For Release: Monday, December 17, 2007
Policy Veteran Named as Special Projects Director
Wallace John Brings 30 Years Experience to Natural Resources Post
Wallace John, who has an extensive background in environmental policy and hunting, fishing and other recreation issues, has joined the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as a special assistant for Natural Resources, Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today.
"Wally has the broad-based knowledge and credentials to be a strong asset to the Department," Grannis said. "He knows the outdoors world as well as the political world."
From 2001-07, John headed the legislative policy office for the New York State Conservation Council, the largest sportsmen's organization in the state. Before that, he worked for 24 years in the NYS Assembly and had a hand in developing nearly 600 laws, principally as an analyst for the Environmental Conservation Committee and, later, the Agriculture Committee. He has served as a board member for numerous organizations, including the NYS Conservation Fund Advisory Board and the NYS Forest Preserve Advisory Committee. At DEC, John will work directly under Christopher Amato, Assistant Commissioner for Natural Resources.
Among other things, DEC's Division of Natural Resources is responsible for the management and preservation of the Forest Preserve in the Adirondack and Catskill parks as well as other DEC-owned lands, working with sportsmen and sportswomen to develop fish, wildlife and marine programs and enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities. As special project director, John will help develop strategies to support the Conservation Fund and other natural resource programs.
