Environment DEC
From the October 2007 issue
DEC Names New Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources Director
Ms. Riexinger received national recognition for her work in preparing the state Wetlands Conservation Plan among many other accomplishmentsA nationally certified wildlife biologist with extensive success in biodiversity conservation is DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis's pick to serve as the new director of the agency's Division of Fish, Wildlife, and Marine Resources. Patricia Riexinger, who has more than three decades of experience working in DEC's natural resource management and protection programs, will be the first woman to head the division.
Vast Knowledge and Expertise
"Patty has repeatedly demonstrated her commitment to improving and protecting many of our state's most precious habitats," Commissioner Grannis said. "Her vast knowledge and expertise will be a tremendous asset as we continue to address the challenges facing our native species and ecosystems, promote the excellent hunting and fishing available in New York, and seek new opportunities to build upon our successes."
Ms. Riexinger began her career with DEC in the Waterfowl Unit, and then spent four years as the reptile and amphibian specialist in the Endangered Species Unit. In 1983, she became the division's freshwater wetlands program manager, helping to create and develop the program, which at that time, was new to the division. She has accomplishments in many areas, such as mapping freshwater wetlands, formulating policy, administering grants and research projects, and preparing the state Wetlands Conservation Plan, for which she received national recognition. For the last six years, Ms. Riexinger has also served as section head for the division's Landscape Conservation Section, where she has overseen the watershed conservation, freshwater wetlands, Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers, and aquatic habitat protection programs.
About Ms. Riexinger
Ms. Riexinger received a Bachelor of Science in wildlife biology from Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Science, and a Masters of Science in biodiversity, conservation and policy from the University at Albany. She has also taken graduate-level courses from the Rockefeller College of Public Administration. She is an avid bird-watcher and nature enthusiast, loves to travel and cook, and is committed to Girl Scouting. Ms. Riexinger's family has a long history of hunting and angling, with her teenage son and daughter carrying on that tradition.
Ms. Riexinger said, "I am excited about personally reconnecting with our sporting public-the roots of our fish and wildlife program. I also look forward to working with many partners and colleagues on ensuring the long-term viability of this state's amazing biodiversity. Part of that will entail good, sound science, as well as working more closely with landowners to make wise decisions about the land. Without habitat and a clean environment, our fish and wildlife resource will be jeopardized, regardless of the other programs we have in place."
The Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources is comprised of the Bureaus of Fisheries, Wildlife, Habitat, Marine Resources, and Fish and Wildlife Services. While headquartered in DEC's Central Office in Albany, the division's staff is spread throughout the state in regional offices, a variety of field stations, and fish hatcheries.
Able Director, Gerry Barnhart, Retires
The division director position became vacant with the retirement of Gerry Barnhart in August. Mr. Barnhart led the division for 10 of his 28 years with DEC. His many accomplishments included restoring DEC's deer management system, protecting and enhancing New York's world-class fisheries, establishing an automated licensing system, and maintaining one of the nation's best hunter safety records. He was also responsible for helping to foster a high level of professionalism among the division's staff and contributed extensively to fish and wildlife protection on the national and international levels.
"Gerry was a valuable, dedicated leader and DEC will continue to build upon the initiatives he helped to establish," Commissioner Grannis said. "We thank him for his years of extraordinary service that have resulted in a lasting impact not only at our agency, but on the future of New York State's environment."
