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April 6, 2007
STEVEN D. MAURER TO HEAD ODNR’S DIVISION OF NATURAL AREAS & PRESERVES
New chief has extensive background in agriculture, environmental work
COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Sean D. Logan has appointed Steven D. Maurer of Bexley as chief of the agency’s Division of Natural Areas & Preserves.
In his new position, Maurer will direct operations at Ohio’s 131 state nature preserves and coordinate protection of the state’s 13 scenic rivers. He will also oversee the Ohio Natural Heritage Database of endangered and threatened plants.
“Protecting Ohio’s most fragile land and water habitats is a priority of the Department of Natural Resources,” Logan said in making the appointment. “Steven’s previous administrative experience, coupled with his knowledge of the state’s natural landscape, makes him uniquely qualified for this job.”
Maurer has served as Ohio’s director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (1993-2001) and as director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture (1986-1991). More recently, he was interim director of the Ohio Farmer’s Union (2003) and president of the American Center for German Culture (2006-2007).
As state director of the federal Farm Service Agency, Maurer initiated the Lake Erie Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), a voluntary program that encourages farmers in 27 northwest Ohio counties to plant trees and buffer strips along lake tributaries in order to reduce soil erosion.
Over the years, Maurer has been the recipient of numerous awards and honorary designations for his work on environmental and agricultural issues. He holds a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.
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