The O’Brien County Conservation Board works hard to offer our visitors quality experiences in our areas. Each week our staff performs a wide variety of tasks to maintain and improve the parks for visitors. Not many other organizations can equal the job diversity that can be found in county conservation board work.

We have been fortunate to partner with several other conservation and law enforcement agencies such as the Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the O’Brien County Sheriff Department. Working with these professionals has strengthened the services that all of us can offer. We also partner with conservation groups such as Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited and the O’Brien Co Sportsman to provide habitat and education for all.

But, even that is not the whole picture. The Conservation Board has enjoyed the opportunity to work with individuals who volunteer with our organization. These may be people who help to staff the Prairie Heritage Center on weekends, assist in programming or provide extra hands for planting or invasive plant species control.

Our park users enter the picture by being aware of things happening within our areas. If you spot vandalism or suspicious activity, please let us know immediately so that we can take care of the problem as it is occurring.

A cooperative effort by all helps to enhance your conservation areas and the outdoor experiences!

The Conservation Board has added a few new members to our staff in the past months. We’d like to introduce these people to you.

Pam Heueretz is the friendly face behind the desk when you call for camping reservations or visit the Prairie Heritage Center. Pam and her husband, Ron, have three children - Austin, Dusty and Danika. They have lived on a farm near Peterson since January 2004. Pam enjoys seeing the expressions of visitors as they first step into the Prairie Heritage Center.

Brian Schimmer began work as a park ranger at the end of April. He and his wife, Jan are long-time residents of the area. They have three daughters - Sarah, Megan, and Allison. Brian recognizes that park visitors enjoy having a good time in the areas. He works hard to make your stay enjoyable.

Two summer employees are also hard at work in our areas.

Ryan List has worked on our summer crew for four years. He is graduating next year from South Dakota State University with a degree in Wildlife/Fisheries Management. Ryan hopes to be employed as a conservation officer or in game management.

Our newest employee is Nick Schmalen. Nick is a senior at Iowa State University. He would like to become a game warden after graduating. Nick enjoys the job diversity that work in the conservation field has to offer.