Peck named acting director for Fish and Wildlife

OLYMPIA — Larry Peck, who has served since March as deputy director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, was named the department's acting director Friday.

Peck was appointed to the acting post by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission to replace Bern Shanks, whose resignation took effect Friday. Peck will serve in the acting position until a permanent director is named. He will be paid the same salary ($8,039 per month) that Shanks received.

In addition to serving as deputy director, Peck also has performed the duties and responsibilities of the director since June, when the commission voted to accept Shanks' resignation.

"The commission sincerely appreciates Larry's continued commitment to the state's resources, its citizens and the employees of the department," said commission Chair Lisa Pelly.

Peck has worked 23 years with the department, most of that time in the hatchery program. He served as the department's assistant director for hatcheries before becoming deputy director.