Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today announced the retirement of Frank Jezioro, longtime director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Gov. Tomblin thanked Jezioro for his many years of dedication and service to the state. Director Jezioro plans to retire on December 31, 2014.
“I truly appreciate the service that Frank Jezioro has rendered to the people of West Virginia,” said Gov. Tomblin. “Over the past 10 years, Frank has spearheaded innumerable improvements to our state’s public lands and has fought tirelessly to protect our natural resources. Every West Virginian should be grateful for his contributions. He will be sorely missed.”
“Frank is of the longest serving director in the history of the DNR, and it’s been my pleasure to work with him over the past four years,” said Commerce Secretary Keith Burdette. “Anyone fortunate enough to know Frank knows that he is a passionate advocate for our state’s natural resources. He leaves a legacy that will last for years and years to come.”
Since appointed in January of 2005, Director Jezioro has overseen many important projects at DNR, including the creation of the senior lifetime hunting and fishing license, major renovations at Canaan Valley Resort State Park, and the creation of the Governor’s One Shot event.
When asked to name his most important accomplishment as Director, Jezioro said, “I am proud of the fact that over the years we have guaranteed public access to thousands of acres of land for our hunters, anglers, hikers and all lovers of God’s great outdoors. We created new wildlife management areas and guaranteed public access to the Cheat Canyon and the upper Elk River for as long as the wind blows and the grass grows.”
“My job was easy,” Jezioro continued, “because I had the support of the state’s sportsmen and sportswomen, and above all, the support of the governors under whom I’ve had the honor of serving. For those wondering what I am going to do in retirement: I am going to enjoy the holidays and take my grandchildren hunting.”
