Nomination of G. Ray Arnett To Be an Assistant Secretary of the Interior

The President announced today his intention to nominate G. Ray Arnett to be Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife.

Mr. Arnett is an avid sportsman and outdoorsman who has devoted much of his life to the conservation, preservation, and enhancement of wildlife. He was appointed by Gov. Ronald Reagan to head the California Department of Fish & Game, where he served for 7 years.

Mr. Arnett was director of the National Wildlife Federation for 17 years, and served two terms as president, retiring from that position in 1978. He has been affiliated with many State and national conservation organizations. He was one of the founders and currently serves as chairman of the board of the Wildlife Legislative Fund of America and its companion organization, the Wildlife Conservation Fund of America.

Mr. Arnett attended the University of California at Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, where he attended undergraduate and graduate school.

In 1942-46 Mr. Arnett served in the U.S. Marine Corps, South Central Pacific Theatre. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean conflict in 1950-52. He was honorably discharged with the rank of captain.

Mr. Arnett is married and has four children. He resides with his family in Stockton, Calif. He was born in Quantico, Va., on June 14, 1924.