DNR news releases, Nov. 14, 2013

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources header

MINNESOTA DNR NEWS #86                                                                                  Nov. 14, 2013 
All news releases are available in the DNR’s website newsroom at www.mndnr.gov/news.
Follow the DNR on Twitter @mndnr.

IN THIS ISSUE
Don Pereira named state fisheries chief
Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission to meet Nov. 20


DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Don Pereira named state fisheries chief

Don Pereira, a 30-year fisheries research and management veteran, has been selected as the new fisheries chief for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). His new duties begin Wednesday, Nov. 20.

“Don brings a breadth of valuable experience to this important job,” said Ed Boggess, Fish and Wildlife Division director. “His experience as a researcher, supervisor and policy manager and his focus on better incorporating the desires and interests of anglers into fisheries programs will help us continue to deliver fish population, recreation and aquatic habitat results that positively serve Minnesota citizens, natural resources and local economies.”

Pereira, a Cottage Grove, Minn. resident, has been the DNR’s fisheries research and policy manager since 2007. In addition to managing the agencies fisheries research functions, he has played a key role in policy and management issues including cormorants at Leech Lake and a number of large lake management challenges. He has been a leader for improving public engagement and application of social data to fisheries management.

Pereira will oversee a $30 million annual fisheries section budget and a staff of 290 full-time and part-time employees. With personnel based in four regional offices, 28 area offices and five hatcheries, the fisheries section carries out research and management programs affecting state fish species and habitat.

Fishing is big business in Minnesota. Direct angler expenditures in Minnesota total $2.4 billion and support 35,000 jobs, according to a 2011 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey. About 28 percent of Minnesotans go fishing, double the national average.

Pereira is a graduate of the University of Vermont and has advanced degrees in fisheries from the University of Minnesota. He is the author or co-author of numerous peer-reviewed publications and technical reports. He replaces Dirk Peterson, who retired in October.

                                                                                -30-

Note: Image attached. 

 


DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         Nov. 14, 2013

Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission to meet Nov. 20

The second meeting of the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Hall, 125 Pinecone Road N., Sartell.

The commission, established this past legislative session, is responsible for developing a system plan for parks and trails in Greater Minnesota. The commission met once in October and will submit its first report to the Legislature in January.

Members of the commission, appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton in August, include:

  • Keith Nelson of Virginia, LuAnn Wilcox of Finlayson; representing District 1.
  • Rita Albrecht of Bemidji, Bryan Pike of Brainerd; representing District 2. 
  • Michael Hulett of Moorhead, Al Lieffort of Alexandria; representing District 3.
  • Marc Mattice of Eden Valley, Barry Wendorf of Cambridge; representing District 4.
  • Rick Anderson of Balaton, Tom Schmitz of New Ulm; representing District 5.
  • O. William Bruins of Rochester, Thomas Ryan of Rochester; representing District 6. 
  • Anita Rasmussen of Sartell, member at large. 

                                                                           -30-