Menu

The Ohio Farm Bureau presented former Chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife Mike Budzik with a resolution at its February board meeting. The board commended Budzik for his efforts on behalf of farmers and recognized how much stronger the relationship between the two organizations grew under his leadership.

Budzik placed a strong emphasis of working proactively with farmers. He placed 16 knowledgeable wildlife specialists within soil and water conservation districts that experienced high incidences of crop damage. These wildlife experts currently provide additional assistance to farmers experiencing damage to their crops and respond quickly during times when damage is most prevalent. They have also assisted with various USDA set aside programs in counties that have high sign ups and heavy workloads.

Budzik retired from the division in January. He started his career at the age of 15 working with the Youth Conservation Corps conducting forest management projects in the Wayne National Forest. After graduating from Shadyside High School in Belmont County, he earned degrees in forestry and wildlife management from Hocking College.

In 1975 he was hired as a conservation aide for the ODNR Division of Wildlife at Wolf Creek State Wildlife Area. After a series of promotions he was named chief of the division in 1995.

During his remarks, Budzik said, "Of all the awards I've gotten, I probably cherish this one the most." He said it was a great pleasure to work with Farm Bureau during his tenure, and that he is a Farm Bureau member because "I believe in what you stand for." He specifically mentioned how the two organizations worked together in 1998 on State Issue 1, the dove hunting issue, as a time when the relationship became stronger.

Steve Gray has been appointed chief of the state's Division of Wildlife by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Sam Speck. Gray has served as assistant chief since 1991. As chief, he will oversee Ohio's fish and wildlife management programs as well as management of more than 170,000 acres of state wildlife areas. He began his ODNR career in 1976 as a state wildlife officer in Crawford County. He also has served as a regional wildlife officer, an information officer and executive assistant to the chief. In 1991, he became assistant chief with oversight of the division's fisheries, wildlife, law enforcement and public information programs. He holds a bachelor's degree in wildlife management from Ohio State University where he was recognized as the top wildlife student by the Natural Resources Alumni Association. He is a Ross County native, and he and his family reside in Kingston.

Cutline: Retired ODNR Chief of the Division of Wildlife Mike Budzik accepted a resolution from the OFBF board at its February meeting. OFBF President Terry McClure presented the award.