New Director Begins
at Iowa DNR
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January 12, 2007
 Des
Moines, Iowa - Richard Leopold, a recognized leader in natural
resources and agriculture issues in Iowa, assumes the position of
Iowa Department of Natural Resources director today.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with an annual budget of
$150 million and approximately 1,000 employees, is the government
agency that leads Iowans in caring for their natural resources. It
is responsible for maintaining state parks and forests, protecting
the environment, and managing energy, fish, wildlife, and land and
water resources in Iowa.
"I can't think of a more exciting time to be leading the DNR than
right now," said Leopold. "Iowa is poised to become the world-leader
in bio-renewable fuel production and there is a strong interest by
citizens to seek long-term, sustainable funding for natural
resources."
Leopold brings an extensive and diverse background to the position
having worked in natural resources at the county, state and federal
levels and in a wide range of capacities. In his previous position
as director of the Iowa Environmental Council, he led a coalition of
more than 70 businesses and 80,000 households.
"We face some challenges ahead. Everybody wants clean water and air,
but there are always going to be different viewpoints on the best
ways to achieve those goals. I very much look forward to using my
unique experience to build the coalitions and support needed that
will result in a cleaner environment for our citizens today and in
the future," Leopold said.
During his time as director of the Iowa Environmental Council,
Leopold has also worked closely with sportsman groups represented by
The Conservation Alliance on common issues.
"There is no shortage of energy or desire to improve our natural
resources in Iowa, but there is so much more that can be
accomplished by working together. My primary goal will be harnessing
the energy and interest of Iowans toward building a better future
for our citizens," said Leopold.
Leopold was appointed by Gov. Chet Culver to succeed Jeff Vonk who
served as director since March of 2001. Vonk has been named
secretary of the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department.
Leopold has held a variety of biologist, naturalist, and
administrative positions within the U.S. Forest Service, the
National Park Service, and the Minnesota and Iowa Department of
Natural Resources. From 1999-2002, Leopold served as the coordinator
for IOWATER, Iowa's statewide volunteer water-quality monitoring
program. He holds degrees in biology from Minnesota State University
and Central Lakes College (Brainerd, Minnesota) and has just
finished his master's degree in natural resources ecology and
management from Iowa State University. Richard is active in many
conservation organizations, is the past chairperson of the Iowa
Conservation Education Council and is a past recipient of the Izaak
Walton League of America's "National Honor Roll Award."
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