Chuck Bonham, the director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and a longtime driver of hotly debated state policies on wolves, salmon and water, is leaving the state job for a top post at the Nature Conservancy. … In a state with nearly 40 million people, Bonham faced the impossible task of balancing wildlife conservation with human development, a responsibility that frequently won him critics. For example, his largely fish-friendly policies, sometimes forcing cuts to water supplies and promoting dam-removal projects, drew criticism from agriculture and industry. At the same time, environmental groups often wanted him to do more.

Related articles:

• E&E News by Politico: Top California wildlife official departs for environmental group​
• The Nature Conservancy: News release: Charlton “Chuck” Bonham named the Nature Conservancy’s California executive director​