NEW STARK COUNTY WILDLIFE OFFICER ASSIGNED

AKRON, OH – Wildlife Officer Mark Basinger, 39, currently of Dalton, has been assigned to Stark County beginning May 1, 2008, according to the ODNR Division of Wildlife.

Wildlife Officer Basinger’s new assignment follows the retirement of long-time Wildlife Officer Tim Jordan, who patrolled Stark County for 25 years. 

Basinger attended Hocking College and graduated in 1989 with an Associate Degree in Recreation and Wildlife Management. He also attended West Virginia University in Morgantown for wildlife studies.  Serving in a seasonal position at Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area not long after college graduation, Basinger gained significant knowledge about the Killbuck Marsh and Funk Bottoms wildlife areas. After 12 years of working in the private sector, Basinger returned to the Division of Wildlife after receiving acceptance into the state wildlife officer cadet academy. Graduation from the academy took place in July 2007 and Basinger was immediately assigned as an “At-Large” wildlife officer, covering more than seven counties in northeast Ohio’s District 3.

As the Stark County Wildlife Officer, Basinger’s primary responsibility will be enforcing state wildlife laws on public and private lands.  He will also assist with fish and wildlife surveys, resolving situations with nuisance, injured and orphaned wildlife and numerous public events throughout the year in cooperation with the 22 clubs of the Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs. 

“Retired Wildlife Officer Tim Jordan left some pretty big shoes to fill and we are fortunate to have obtained Officer Basinger out of the last academy” stated Jeff Herrick, District Three Manager.  “You don’t have to be around him long to know what a people person he is.  His years as an officer in the Ohio State Trapper’s Association gained him much leadership experience, which combined with his maturity and friendly, approachable manner will serve Stark County residents and others well” stated Herrick.   

Basinger, his wife, Nancy and two children will relocate to the Stark County region soon. Mark enjoys hunting, fishing, and trapping as well as spending time with his family in these outdoor pursuits.