Zehringer retiring from his post as ODNR director

COLUMBUS - Fort Recovery resident James Zehringer recently announced his retirement as the director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Outgoing Gov. John Kasich appointed him to the position in November 2011. Zehringer, 66, said he's enjoyed leading the agency and has accomplished many achievements.

Updating and improving state parks "has been a great success story," he said. Deferred maintenance costs for state parks topped $500 million when he took office.

To change this situation, ODNR has been "very aggressively making historic investments" to improve the parks' restrooms, shower houses and hookups, he said, also noting the newly constructed pool at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park campgrounds last year.

The state seven years ago had 27 dams that were deemed hazardous. Zehringer said he's proud each one has been fixed, is being fixed or is planned to be fixed in the near future.
He also is happy about new multiyear and lifetime hunting and fishing licenses ODNR offers with the goal of getting "more people to enjoy the great outdoors."

Growing up in Mercer County helped prepare him for his department head role, Zehringer said. He met his wife, Sharron, in Fort Recovery, where they live and "will always be home to us."

"You can't beat the quality of life in rural Ohio," he said, calling the area a great place to raise his three kids.

Owning a cattle and fish farm outside the village helped him understand the challenges farmers face and the water-quality issues involving Grand Lake, he said.

"What the agriculture community is doing is remarkable," he said. "The scientific results are showing they're on the right path."

Wanting to represent his county, Zehringer served as Mercer County commissioner from 2003-2007, calling it a great experience.

"I had the honor of serving with Jerry Laffin, who was a good mentor of mine," he said.

Being commissioner made him a better state representative, he said, having served from 2007-2011 for the 77th district. He then was chosen by Kasich to lead the Ohio Department of Agriculture and then ODNR one year later.

Zehringer said it is time to retire as Governor-elect Mike Dewine prepares to take office. Zehringer and his wife look forward to traveling and enjoying life a bit more, he said.

Mary Mertz on Dec. 4 was named as Zehringer's replacement at ODNR director. He wished her the best and said he hopes Mertz "will continue on the same path to improve the great outdoors."