The following is a statement from Earthjustice attorney Christopher Amato in response to the appointment of Anthony Wilkinson as Director of the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC):

“Earthjustice applauds the appointment of Anthony Wilkinson as Director of DEC’s Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources.  Mr. Wilkinson’s appointment is an encouraging sign for those who care deeply about protecting New York’s precious fish and wildlife resources and the fragile habitats upon which their survival depends.  The recently announced crowd of grossly unqualified and hostile appointees to key environmental and natural resource positions at the federal level underscores the critical need for experienced and dedicated professionals like Anthony Wilkinson at state environmental agencies.  Mr. Wilkinson is a noted conservationist with nearly four decades of experience as a wildlife biologist, conservationist, and researcher, and has exhibited a concern for species and habitat protection that will be crucial in the coming years.”    

“Mr. Wilkinson’s recent tenure as the Director for the Nature Conservancy’s Eastern New York Program and his executive level work for the Natural Heritage Program will ensure that the groundbreaking work of his predecessor, Patricia Riexinger, in protecting New York’s unique natural heritage will be continued.  This is particularly important as DEC moves to update and improve its list of endangered and threatened species in New York State.”

“We look forward to working with Anthony Wilkinson on addressing the ongoing threats to biodiversity in New York State, and on improving protections for species and habitats at risk.”