News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2003

WETLANDS EXPERT NAMED PLANNING COORDINATOR FOR
THE KOKOSING SCENIC RIVER WATERSHED

COLUMBUS, OH -- Kim Baker, a wetlands expert with extensive experience in environmental policy, is the new watershed planning coordinator for the Kokosing State Scenic River, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Baker most recently served as an environmental administrator in ODNR's Division of Real Estate & Land Management. In her new position, which is funded through a federal Clean Water Act grant, she will develop a plan for the river and its watershed, located in portions of Knox, Morrow, Ashland, Coshocton and Richland counties.

“Kim brings a wealth of natural resources knowledge to her new position,” said Nancy Strayer, acting chief of the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves, which oversees the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program. “The Kokosing State Scenic River watershed will benefit greatly from her expertise.”

Baker's work will include evaluating water quality of both the river and its tributaries, determining which have been affected by development and other factors related to land use. Once the assessment is complete, she will make recommendations to county officials on ways to protect the watershed from any future environmental damage.

A 1989 graduate of The Ohio State University, Baker first joined ODNR in 1986 as a summer marina attendant at Dillon State Park in Muskingum County. She holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree in natural resources development with special emphasis on wetlands ecology and environmental policy. As an environmental administrator at ODNR, she assessed the environmental quality of streams and wetlands across the state. She also worked as the department's liaison with outside agencies, assessing the impact of public and private construction projects on wetlands.

Baker is a Zanesville native who currently lives in Johnstown. Her hobbies reflect an appreciation of the outdoors and include camping, backpacking, kayaking, fishing and hiking.