Staff

Gerald Johnson, Supervisor
Jerry Johnson started as East Metro supervisor in June of 2007. Jerry grew up in Maplewood, Minnesota and now lives in Cottage Grove. Prior to being appointed area supervisor, Mr. Johnson worked as the federal aid coordinator for the Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Jerry started with the department as a college intern here in the metro fisheries office in 1978. After graduation from Mankato State University, Jerry worked as a Natural Resource Technician in the research unit in Brainerd, at Hutchinson, and in the metro office, and in the central office assisting the program staff. Jerry moved up to head the aquatic plant management program in the metro area before being selected as the metro region special projects coordinator.

Jeff Gorton, Assistant Area Supervisor
Jeff is a 35+ year veteran of the section of fisheries and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota. He started with the then Department of Conservation in 1969 as a summer intern while a student at the University of Minnesota. During Jeff's career, he has worked at Grand Marais, Aitkin, Ortonville, Brainerd and Montrose before moving to the East Metro Area Fisheries in 1976.

In addition to serving as assistant area manager, Jeff's primary duties include developing and conducting angler creel surveys in the area, coordination of inter-area activities, liaison to commercial fisherman and licensed fish farmers, coordinating special sampling on experimental and special regulation lakes, as well as filling in when needed on other area projects.

Donn Schrader, Hatchery Supervisor
Donn started with the DNR as a creel clerk. He has worked as a field technician in the metro area and as a hatchery technician in Lanesboro, MN before being appointed hatchery supervisor at the St. Paul Hatchery. Donn's duties include overseeing the hatching and distribution of walleye fry, the hatching and rearing of muskellunge and hybrid muskie, as well as the rearing of channel catfish. In addition to his hatchery duties, Donn is responsible for the preparation and operation of the state fair fish exhibit, one of the most popular exhibits at the annual event. Donn has a fisheries degree from the University of Minnesota.

Joel Stiras, Fisheries Specialist
Joel grew up in Brooklyn Park and obtained a degree from Bemidji State University. While in college, Joel worked as an intern at the fisheries office in Walker, Mn. After graduation, Joel gained fisheries management experience in Florida, Indiana and North Carolina before returning to Minnesota as a member of the Central Region Aquatic Plant Management staff. Joel is responsible for monitoring the fish populations of the area's major rivers and assisting in operation of the cool water hatchery.

Jim Levitt, Fisheries Specialist
Jim Levitt is the Senior FiN Fisheries Specialist at the East Metro Fisheries office. Jim has been an avid fisherman and outdoor enthusiast all his life and enjoys spending time fishing local lakes, hiking, camping and photographing nature. A native of Michigan, Jim has a bachelors degree from Superior State University and a masters degree from the U of M.

Tim Ohman,Fisheries Specialist Tim is an associate in the Fishing in the Neighborhood program in the east metro area. A marine veteran, Tim grew up in Wyoming, Minnesota, and has been fascinated by fish and fishing his whole life. A 2002 graduate of Texas A & M University, Tim began his DNR career as a temporary employee in the Bemidji office assisting in the large lake program on Cass Lake and Upper Red Lake. Prior to transferring to the east metro FiN staff, Tim worked in the Central Region Aquatic Plant Management program.

Princess Moss, Office Administration Specialist

Princess, a graduate of Minneapolis Southwest High School and Minneapolis Community Technical College, came to the East Metro office from the DNR office in Eden Prairie. In addition to DNR, Princess has worked for the Pollution Control Agency and Rehabilitation Services in the Department of Economic Development.

Ms. Moss responsibilities include answering the phone and greeting visitors, monitoring the area budget, coding bills for payment, and the handling of incoming and outgoing mail.