Bull trout expert named state director for federal agency

RENO -- A federal wildlife official with expertise in the threatened bull trout has been named Nevada state director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Edward "Ted" Koch has 23 years of experience with the agency, most recently as bull trout coordinator in Boise, Idaho. Federal protection of the fish in northeast Nevada's Jarbidge River has been a source of controversy for more than a decade.

Koch also has worked as the agency's assistant budget director for the Southwest region and as an assistant to the national director. He was acting staff director of the U.S. Senate subcommittee on fisheries, wildlife and water under Idaho Republican Mike Crapo.

Koch also published several articles on conservation and one book, "The Amphibians and Reptiles of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks."