Missouri Conservation Department picks new director

JEFFERSON CITY — A California, Mo., conservation official has been picked to lead the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The Conservation Commission announced Friday that Bob Ziehmer will take over the state agency on Jan. 15. The 42-year-old started working for the Conservation Department in 1991 as an assistant natural history biologist. He also has worked as an environmental consultant and aquatic services biologist, and spent three years as a wetlands specialist for the Missouri Department of Transportation.

John Hoskins, the department's current director, said in August he planned to retire.

The Conservation Department regulates and licenses hunting and fishing, manages forests and nature centers, and promotes habitat conservation efforts on public and private lands.