Ed Glaser inducted into MDC Conservation Hall of Fame

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently honored the late Edwin "Ed" Glaser as the 41st member of the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame with an awards ceremony at Conservation Headquarters in Jefferson City on April 17. Glaser died in 2002. Glaser's wife, June, accepted the award on his behalf. Other family members present included son Robert and his wife Mishka, son Randall and his daughter Sonya, son Richard, brother Fred and his wife Pat, nieces and nephews.

The Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame honors deceased citizen conservationists and former employees of MDC and other conservation-related government agencies who made substantial and lasting contributions to the fisheries, forestry, or wildlife conservation efforts of the state.

Glaser's 42-year career with MDC began in 1950 as a forestry technician followed by a promotion to supervise fire control operations in 1956 and later state forests and nurseries. His career continued to advance as he was assigned to begin developing the Department's first statewide outdoor recreation plan in 1964. His accomplishments and abilities led to his appointment to the Department's new Planning Division where he wrote multiple policy position papers, worked closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on river management issues, and served as the Department's Environmental Services Officer.

In 1984, Glaser was promoted to Assistant Director followed by an appointment to Deputy Director in 1988. Following his retirement in 1992, he was frequently called upon by MDC leadership for advice and his historical perspective on key topics and issues. He also represented the Department as liaison to Missouri's Congressional Delegation and General Assembly.

In addition to his work with MDC, Glaser has been recognized by the Missouri House of Representatives for his active role in a wide variety of community groups. Glaser was a member of multiple conservation-related organizations and held leadership roles with the Missouri Reclamation Commission and the Karkhagne Club. He served on the Lewis and Clark Trail Commission, the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee, the Gasconade Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Team, the Governor's Wild Rivers Advisory Committee, and the Missouri Parks and Recreation Committee.

"The foundation of conservation in Missouri is the coupling of citizen leadership with the guidance of conservation professionals," said MDC Director Bob Ziehmer at the induction ceremony. "Ed Glaser was a dedicated conservationist whose lifelong commitment was driven by an intense passion for the resource and a desire to share that with the citizens of our state and country."