Larry Kramka has been named assistant commissioner of operations for the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) effective March 28. He
replaces Brad Moore, who is now commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency. "Larry is a proven, strong leader who knows how to get
things done," said DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten in announcing the
appointment.
Since July 2000, Kramka has served in Bemidji as the DNR's regional
hydrologist for northwestern Minnesota, managing all aspects of DNR Waters
Division regional operations for 23 counties, including legislative
relations, policy establishment and implementation, program implementation,
personnel, and budget management. Before that, he worked as a DNR
hydrologist in St. Cloud, Marshall, New Ulm and Mankato.
That experience will serve the DNR well, Holsten said.
"Larry's experience and knowledge of field operations will make him a vital
member of the commissioner's management team," Holsten said. "As we rise to
meet new challenges in water resources, land management and other issues,
Larry's experience will help focus on solutions that meet the needs of the
public while protecting the resource."
Kramka earned a bachelor of science degree in natural resources and
environmental studies from the University of Minnesota in 1990. He has
served as a Stearns County water patrol officer and as a part-time Mankato
public safety patrol officer. He is an avid hunter, angler, rock climber and
amateur radio operator.
"I have enjoyed my time working in the field organization. It is a very
diverse group of people working with a tremendously diverse group of
constituencies, natural resources and local communities throughout the
state," Kramka said. "I think that my experience and field perspective can
continue to maintain this strong and vital link that the DNR has with the
citizens we serve."
Kramka said, "I look forward to meeting the challenges that we continue to
face in protecting and managing our water resources for the future.
Hopefully, my experience as an area and regional hydrologist, working with
individuals, businesses, and communities will help us as, together, we
address the ever-increasing demand on our water resources. I am excited to
be part of the commissioner's staff and bring the field's perspective
prominently to the office."
