11-12-13 former fdl county dnr warden named state's chief warden

A 24-year veteran of the Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden Service has been tapped by DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp to be Wisconsin’s next chief conservation warden.  Warden Todd Schaller, who oversees the DNR Bureau of Law Enforcement’s Recreation Enforcement and Education Section, will succeed Chief Warden Randy Stark, who will retire in December after serving in the bureau’s top position for more than 11 years.  Stepp said the decision was not easy due to several well-qualified candidates. “However, I have great confidence in the abilities and talents Todd possesses to take over this important leadership position for the DNR,” Stepp said.  The search for a chief warden follows Chief Warden Randy Stark’s announcement he planned to cap his 30-year warden career at the close of 2013. “I have had the pleasure of watching Todd grow into the service-oriented leader he is today. I applaud Secretary Stepp’s choice of Todd as the next chief warden, and I will do everything I can to make this transition efficient and as seamless as possible.”  Schaller said he was honored to receive the position and was eager to begin his new role.  “The warden service is a great partner to Wisconsin’s citizens who care about the resources,” Schaller said. “And, the warden service itself is successful because it is based upon a philosophy of integration, community service and teamwork.”  A native of Bangor in the La Crosse area, Schaller was raised by his parents to enjoy and to appreciate Wisconsin’s natural resources, along with treasured hunting and fishing outings with his family. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He was hired by the DNR in 1989 and spent his first dozen years as a field warden in Racine, Trempealeau and Fond du Lac counties. It was during these years that his people skills and managerial talents became more apparent. He then served 8 years as a team supervisor for the Oshkosh Warden Team.  Four years ago, he was promoted to the position he holds today as the chief of the Recreation Enforcement and Education Section. This section focuses on safety for all who enjoy the outdoor recreational opportunities in Wisconsin – which include all-terrain and utility-terrain vehicles, boats, snowmobiles and hunting.    “Please join me in congratulating Todd. This is a great day for the Bureau of Law Enforcement, the DNR and the state which depends upon the wardens, who truly are the ambassadors into every community for the DNR,” Stepp said.  Lastly, Stepp said she wants to thank representatives from the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission Wardens, State Capitol Police, Wisconsin ATV Association, Clean Wisconsin, Wisconsin Bear Hunters and the Hmong American Sportsmen Club for participating in the selection process.