Ohio Mixed Bag: Jared Mott tapped to lead Izaak Walton League

Gaithersburg, Md. — The Izaak Walton League of America has appointed Jared Mott as its executive director effective March 11. Mott, who has served as conservation director at the League since 2017, has been interim executive director since December.

Mott brings more than 20 years of experience working on clean water, habitat conservation, and public lands issues in Washington, D.C. He earned his B.A. from Millsaps College and his J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law.

During his years with the League, Mott has expanded the conservation team and led efforts to defend the Clean Water Act, keep public lands in public hands, and advocate for iconic ecosystems such as the Mississippi River Basin, the Great Lakes, and the Great Plains.

Outside of his professional work, Mott enjoys traveling and spending time outside hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping.

MORE COVERAGE FROM OHIO OUTDOOR NEWS:

Habitat loss drives decline of Ohio’s grouse as DNR proposes hunting changes

More public lands approved for fracking in Ohio

Ohio’s river walleye runs start to hit peak

REGISTER NOW FOR CAMP CANOPY

Columbus — Future conservationists can now register for Camp Canopy for a week full of forestry fun this summer. The Ohio DNR (ODNR) is looking for future natural resources professionals and encourages high school-age youth to register for the camp by Friday, May 29.

“Camp Canopy gives students an opportunity to truly experience what a career in natural resources looks like,” said ODNR Division of Forestry Service Forestry Manager and Camp Canopy Co-Director Jeremy Scherf. “They get hands-on learning, meaningful time with professionals in the field, and the chance to form connections that often last long after the camp ends.”

In addition to Camp Canopy’s core classes that cover essential topics like tree identification, forest ecology, silviculture, wildlife management, and forest products, campers will also experience several new classes this year. These special sessions change annually and are led by natural resource professionals who bring hands-on skills and real-world perspectives to camp. Classes are designed to showcase different facets of forestry, land management, and conservation, giving campers a broader look at the many paths and specialties within the field. At the end of the week, college scholarships will be awarded to select campers.

This year, the camp will take place Sunday, June 7, through Friday, June 12. Students who have completed the eighth grade through high school seniors graduating in 2026 are invited to attend Camp Canopy. The camp will be held at FFA Camp Muskingum on Leesville Lake in Carroll County.

For more information about Camp Canopy and how to register, visit campcanopy.com. Camp Canopy is operated by the Ohio Forestry Association Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Ohio’s forests and forest industry.

Instructors are professionals from ODNR, OSU Extension, and the forest industry in the state.

STEPHENSON JOINS MWCD BOARD

New Philadelphia, Ohio — The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) Conservancy Court has appointed Elizabeth W. Stephenson, Esq., to the MWCD board of directors during a special session. Thirteen judges from throughout the watershed were present for the appointment.

Stephenson served for 27 years as court administrator for the Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas, General Trial Division. Throughout her career, Stephenson has played a leadership role in court administration across Ohio, including service with the Supreme Court of Ohio and the Ohio Association for Court Administration. Stephenson is a licensed Ohio attorney and remains active in numerous community and civic organizations.

STATEWIDE BURN BAN IN EFFECT

Columbus — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Forestry is urging Ohioans to follow the state’s outdoor burning regulations and to take precautions if they plan to burn debris this spring. Ohio law dictates that most outdoor burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during March, April, and May.

“Careless debris burning is the leading cause of spring wildfires in Ohio,” said ODNR Division of Forestry State Wildfire Supervisor Greg Guess. “Following regulations and using safe practices helps reduce wildfire risk statewide.”

Ohio’s seasonal 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. outdoor debris burning restrictions run in the spring from March 1 through May 31, and do not supersede any additional burning restrictions from the Ohio State Fire Marshal, which may vary county by county. Be sure to check all state and local restrictions before kindling a fire.

BASSMASTER CLASSIC COMING BACK TO HARTWELL

Birmingham, Ala. — B.A.S.S. announced that the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic will be held March 19-21, 2027, in Greenville, S.C., with tournament competition taking place on Lake Hartwell.

This will mark the fifth time the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing has visited the lake, setting the record for the most visits to a single venue in the history of the world championship and further cementing the reservoir’s reputation as one of the sport’s premier championship fisheries.