New DNR Director appointed

Governor Mike Pence today appointed Cameron Clark as director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

"When it comes to Indiana's natural resources, our administration is focused on continuing the good work already begun in Indiana's parks, furthering conservation efforts around the state, expanding recreational opportunities and improving services for Hoosiers," said Governor Pence. "With a shared vision for the future of the department and a true love for the outdoors, Cameron Clark is the right man at the right time to lead Indiana's Department of Natural Resources in the years ahead."

Clark most recently served as Chief Legal Counsel within DNR, a role he has held since 2011. Prior to his time in state government, Clark worked for more than two decades at the law firm of Clark, Quinn, Moses, Scott & Grahn in Indianapolis, where he primarily focused on assisting clients in the purchase, sale and zoning of real estate and busineses. He also advised on matters related to state and local licensing and land usage permitted by local, state and federal laws and guidelines. Clark earned his undergraduate degree in economics from Vanderbilt University and his law degree from Indiana University in Indianapolis.

"This Agency is comprised of a lot of very talented and passionate people, and I am delighted for the opportunity to be a part of that culture," said Clark. "My hope is to continue to increase the recreational opportunities available to Indiana citizens, particularly our children, while at the same time holding fast to our strong conservation ethic."

a darn lawyer.....what does he know about wildlife and conservation ??

I Think I am Dissapointed ... Whats his conservation Background? What has he done to protect our resources? Does he Fish or hunt or hike, birdwatch?? what is his connection to Indianas wildlife and fisheries resource?? Not the Bio I would have liked to have seen

+1
My thought exactly!

I've never been big on lawyers until I needed one.

We have had a lawyer in this position before and he did a dang good job..

Let's just see what he's made of.

I don't know anything about the man yet so I'll reserve comment for now instead of judging him because of his chosen profession..

+1...

He is a Republican....

well, at least that's a plus......if he was a greenie Dem, then there could be problems....

There are a lot of divisions in the DNR and this could be a good appointment. I personally think Mr Carter did a very nice job. Many of us totally focus on fish and wildlife but there are a number of divisions that are probably more important in the big picture.

I received this note from DNR today:

Since a few visitors to the hoosierhunting.com message board are asking about new DNR director Cameron Clark, here is some background I thought you might like to share. I’d post it but don’t believe I have that ability, so I’m asking if you would be kind enough to add this to the conversation:

Cam is an active participant in a wide range of outdoor recreation, particularly hunting and fishing (although he confesses to not fishing as often as he’d like, but who does?). He is an advocate and defender of the benefits of hunting.

“As an upland game bird, waterfowl and deer hunter, I understand the importance of habitat conservation for wildlife and human health and well being,” he said.

He has traveled extensively for outdoor activities such as backpacking, camping and hiking. He’s ridden horses for hundreds of miles through the Rocky Mountains and hiked across the Grand Canyon – twice in three days.

Flat water kayaking, road biking, mountaineering, outdoor photography and woodworking (specifically furniture and boat building) are among his hobbies.

He has turkey hunted for 15 years but says he still has a lot to learn. He recently took up bowhunting and enjoys it.

But his primary interest is upland game birds, thanks to the early mentorship of the late Fritz Meyer, who some of you probably knew.

He used to hunt game birds in Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties and later shifted to White and Pulaski counties. These days he chases them wherever they can be found with the help of Blue, a German shorthair.

His other hunting partner is Mel, a Labrador being trained by Josh Ward at OPE Retrievers in Fortville.

Yes, he is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association and the Indianapolis Bar Association, but he also belongs to the National Rifle Association and serves on the board of trustees for the Indiana chapter of The Nature Conservancy.

He’s also a member of Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and the Circle City Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Thus why I reserved comment.....

He's got the job.... upland birds? Can't all be bad.... thanks for the info jack

Thanks for the info Jack! I would aslo like to send an invitation to Cam to join this site.... Cam you might to choose not to post, but at least you can keep up with what we talk about.

A suggestion.......let's get our quail population back to a "huntable population". Deer and Turkey ARE NOT the only game to hunt. I started hunting upland game, then moved up to big game. I miss "the rush of the flush"....

Same here... habitat...

Great idea Joe... At the very least he would have an idea on issues of hunting and fishing from the members of this site.

Look at Josh Ward getting some run, Im sure Josh wont be afraid to express his opinion to Mr Clark

I am Not disapointed A Much better Bio than the first on... Thanks Jack

Makes me feel better. I wish Mr.Clark the best as he directs the DNR.