Madison Reporter

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has named a new director for the parks division who's been working his way up the ranks through the agency in his almost three decades of employment there. 

Earlier this month, the Wisconsin DNR announced as of July 19, Steven Schmelzer had become the department's new parks director, according to a press release.

"Welcome to new @WDNR State Parks System Directer Steven Schmelzer," state Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay) wrote in an August 13 tweet. "After nearly 30 years at Devil's Lake he takes the helm over maintaining growth throughout the System while still balancing conservation. Congrats, and I look forward to working with you."

Schmelzer has worked for the Wisconsin DNR since 1992 and started as a park ranger at Devil's Lake State Park, where he rose through the ranks to become assistant park superintendent, park superintendent and eventually district park supervisor of the Southwest District, according to the release.

According to the press release, Schmelzer lives with his wife in Baraboo near Devil's Lake, which is also where they raised their three children. 

Schmelzer is a veteran who served 14 years in the U.S. Air Force and Wisconsin National Guard, the release stated.