Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Ryan Bronson to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.

Bronson of Eagan, is a conservation specialist with Federal Premium Ammunition, a position he has held since 2007. Previously, he was employed in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Hunter Recruitment Program, an operations biologist with the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, and a committee administrator for the Minnesota House of Representatives Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee. Bronson earned his bachelor of science degree in biology cum laude from Bemidji State University.

“Ryan’s strong background in natural resource policy combined with the passion he has for conservation makes him a great fit for this position,” Governor Pawlenty said. “I know he will be an active participant in this Council’s efforts to preserve and enhance our state’s wildlife resources.”

Bronson is a volunteer firearms safety hunter education instructor and a volunteer instructor with Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow. His memberships include the Association of Fish and Wildlife (associate member), Wildlife Management Institute, The Wildlife Society, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, Minnesota Waterfowl Association, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ruffed Grouse Society, National Wild Turkey Federation, Safari Club International, Mule Deer Foundation, International Hunter Education Association, Congressional Sportsmans Foundation, and Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance. Bronson replaces Robert Schroeder as a public member on the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council to complete a four-year term that expires on January 7, 2013.

The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council was created to make recommendations to the legislature on appropriations of money from the outdoor heritage fund, which was established by the passage of a constitutional amendment by Minnesota voters in 2008. The council consists of 12 members including four public members appointed by the Governor.