Area Sports by Michael Dashiell

Should the next director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife focus on restoring wild salmon and steelhead populations or on improving statewide fishing and hunting opportunities?

That is one of several options posed in an online public survey by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, which is accepting applications for the state's top job in fish and wildlife management.

Those interested in sharing their ideas about qualifications for that position can do so on the commission's Web site at wdfw.wa.gov/commission/.

A job description and application form also are available at that site.

Phil Anderson has been serving as interim director since December, when Jeff Koenings resigned after 10 years as director of the agency.

"We'd like to hear from anglers, hunters and everyone interested in the future of our state's natural resources," said Miranda Wecker, who heads the nine-member citizen commission responsible for setting policy - and hiring a director - for the state department.

"We'll consider those responses as we get down to the business of selecting a new director."

So far, 21 candidates have applied for the position as of last week, said Anthony Cesario, a state Department of Personnel recruiting consultant, who updated the commission on the executive search during a public meeting July 10-11 in Olympia.

"About five of those candidates appear to be qualified," Cesario said.

Wecker said the commission will review the qualifications of specific applicants at a meeting scheduled for Aug. 6-8 in Colville. Applications are accepted until the position is filled, she said.