COLUMBUS, OH -- Michael L. Sponsler has been selected following a nationwide search to head up the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) mineral resources management program. He had been director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Reclamation since 1990.

Legislation to consolidate ODNR’s Division of Mines & Reclamation and the Division of Oil & Gas in a single Division of Mineral Resources Management was signed recently by Governor Bob Taft. As chief of the new division, Sponsler oversees a staff of 155 geologists, inspectors and support officials, and manages an annual budget of more than $25 million.

"Consolidation of these two regulatory divisions will provide improved management efficiency and oversight of Ohio's $1.8 billion mineral resources industry," said ODNR Director Sam Speck. "We feel fortunate to have an individual with Mike Sponsler's experience and managerial expertise guiding our new direction in these important regulatory functions."

Under Sponsler’s direction, the Indiana Division of Reclamation became the first government agency in Indiana to win that state’s Quality Improvement Award. Prior to joining the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in 1979, he had been assistant division supervisor with the Land Reclamation Division of the Illinois Department of Mines & Minerals. He holds degrees from Southern Illinois University and Illinois Benedictine College.

Sponsler will be relocating to the Columbus area with his wife, Doris, and their three sons.

-30-

For Further Information Contact:
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882