Bio

As Missouri’s State Forester, Michael leads the Department’s forestry section to support statewide forest management and planning efforts. This work includes the state forest nursery, forest and fire management, and forestry information systems management. He provides strategic and operational planning, guidance, and direction to natural resources staff statewide and collaborates with section chiefs in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Natural Resource Planning to develop and implement standards for habitat management. Michael works with internal and external stakeholders to promote common conservation priorities within Missouri. Michael has been with the Department for 17 years and has served as a resource forester, district supervisor, and habitat management coordinator. Michael attended Southern Illinois University where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in forestry with a focus on watershed management and forest hydrology.