MDC Promotes New Wildlife Supervisor for Southeast Missouri

CAPE GIRARDEAU- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces the promotion of Matt Bowyer, of Perryville as the new Wildlife Regional Supervisor for Missouri's southeast region.

According to MDC Wildlife Management Chief Joel Porath, the respect Bowyer has earned from his peers and the local community contributed to his selection for the promotion.

"Matt is highly trusted and respected, he has quality leadership skills as well as the desire to continue to think outside the box and provide constructive solutions," Porath said.

Bowyer's education includes an Associate's Degree in Biological Sciences from Lake Land College, a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and a Master of Science in Biological Science from Eastern Illinois University. Before his employment with the Department, Matt worked as a soil sampling crew leader in Illinois and Indiana, as a graduate research assistant, as a teaching assistant in ecology, and as a technical scientist conducting research on wildlife and waterfowl in wetland ecosystems.

Bowyer's employment with MDC began in November of 2005, when he was hired as a Wildlife Management Biologist. In that position, his responsibilities included management of over 17,000 acres of public land of which 7,000 acres include upland and woodland habitats and 7,500 acres are bottomland hardwood and wetland habitats.

"Matt works hard to serve public users and private landowners throughout his areas of responsibility and has experience working with MDC's partners," Porath said. "As the manager of Duck Creek Conservation Area, Matt has been a leader in planning and implementing the Golden Anniversary Wetland Initiative on Duck Creek by providing input on managing the area for moist soil habitats which many migratory and non-migratory wildlife species depend upon."

As the Southeast Regional Wildlife Supervisor, Bowyer will supervise all of MDC's Wildlife Division employees and resources within 16 counties. Bowyer resides in Perryville with his wife, Ruby, and their children, Mattie and Eli.