DEC Names New Natural Resource Supervisor for District 6

[Phantom]

Don't know if this is good or bad for motorized recreation...

JZO, Captain Grizz... You guys know who this guy is?
He's from The North Country so he may be sympathetic to us on the economic impact issue.

ALBANY, N.Y.  —  Kenneth Kogut, who has nearly 30 years experience in wildlife management, has been named supervisor of natural resources for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Region 6, which covers Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Lewis, Oneida and Herkimer counties, Regional Director Judy Drabicki announced today.

Kogut had previously served as Regional Wildlife and Habitat Managers for the Department's Region 5 office headquartered in Ray Brook, near Lake Placid.

"Ken has been an outstanding advocate of wildlife based recreation, research, public access and a very effective manager for the wildlife programs in Region 5," Drabicki said. "His understanding of New York's programs, covering freshwater wetlands, streams and lakes, and Adirondack Forest Preserve lands, along with his practical experience in working with all our environmental partners, uniquely qualify him to lead our natural resource programs."

As natural resources supervisor, Kogut will manage day-to-day activities of program areas under the Fisheries, Wildlife, Habitat, Lands and Forests, Real Property Services and Mineral Resources offices within the region. This important position provides a liaison between DEC and the public, various sportsman's and special interest groups, and private industry.

Kogut will immediately begin overseeing several important projects for DEC Region 6, including wind and hydropower development, forest-preserve management, freshwater wetlands protection and watershed-based management efforts. Kogut will work extensively with the Region 6 Open Space Committee, and will help ensure that staff infuse their tasks with efforts to protect fish and wildlife habitats. His daily duties will involve interacting with sportsmen groups, advisory boards and many other state and international agencies.

A native of Oneida County and a 1973 graduate from Sauquoit Valley Central School, Kogut graduated in 1977 from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, with a Bachelor of Science degree in forest biology. He earned a Master of Science degree in wildlife management from Pennsylvania State University. He began his career as a wildlife technician working on endangered species restoration out of the DEC's Wildlife Resources Center in Delmar in 1979, worked in DEC's Division of Environmental Permits in Buffalo in the early 1980's, and then spent 25 years in the Adirondacks as a wildlife biologist. In 1993, Kogut was promoted to the job of Region 5 Manager of the Bureau of Habitat, and in 2003 was given the additional responsibilities of Region 5 Wildlife Manager.

Ken and his wife Joan Ketchledge Kogut, will live on their farm outside of Canton, New York. Ken is an avid gardener, hunter, fisherman, paddler, and cross country skier. He and Joan are avid retriever trainers and golden retriever breeders. Ken is also an American Kennel Club Hunt Test judge and judges retriever hunt tests throughout New York and New England, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

"We are fortunate to now have Ken here in this region where he has many personal ties," Drabicki said. "It is reassuring to me that we have employees of his caliber and experience working on behalf of the people of New York State."

[JZO]

This morning was the first time that I have spoken with Ken. at a meeting. He seem interested in what is going on and I felt that he understands the issues. I guess only time will tell when we go to him with any issues.

Joe

[captgriz]

  I know some Koguts from the Lowville area but have no idea if he is related or not, the ones I know are a charter fishermen and one of his sons is a avid atv rider and mechanic.