Ten Questions with Don Ogle, Information & Education Coordinator, South Platte Natural Resources District

Don Ogle started out in the newspaper field, working with the Pine Bluffs Post and the Sidney Sun-Telegraph before moving into public relations. He even served as publicist for an amusement park ride manufacturer in Colorado. Yet he grew up on a farm near Burns, Wyo. and spent summer weekends at Lake McConaughy. Even during his newspaper career he would help out on the land. All of this made his transition to natural resources easy. He has been with South Platte NRD for almost seven years.

1. Why is there always either too much or too little water?

[Laughs] You just can't fight Mother Nature. That's one of the big challenges, especially in our area.

2. How have conservation programs affected this region?

There are a lot of different ways to talk about it--improving soil quality and how we use soil to the efficiency with which we use water resources.

3. Has it been difficult getting buy in to programs?

We're fortunate to be able to work with the landowners and farmers we have. They realize how important resources are--they depend upon them. They are very willing to look at how natural resources programs can be used to their benefit.

4. How does one get started in the natural resources field?

I was a farm kid. I grew up loving the farm, the outdoors, all the things nature provides. I've been fortunate this opening came through.

5. Do you spend more time in the field than the office?

Unfortunately much of my time is spent indoors. I relish every moment outdoors.

6. So you hunt? Fish?

I enjoy hunting, fishing, camping. Nebraska is unique in the diversity of what it has to offer. People might not realize it whizzing down the interstate, but it's amazing how rich we are in natural resources.

7. What's the biggest fish that got away?

[Laughs] Probably the ones I don't have time to chase. I'm trying to find a job where I can fish for a living.

8. What's wrong with spending time on the couch watching TV?

I can do that, as well. I don't get outdoors as much as I like, but being close to nature is a special thing. There's more to life than The Simpsons.

9. Do you have a favorite spot?

Probably Lake McConaughy. But my goal is to visit at least two or three places I've never been every year.

10. Shouldn't there be a jackalope somewhere in the office?

This isn't Wyoming.