Library program looks into Division of Wildlife
Wildlife officers collaborate with members of the public, law enforcement and other agencies in order to provide assistance and expertise on topics of mutual interest. Michael Budd is the current officer for Tuscarawas County.
On Monday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m., state wildlife officer Michael Budd will use Zoom to present “A Brief Look at the Division of Wildlife and its Role in Society.”
Budd will explain what the division is and how it is funded, as well as describe the various duties of a wildlife officer and the opportunities created by this division of the Department of Natural Resources.
Even before Ohio was declared a state in 1803, inhabitants recognized the great diversity of wildlife and its importance to their lives. As more settlers came to the Ohio Valley, there was a growing need to preserve that wildlife.
In 1873 the General Assembly established the Ohio Fish Commission in order to deal with declining fish populations in lakes and streams in Ohio. In 1949 several other conservation agencies joined to form the Department of Natural Resources, whose mission is to ensure a balance between the wise use and protection of natural resources for the benefit of all.
The Division of Wildlife is just one of 11 divisions in the Department of Natural Resources. Just as the early settlers recognized fish and wildlife are social and economically important to life in Ohio, modern-day residents realize it is important to conserve and sustain the diversity of this wildlife so everyone can appreciate and enjoy them, whether it be for consumption, hunting, fishing or trapping.
In order to function efficiently, the Division of Wildlife needs to have funding, partnerships with key stakeholders and open lines of communication with the public. Many professionals dedicate their entire careers to ensure the long-term success of the division.
Each of the 88 counties in Ohio has a wildlife officer. Wildlife officers collaborate with members of the public, law enforcement and other agencies in order to provide assistance and expertise on topics of mutual interest.
Budd is the current officer for Tuscarawas County. A native of Licking County, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science and natural resources from the Ohio State University. Before being assigned to Tuscarawas County in 2018, he served various police departments, the National Park Service and Knox County.
Go to www.doverlibrary.org/register or email Sherrel Rieger at srieger@doverlibrary.org to receive a Zoom invitation.