The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife has assigned a new face to the green expanse of Van Wert County, charger in hand, to enforce wildlife regulations and foster conservation efforts. Nolan Johnson, a fresh graduate from the Wildlife Officer Academy in 2024, will set his boots on this new terrain, as reported by the ODNR's official announcement. At 22, Johnson comes to the table armed with a degree in natural resources law enforcement from Hocking College and prior experience as a wildlife technician in northwest Ohio.

Before this assignment, Johnson cut his teeth serving at-large across northwest Ohio, honing skills that would prime him for the diverse challenges of his role in Van Wert, not just in law enforcement but also in nurturing the nexus between community and the critters that call Ohio's backcountry home. Johnson steps into the boots left behind by Ohio Wildlife Officer Nathan Robinson, who the ODNR announced "was recently promoted to wildlife investigator."

They're the stewards and sentinels of the outdoors in Ohio, carrying out fish and wildlife surveys, lending expert advice on nature-based pursuits, from angling to the ethics of the hunt, while standing as the bulwark against those who would harm the environment. The ODNR states that officers like Johnson wield "statewide authority to enforce wildlife regulations," ensuring the safety and integrity of natural habitats and the public that enjoys them. Engaging with Ohioans is also a key part of the job, with officers reaching out to "hundreds of clubs and groups about conservation and wildlife programs."

Those needing to cross paths with Officer Johnson for advice or reporting purposes can dial (419) 348-0311, while suspicious affairs involving Ohio’s wildlife can be discreetly reported at 1-800-POACHER (762-2437), the ODNR encourages any individual who witnesses or suspects violations of wildlife regulations to utilize this hotline, ensuring that the violators are held accountable. The sanctity of the state's natural resources remains protected for generations to come, and their contact details are penned down like a modern-day promise of guardianship for the natural world.