COLUMBUS, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine has appointed Solomon Curtis, of Dresden, to the Ohio Wildlife Council, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Curtis fills the vacancy left by Dr. Larry Mixon, who passed away in March and served on the Ohio Wildlife Council for 20 years.
Curtis is an avid bass fisherman, inspired by weekend fishing trips with his uncle. Throughout his life nature has been his sanctuary, and fishing has played a transformative role. Curtis became hooked on the pursuit of giant bass after experiencing the remote waters of the AEP ReCreation Lands in southeast Ohio, now Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area. In addition to fishing and hunting, he enjoys coaching, boxing, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and son.
A graduate of Ohio University, Curtis has dedicated 25 years to mentoring at-risk youth through positions with Child Protective Services, the Lelia L. Payton Counseling Center, and now as the director of student and transitional services at Foxfire High School in Zanesville. Curtis is committed to promoting angling, environmental education, and a conservation ethic among youth. He organizes the Get Kidz Hooked event which introduces nearly 350 children to the joys of fishing each year, providing fishing poles and tackle boxes to encourage their continued engagement in the outdoors.
The Ohio Wildlife Council is an eight-member board that was first formed in 1949. It reviews and votes on all Division of Wildlife proposed rules and regulations. Council meetings are open to the public. Individuals interested in providing comments are asked to call 614-265-6304 at least two days prior to a meeting to register. All comments are required to be three minutes or less.
The Ohio Wildlife Council’s next scheduled meeting is on Wednesday, Aug. 2, at 6 p.m.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
