Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz announced Dec. 3 the selection of Dave Crow as chief of the Division of Mineral Resources Management.

"Dave Crow's deep knowledge and experience regulating the mineral resources industry will be tremendous assets in this role," said Mertz. "I'm confident that Ohio will continue to be an industry leader in responsible use of mineral resources under Dave's watch."

Serving as acting chief since September 2019, Crow oversees ODNR's efforts to provide for the safe and environmentally sound development and restoration of mineral and fossil fuel extraction sites.

An ODNR employee since 1985, Crow's previous positions at ODNR include mineral resources inspector, mineral resources administrator, natural resources administrator, and deputy chief.

The Division of Mineral Resources Management's diverse and comprehensive programs address the environmental and safety aspects of the coal and mineral mining industries while maintaining high standards of regulatory effectiveness. The division also restores abandoned mine land, enforces mining safety laws and ensures the protection of citizens, land and water resources.

Earlier this year, the Division of Mineral Resources Management's Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program won the U.S. Department of the Interior's (USDOI) Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation National Award for its work on the Dessecker Mine Project in Tuscarawas County.

For more information, visit minerals.ohiodnr.gov.