LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – After seeking a full-time Director for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Scott Bowen has been appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to lead the agency. 

“We are blessed to have some of the most beautiful beaches, forests, and lakes in the country right in our backyard,” said Governor Whitmer. “But that also means we have a tremendous responsibility to take care of these natural wonders. Scott is the right person to lead the Department of Natural Resources as they undertake historic renovations and upgrades at state parks across Michigan. Together, we will leave our public lands in better shape.” 

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Previously, he served as the Commissioner of the Michigan Lottery from January 2008 to February 2017 making him the longest serving lottery director in state history according to the Governor’s Office. Prior to his appointment as lottery commissioner, he served as the Director of Office of the State Employer. Mr. Bowen’s history of government service also includes two terms on the Grand Rapids City Commission.  

“I’m excited to join the DNR team. It will be an honor to contribute a chapter to the agency’s long history of managing and protecting the natural and cultural resources that help define what it means to be from Michigan,” said Director Bowen. “I know how essential this work is to maintaining the state’s quality of life and economic vitality. My background in overseeing other state agencies and building relationships has provided valuable experience that I can draw on, and I’m eager to get to work.” 

The Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) Chief Executive Officer Amy Trotter declared her enthusiasm for getting to know Bowen better and the direction of the department. 

“Acting director [Shannon] Lott filled in as director tremendously while providing continuity and experience to the role. She will be missed as director, but we are excited to continue to work with her in the trenches on a range of conservation issues as the deputy director,” Trotter said according to the . “MUCC looks forward to getting to know Director Bowen in the coming weeks and better understanding his vision for the department.”

Before Bowen begins his new stint as the Director of the DNR, Shannon Lott was the acting director of the agency following the resignation of Dan Eichinger earlier this year. She will continue to serve in a leadership role at DNR according to the governor’s office. 

Under interim DNR Director Lott, the lease request of 162,000 acres of state forest land by the Department of MIlitary and Veteran Affairs (DMVA)- to be designated for additional land to train the National Guard members stationed at Camp Grayling was rejected. 

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“We appreciate the many comments we received on this proposal and the commitment people have to public lands,” said Acting DNR Director Shannon Lott. “Public concerns and feedback from Tribal governments, coupled with our own review of the proposal, led us to decide against a 20-year lease on such a significant portion of state-managed land.”