Bass Pro Shops yesterday announced the hiring of Bob Ziehmer, who worked the past six years as director of the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Ziehmer was tapped as Bass Pro’s senior director of conservation and lead director of the Johnny Morris Foundation, according to a news release.
“Bass Pro Shops is excited to welcome one of the foremost conservation leaders in America as we plan to further expand our conservation leadership and impact across North America,” Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris said in the release. “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.”
Ziehmer, who joins Bass Pro conservation veterans Martin Mac Donald and Rob Keck, will work to develop conservation initiatives, including habitat restoration, outdoor activities for children and families, and advocacy of sportsmen’s rights working with nonprofits and government organizations. He’ll also be involved with America’s Wildlife Museum and Aquarium, formerly the Wonders of Wildlife, and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.
“Bass Pro Shops is doing incredible things for conservation every day,” Ziehmer said in the release. “I am honored to join committed conservationist Johnny Morris and his team to protect wildlife habitat, connect more people with nature and inspire the next generation of conservation stewards.”
As the eighth director of the state Department of Conservation, Ziehmer oversaw a $185 million annual budget with 1,450 full-time and 500 hourly employees. An employee at the department since 1991, he also led efforts to restore the populations of elk, prairie chickens, hellbenders and sturgeon; expand conservation messages at public schools; and implement infrastructure projects, including hatchery and wetland rehabilitations.
In 2011, Bass Pro named Ziehmer one of its Conservation Partners of the Year.
Ziehmer resigned from the Department of Conservation in June, saying he would join the private sector. Tom Draper is serving in the interim, according to a state news release.
