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MDC assigns new Private Lands Conservationist for Shannon County
EMINENCE, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces Cody Roberts is the new private lands conservationist for Shannon County. MDC’s private lands conservationists work with landowners to provide onsite technical assistance to improve wildlife and forest habitat.
“Cody is very familiar with Ozarks land management and the private landowners he will serve,” said Brad McKee, MDC’s Ozark Region Private Lands Regional Supervisor.
Roberts grew up on a farm in neighboring Oregon County. He worked for several area landowners doing various farm labor jobs, as well as worked on wildlife habitat improvements for a non-resident landowner for several years. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Earth Science from William Penn University in Iowa and his Masters of Science in Biology, Geoscience and GIS from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. Since graduating in 2014, Cody has worked for MDC’s Wildlife Division as a resource assistant and wildlife biologist assistant in the southwest region. He worked with grassland management activities including prescribed fire, administering grazing, hay, crop and seed contracts, supervising crews on various quail projects, and assisting hunters using public lands. Roberts also has several certifications and training, including Level 1-3 fire, herbicide application, and management, equipment, and safety trainings.
“This culmination of experience in conservation and habitat management gives Cody the tools he needs to conduct a successful private land program in Shannon County,” McKee said.
For information on how MDC works with landowners to improve habitat, or to find a private lands conservationist near you, go online to mdc.mo.gov. Shannon County landowners can reach Roberts at (573)226-3241, extension 106, or by email at cody.roberts@mdc.mo.gov.