FAIRBANKS — A longtime fisheries biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is the new acting director of the agency’s wildlife division.

Doug Vincent-Lang, who has worked for the ADFG for 32 years, was appointed acting director for the state’s Division of Wildlife Conservation Jan. 25 by Commissioner Cora Campbell.

Lang previously was a special assistant to Campbell and also served as the state’s Endangered Species Act coordinator since 2007. Before that, he worked as a fisheries biologist and assistant director for 26 years.

Lang replaced interim director Dale Rabe, who took over after former director Corey Rossi resigned Jan. 12. Rossi stepped down after being charged with numerous violations involving an illegal bear hunt south of Anchorage in 2008 before he began working for the department. Rossi was an assistant hunting guide at the time.

Lang holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and population dynamics from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and a master’s degree in biological oceanography from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Department spokeswoman Nancy Long said Lang’s appointment is temporary and Campbell is looking for a permanent replacement.