(Sacramento) Secretary for Resources Mike Chrisman on August 31 announced the appointment of John McCamman as Acting Director of California’s Department of Fish and Game (DFG). Strangely enough, the Department didn’t officially mention Broddrick’s resignation in a press release until the day he left the DFG!

McCamman has been DFG‘s Chief Deputy Director and replaced Ryan Broddrick whose resignation was effective the same day. Secretary Chrisman also announced that a national search is under way to find a permanent director.

“John is a solid choice to keep the department moving forward,” said Chrisman. “His years of experience in the resources arena and his very successful time at DFG commend him to this acting position. He’ll do a great job of guiding DFG’s critical mission and be an invaluable asset to the Resources Agency family during this time of transition.”

Prior to joining DFG, McCamman served as the chief of staff to California Congressman George Radanovich (R-Mariposa) for nine years in Washington, D.C. McCamman was involved in federal resources issues for Radanovich who sat on the House Resources Committee. McCamman has more than 15 years of experience as a local government administrator, including over seven years as county administrator in Mariposa and Shasta counties.

McCamman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Philosophy from University of California, Santa Barbara and a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Sonoma.

The American Sportfishing Association, United Anglers of Southern California and the Coastside Fishing Club are endorsing Greg Hurner to replace Broddrick in the position of “permanent director.”

“Greg Hurner has demonstrated outstanding management capabilities in his role as Deputy Director of the Department,” said Dick Pool, owner of Pro-Troll Tackle Company, in his letter to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on August 27. “He is knowledgeable in the state government mechanics and he is keenly aware of the need of the fish and game resources of the state. We believe that he is an ideal candidate for the Director’s position.”

Fishing groups considered Broddrick to have been one of the best DFG directors, due to his years of experience with the Department and his broad knowledge of policy issues. However, as John Beuttler, conservation director of the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, said, “The problem is that the Governor didn’t let him do his job of directing.”