Ken Soring has been named the DNR's top conservation officer, and as division director will lead a staff of 250 with a budget of $38 million, the agency has announced.
"Ken Soring has a deep and lifelong commitment to Minnesota resources and more than three decades of experience in the Division of Enforcement," said DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr. "He has great standing amongst field officers and our stakeholders, which will be very helpful as the Enforcement Division embarks on its strategic planning and workforce initiatives in the coming years."
Soring began his DNR career as a wildlife laborer before becoming a conservation officer in 1984. He has served eight years as a conservation officer, 12 years as a district supervisor and the past nine years as a regional enforcement manager in Grand Rapids.
Soring also was acting enforcement director for six months in 2008-2009.
"I really see three immediate priorities for the division," said Soring. "As a division we need to provide excellent service to Minnesota citizens; work to increase compliance rates with natural resources laws through education and enforcement; and strive to continuously improve the ways we conduct our work."
Soring assumes his new position June 19.
