Former conservation director takes post with Bass Pro Shops

In this January 2015 file photo, Bob Ziehmer, in his capacity as director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, signs contracts providing federal funds to the state agency for habitat conservation by private landowners.
In this January 2015 file photo, Bob Ziehmer, in his capacity as director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, signs contracts providing federal funds to the state agency for habitat conservation by private landowners.

Robert Ziehmer, who stepped down as director of the Missouri Department of Conservation on July 15, has been named senior director of conservation and lead director of the Johnny Morris Foundation for Bass Pro Shops, headquartered in Springfield.

Ziehmer, who served as MDC's director for six and a half years, was with the department for more than 25 years, managing conservation programs ranging from habitat restoration to outdoor education initiatives.

"Bob's many talents and extensive expertise guiding one of the most respected state conservation agencies in the nation make him an ideal leader to help us fulfill our conservation mission and inspire more people to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors," said Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris in a news release.

Ziehmer, a native of California, Missouri, was MDC's eighth director since its founding in 1937. He received the Bass Pro Shops Conservation Partner of the Year Award in 2011.

"The many years I have spent with the department have been both professionally challenging and rewarding," Ziehmer said in a June news release announcing his resignation as MDC director. "However, I am excited about continuing my conservation career through a new endeavor in the private sector."

MDC Deputy Director Tom Draper has been serving as interim director since July 16. A new director will be chosen by the state Conservation Commission.

At MDC, Ziehmer was responsible for a $185 million annual budget with a staff of 1,450 full-time and 500 hourly employees, according to the news release. During his tenure, he led restoration activities for elk, prairie chickens, hellbenders and sturgeon; expanded efforts to deliver the conservation message in public schools; and implemented major infrastructure projects, including hatchery renovations, wetland renovations, shooting range renovations and new regional facilities.

He began at the department in 1987 as an employee in the fisheries division.

Ziehmer joins two experienced conservation directors at Bass Pro Shops - Martin MacDonald and Rob Keck - to guide and expand company-wide conservation programs. MacDonald is a 23-year veteran of Bass Pro Shops who previously led national outreach efforts for 4-H. Before joining Bass Pro Shops in 2009, Keck spent 27 years as CEO of the National Wild Turkey Foundation.

Together, Ziehmer and Bass Pro Shops' conservation team will work with Morris to develop "a strategic and measurable approach for key initiatives including wildlife and habitat restoration efforts, introducing kids and families to the outdoors and advocating for sportsmen's rights in close partnership with nonprofit and government organizations," according to the news release.

Ziehmer will also help advance the mission of two wildlife and educational nonprofit programs: Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.

Bass Pro Shops, known best as a national retailer for outdoor and sporting goods, supports conservation efforts including fish and wildlife habitat improvements, conservation and outdoor skills education, improving water quality and quality of lakes and springs, and conservation advocacy, according to its website.