Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today released the following statement on the death of Sam Hamilton, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Mr. Hamilton died suddenly Saturday in Colorado.

Senator Boxer said, "I was deeply saddened to learn of Sam Hamilton's passing, and my heart goes out to his family and friends. Mr. Hamilton brought more than 30 years of experience with the Fish and Wildlife Service and a lifelong record as a committed conservationist to his work as the Service's director. His loss will be keenly felt by the dedicated professionals at the Fish and Wildlife Service and by every American who cares about protecting our nation's wild and natural treasures."