(07/01) TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine has approved the appointment of veteran wildlife conservationist David Chanda to serve as Director of the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife, DEP Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson announced today.

"I am confident that he will fulfill the duties and responsibilities of this position with competence and integrity," Gov. Corzine said in a letter notifying Commissioner Jackson of his decision to approve the New Jersey Fish and Game Council's unanimous appointment.

"During his 26-year tenure with the DEP, Dave has established himself as a highly skilled professional. His experience, expertise and commitment to conservation will further advance our efforts to offer all New Jersey residents and visitors world-class wildlife recreation," Commissioner Jackson said.

As director, Chanda will lead nearly 280 full-time employees responsible for managing more than 800 species of fish and wildlife in New Jersey. He will oversee the Division's $20-million budget as well as coordinate management and research programs for the state's inland wildlife, endangered species, shellfisheries, and freshwater and marine fisheries. Further, Chanda will head the Division's work in law enforcement, health and forensics, conservation education, environmental review and land management.

A native New Jerseyan, Chanda earned a bachelor's degree in Fish and Wildlife Management and a master's degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University. He joined the DEP in 1980 as an assistant biologist in the Division's Wildlife Education Unit, and later served as a deputy conservation officer; chief of the Division's Office of Wildlife Education and Information; and assistant director of the Division's bureaus of Wildlife Management, Law Enforcement, Land Management, Freshwater Fisheries Management and Marine Fisheries Administration, among other positions.

Chanda resides in Long Valley with his wife and three children.