Ann Geisen

Ann Geisen, Wildlife Lake Specialist, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Shallow Lakes Program

Ann Geisen is a Wildlife Lake Specialist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Shallow Lakes Program. The Program’s staff of 10 works to manage wildlife habitat on Minnesota’s approximately 4,000 shallow lakes and 2,000 wild rice waters. In her position, Ann conducts lake habitat surveys, manages a statewide database of survey data, and provides technical guidance to DNR staff and citizens on a wide array of topics, including wild rice, aquatic plant identification, and managing lakes for waterfowl and other wildlife. She earned her degree in Wildlife Management at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and is proud to call herself a Pointer. Ann’s professional interests include wetland ecology, waterfowl and aquatic wildlife, habitat management, and assessing and monitoring the results of those management efforts. In her free time she enjoys kayaking, fly-fishing, wing-shooting, and Calvin and Hobbes comics.

Meet the finalist:

“Ann’s example of dedication and accomplishment serves as a model for all wildlife professionals. What sets her apart is that she goes above and beyond her own professional achievements to mentor the next generation of conservationists and wildlife professionals.”– Ray Norrgard, Wetland Management Program Leader, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Norrgard nominated Geisen for NextGen Exemplary Leaders.

Minnesota, also know as the Land of 10,000 lakes, in actuality has close to 15,000 lakes that are more than 10 acres in size. Managing that amount of water requires a special, dedicated person. Ann Geisen is proud to be that person.

As Wildlife Lake Specialist, Geisen performs regular habitat assessments, which require determining the current condition of lake habitats and what needs to be done improve quality. Management of these lakes is necessary and important for the environmental quality of the state.

“Normally these lakes would go through wet and dry cycles, and Mother Nature would kind of reset them every so often and that would keep them in good condition. With all the human changes on the landscape, these lakes need management to provide good habitat,” says Geisen.

Of the nearly 15,000 Minnesota lakes, there are 4,000 shallow lakes that require the attention of Geisen and her team. To maintain high quality of the shallow lakes, Geisen has to utilize strategic planning sills while coordinating with several stakeholders such as Ducks Unlimited, Minnesota Water Fowl Association, and the Native Tribes.

Working with so many groups while taking on diverse responsibilities has led Geisen to constantly build her strengths while also eliminating weaknesses. Geisen often seeks advice from people who are advanced in skills she lacks to improve the overall quality of her public service.

But what drew Geisen to public service? The lake specialist says knew she wanted to work with natural resources since she was in 5th grade. However she ultimately became a public servant because it gives her the opportunity to “manage and protect natural resources for the benefit of everyone.” Minnesota is a prime location for Geisen to perform that work, as it is one of the last strongholds of natural wild rice that has not been manipulated by humans. Geisen values her conservation work.

“I take a lot of pride in being able to help manage that resource for wildlife and people, and help Minnesota maintain this part of its heritage,” she said.

In addition to protecting the quality of Minnesota lakes, Geisen also hunts ducks. After 26 years of not hunting, she jumped on the opportunity to learn from a man that overheard her saying she wanted to learn. She loved the experience. After that, Geisen continued to pay it forward and teach others skills they would need out in the field such as orienting, nighttime navigation, boat and water safety, and plant recognition.

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