Strickland taps Sean Logan as the Director of ODNR

By Larry S. Moore

Governor Ted Strickland tapped Sean Logan as the new Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Logan is taking the helm of a fine ODNR organization. Ohio is blessed with outstanding natural resources and beauty across our state. ODNR manages more than 470,000 acres of land including 73 state parks, 20 state forests, 120 state nature preserves and 80 wildlife areas. The department also has jurisdiction over more than 120,000 acres of inland waters; 7,000 miles of streams; 481 miles of Ohio River; and 2.25 million acres of Lake Erie. In addition to hunting, fishing, trapping and watercraft, the Department is responsible for overseeing mineral extraction, monitoring dam safety, managing water resources, coordinating the activity of Ohio’s 88 county soil and water conservation districts, plus mapping the state’s major geologic structures and mineral resources. There are significant challenges facing Logan and ODNR.

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Having served in the Ohio House from 1990 to 2000, Logan understands state government. There he was involved with the ODNR serving on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. His first major piece of legislation was a bill that provided funding to Divisions based on fines levied against pollution violators. That bill created three funds within ODNR for habitat, forest development and the Ohio River. He also has served on the Little Beavercreek (Columbiana County) Wild and Scenic River Advisory Board.

Even before involvement with the legislature, Logan had gained an awareness of the natural world of Ohio. As a youngster, his family camped, hunted and fished. "We grew up rabbit and bird hunting plus fishing. I grew up around Guilford Lake in Columbiana County. We fished throughout the Muskingham watershed area. I had very memorable times fishing. A family camping trip to Kelley’s Island when I was about nine years old is also memorable. I remember Inscription Rock, camping, and walking around the entire island picking up rocks. We fished for perch and my step-father was so busy with our lines that he did not have time to fish", noted Logan.

Logan served as coordinator for the Strickland ODNR transition team. He explains the process, "The transition team effort was quite challenging and busy. We met with individuals representing a wide range of groups. Plus there were a many more who submitted information via the web page or called. It was a challenge to get the comments complied into the report. I want to thank Rocky Saxbe for the use of the facilities at the law office plus the support of his staff. We are still reviewing all the input, top to bottom. We have not identified specific priorities. Right now everything looks urgent. It is still a work in process. Parks alone has $300 million in infrastructure needs. There is maintenance that was deferred due to budget cuts. Additionally, Parks staffing levels is a concern."

Starting with the transition team, the emphasis is on involvement and communications. Logan explains, “We are open to all ideas to increase the hunters, anglers and wildlife in the state. Recruitment and retention is very important. We have priority needs in public lands and farmland preservation. We need to make sure we have land for hunting so every Ohioan will have an opportunity to share and pass along the heritage. I want Ohio to be a destination in hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. Ohio has some great natural resources and beauty. Making Ohio a destination is not going to happen overnight but becoming a destination creates value in our natural resources."

The strength of the ODNR is the trained staff in all the Divisions. Logan provides insight to the department, "There are wonderful dedicated individuals that deliver our services on a daily basis. I want to ensure they have the support needed. The Divisions are an important component. I don’t foresee major changes in the overall structure of the ODNR. The Chiefs and their personnel are the heart of making sure the system runs and delivers services to the public."

Logan concludes, “From camping and hiking to hunting and fishing, our state parks and bountiful natural resources are a vast source of recreation and economic strength for our great state. I look forward to ensuring that Ohio’s natural heritage will be enjoyed by Ohioans for generations to come.”

There are significant challenges across many Divisions of the ODNR. Logan may not have much time to enjoy the natural resources and beauty of Ohio while he works to protect them. It is time for all the sportsmen, campers, hikers, bird-watchers and other constituent users of the ODNR facilities and programs to step up. The challenges cannot be met without the support of the people of the State of Ohio. Ohio needs a fully funded and strong ODNR. The actions taken now will impact future generations.

Outdoor writer and hunter education instructor Larry S. Moore is a Region Leader for Buckeye Firearms Association and winner of the 2005 USSA Patriot Award.

Press Release:
ODNR: Sean D. Logan is ODNR's New Director