Melancon Out As Louisiana Wildlife And Fisheries Secretary

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana's wildlife and fisheries secretary, Charlie Melancon, is leaving his leadership post after a short tenure marked with controversy.

Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a statement Wednesday saying: "Charlie and I have agreed that we should move the agency in a different direction."

A former congressman, Melancon has clashed with recreational fishermen and Republican U.S. Rep. Garret Graves since taking over the job when Edwards' term began in January.

Melancon's also run into controversy about programs he cut and changes he made in response to a legislative audit that found shoddy management of agency finances under Melancon's predecessor.

Melancon hasn't commented publicly about his exit.

In a statement, Graves wished him well and said he looks forward "to working with the new secretary to ensure Louisiana remains the Sportsman's Paradise."

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