July 6, 2006

SALEM – The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission today selected Idaho Department of Fish and Game Fisheries Chief Virgil Moore as director.

Moore , 54, of Boise , Idaho has worked for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game since 1979 in a variety of both field research and management positions. He has served as the state wildlife agency's Fisheries Chief since 1998 and was chief of its Information and Education division from 1995-1997.

Moore earned a master's in zoology from Idaho State University in 1977 and a bachelor's in education and biology from Northwest Missouri State University in 1973. He and his wife have two children and two grandchildren.

“While this was a very difficult decision with two tremendously qualified candidates, the Commission ultimately chose Virgil Moore for the sense of vision that he will bring to the agency,” said Commission Chair Marla Rae. “We also have the utmost respect for Roy Elicker, and hope to have a productive working relationship with Roy long into the future.”

Reached at his office in Idaho , Moore said, “I'm thrilled and excited at this opportunity to work with the people of Oregon and fish and wildlife professionals in the state.”

The Commission authorized the chair to negotiate salary and a start date with Moore . The salary range for the position is $70,536 to $109,128 annually.

The seven-member Commission is the rulemaking body for fish and wildlife issues in Oregon .