in a working group that included the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, and National Marine Fisheries Service to develop guidelines for State Conservation Agreements aimed at precluding the need to list species under the Endangered Species Act.

Chris is a Certified Wildlife Biologist and has an extensive publication record on topics ranging from deer sociobiology to mountain goat habitat use and population dynamics. He will participate in the Transformation of State Fish and Wildlife Agencies workshop at the 76^th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Kansas City next month. Chris and his wife, Loreen, reside in Helena.