About the commission
The Missouri Department of Conservation was conceived at the low point of U.S. conservation history. Unregulated hunting, fishing and trapping and the abuse of forests had decimated the state’s natural resources. Missouri sportsmen devised a solution that was as simple as it was revolutionary. They drafted a constitutional amendment creating a non-political conservation agency. Voters approved the amendment in 1936 by a margin of 71 to 29 percent, one of the largest margins by which any amendment to the state constitution has ever passed. It gave Missouri the world's first non-political, science-based conservation agency with exclusive authority over forests, fish and wildlife.
Requirements of Conservation Commissioners are outlined in the Constitution of Missouri, Section 40(a):
- Four members appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, not more than two of whom shall be of the same political party.
- Members shall have knowledge of and interest in wildlife conservation.
- Serve a term of six years beginning on the first day of July of consecutive odd years.
- Members shall receive no salary or other compensation, but shall receive reimbursement for travel and other expenses.
- Appointing a director of the Department.
- Serving as the Department’s policy makers.
- Approving Wildlife Code regulations.
- Strategic planning.
- Budget development and major expenditure decisions.
Commissioners
William
F. "Chip" McGeehan, Marshfield, Chairman. (Republican—term
expires July 1, 2011)
Mr. McGeehan has a Bachelor's degree in wildlife and fisheries management from the University of Missouri—Columbia, and attended graduate courses in fisheries at Southwest Missouri State University. He is a businessman who owns and operates Buffalo View Ranch, and is an avid bowhunter and angler.
Becky
L. Plattner, Grand Pass, Vice-Chair. (Democrat—term expires
July 1, 2013)
Ms. Plattner, of Grand Pass, is the presiding commissioner in Saline County and serves as financial manager for Plattner Brothers L.L.C. Custom Farming. She has served as a consultant to the Grand Pass Special Road District, Grand Pass Pump Levy District and Saline County Domestic Lighthouse Shelter. She is an active supporter of youth agricultural programs in 4-H and FFA.
Don
Johnson, St. Louis, Secretary. (Democrat—term expires July
1, 2013)
Don Johnson, an enthusiastic hunter and angler, was president of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) from 2006 until his appointment to the Commission in 2007. In addition to serving as CFM's president, he has held the posts of second and first vice president, has chaired the Ways and Means and Executive committees and has served on the Waterways Resources, Deer, Turkey and Ruffed Grouse committees. Johnson is also a member of the National Wildlife Federation and the National Rifle Association. Active in archery education, Johnson helped launch Missouri's Archery in the Schools Program. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from Howard University in Washington, D.C. He served as a pilot in the United States Air Force, flying 130 combat missions in Vietnam and earning four Air Medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses.
Don
C. Bedell, Sikeston, Member. (Republican—term expires July 1, 2015)
Mr. Bedell is an accomplished businessman, avid conservationist and enthusiastic
sportsman. He is a Life Sponsor of Ducks Unlimited, a Life Member of Quail
Unlimited, Inc., a Sustaining Member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri,
a Diamond Sponsor of the National Wild Turkey Federation and a Life Member
of Safari Club International. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
and a Master of Science in Animal Nutrition with a double minor in biochemistry
and wildlife. He is owner of B&B Boats and Bikes in Sikeston and B&R
Marine & Cycle in Batesville, Ark. He has founded and run numerous other
businesses, primarily in healthcare/nursing home management. He serves on numerous
boards of directors and is an advisory board member to the Southeast Missouri
State University College of Health and Human Services.
Bedell's appointment to the Conservation Commission is subject to confirmation
by the Missouri Senate.
Director
Robert L. Ziehmer believes that citizen input and involvement are critical to conservation. One of his top priorities as Director will be maintaining the citizen confidence and support that have made Missouri a national conservation leader. He serves as the eighth director of the Missouri Department of Conservation since its formation in 1937. He assumed the role of Director on January 15, 2010.
A native of California, Missouri, Mr. Ziehmer currently resides there with his wife and daughters. He began his Conservation Department career in 1991, and holds bachelor and master’s degrees in fish and wildlife management from the University of Missouri – Columbia.
