Williams County resident, Doug Soards has recently retired after 30 years of dedicated service to the people of the State of Ohio according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.
Doug Soards started working for the ODNR in 1982 with the Division of Parks. Then in 1984, Doug began work for the Division of Wildlife at the Lake La Su An Wildlife Area as a Conservation Aid. In 1989, Doug was promoted to Wildlife Area Supervisor at Lake La Su An where he has worked until November 2013.
As Wildlife Area Supervisor Doug played an important role in several property acquisitions as well as working to protect and restore the federally threatened Copper-bellied water snake.
“Throughout his career, Doug has been very dedicated to the wildlife enthusiasts of Ohio and the mission of the Division of Wildlife,” said Bob Ford, Soards’ supervisor. “He has served as a resource to his peers as well as other agencies. His knowledge, experience and professionalism will be missed.”
“I really enjoyed all the different opportunities I had while working for the Division of Wildlife,” according to Soards. “The variety of projects I have had the opportunity to be involved with and the diversity in the day to day operations really made my career a rewarding experience.”
Doug resides in Byan, Ohio with his wife Kathy and daughter McKenna.