The head of Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will step down at the end of the month, the Mills administration announced Tuesday.

Judy Camuso is the first woman to lead the department, which is in charge of conservation efforts and is responsible for overseeing and promoting safe outdoor recreation opportunities. Her last day will be April 30.

“Commissioner Camuso is a consummate outdoorswoman, and a trusted advisor, friend, and a valued partner in my administration,” Gov. Janet Mills said in a written statement. “I thank her for her years of dedicated service to Maine people and for her work to protect and strengthen our outdoor heritage.”

Under Camuso’s tenure, which dates to 2019, the state saw increases in hunting and fishing license sales, expanded public access to the outdoors with the addition of conservation land, and completed significant infrastructure projects — such as the revitalization of fish hatcheries and the opening of a new shooting range in Fryeburg, the governor’s office noted.

Construction is ongoing on a new department headquarters slated to open in summer 2027.

Deputy Commissioner Tim Peabody is expected to take over as acting commissioner upon Camuso’s departure.

The next commissioner will be subject to a hearing before the Legislature’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and confirmation by the Maine Senate. It’s unlikely the Legislature will act on an appointment before next year.