Karen Stewart-Linkhart appointed to Ohio Wildlife Council

by Larry S. Moore

Those familiar with the Ohio Wildlife Council, conservation issues or trapping will likely recognized the name Karen Stewart-Linkhart. She has previously served two terms on the council from 1999 until 2007. After serving on the council, Stewart-Linkhart remained active and attended most of the meetings representing either the Ohio State Trappers or the National Trapping Association.

The Ohio Wildlife Council is a volunteer appointment. The council meets eight times per year. Council membership is specified in Ohio Revised Code requiring eight members with no more than four members of the same political party. This ensures a bi-partisan council. Additionally at least two member must be actively involved with agriculture. Appointments are made by the Governor and must be confirmed by the Ohio Senate. Council members have strong ties to their communities and to the sportsmen organizations in that area. The Ohio Wildlife Council reviews and approves the recommendations regarding hunting, fishing and trapping regulations as proposed by the Division of Wildlife.

Stewart-Linkhart is an excellent choice for membership to the Ohio Wildlife Council. She is well-known across many sportsmen and conservation organizations for her involvement and passion for Ohio's natural resources. She is well-known in farming, 4-H organizations and is a member of the Ohio State Trappers Association. She and husband, David, are the Directors for National and International Affairs of the National Trappers Association.

"I am very excited to be returning to the Council. This team is dedicated to the wise use of our wildlife resources in Ohio. I feel each of us brings a unique perspective resulting from our personal outdoor experiences. Additionally, the members represent the many diverse areas in Ohio.", commented Stewart-Linkhart.

Todd Haines, Division of Wildlife District 5 Manager, has worked with Stewart-Linkhart for many years on a variety of sportsmen and conservation issues. He comments, "Karen brings a very diverse and knowledgeable background to the group. Her past experience in working with the Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio State Trappers Association, and the National Trappers Association will be a great asset to the Wildlife Council in their role of reviewing the Division of Wildlife hunting, fishing, and trapping regulations."

Vicki Mountz, Acting Chief of the Division of Wildlife, notes “We're thrilled to welcome Karen back to the Wildlife Council. Her experience and expertise make her a valuable addition to body that oversees wildlife regulations. You can always count on Karen to be thoughtful, insightful and well-studied on Ohio and national wildlife issues.”

The Linkhart's actively farm approximately 700 acres in Greene County. Their commitment to conservation can be seen in the farming practices utilized. Conservation tillage (no till) has been utilized for over twenty years. Habitat restoration projects on their farm include a wetland and twenty-one acres of native Ohio prairie grass. The prairie grass is harvested for food for the livestock. The prairie grass is not harvested until late the summer in order to protect nests of the ground nesting birds. Their farm was also the release location for the first wild turkeys re-introduced into Greene County.

Outdoor writer and hunter education instructor Larry S. Moore is a long-time volunteer leader for Buckeye Firearms Association and winner of the 2005 USSA Patriot Award, the 2007 League of Ohio Sportsmen/Ohio Wildlife Federation Hunter Educator of the Year and the 2010 National Wild Turkey Federation/ Women in the Outdoors Hunter Education Instructor of the Year.