CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — A former state assemblyman says he and others lobbied Gov. Brian Sandoval for the removal of Ken Mayer as director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
John Carpenter tells The Associated Press rural interests were upset with Mayer over the agency's perceived lack of predator control in managing deer herds and its efforts involving protection of sage grouse.
Mayer announced his surprise resignation Wednesday in an email to staff. He said he was leaving at Sandoval's request.
In a letter to Sandoval, Carpenter criticizes the wildlife agency for wasting money on "questionable studies" rather than predator management.
He also says the agency is too cozy with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in efforts to protect sage grouse, and claims Mayer has an "extreme bias" against livestock grazing.
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