Stoddard County, MO - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has named Michael Collins as the new conservation agent for Stoddard County. Collins replaces Mark Reed, who recently promoted to district supervisor with MDC.

“Stoddard County has wonderful outdoor opportunities, caring communities and much to offer,” Collins said. “I look forward to working with the public to help protect and manage fish, forests and wildlife.”

Originally from Rockford, Ill., Collins relocated to Southeast Missouri in 2006. He later graduated high school in Naylor and received an Associate of Science degree in Administration of Justice from Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff. He then transferred to Southeast Missouri State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Conservation Biology, which is where he says his true passion lies.

Collins began work with the Conservation Department in March of 2014 as the Angler Education Assistant with Fisheries Division after becoming a volunteer in 2013. He graduated from the Conservation Agent Training Academy in 2015 and was assigned to Scotland County. Collins recently relocated to Stoddard County with his new assignment.

Conservation agents are licensed peace officers of the State of Missouri who are charged with enforcing the rules of the Wildlife Code of Missouri and other state and federal laws. The duties of a conservation agent vary with the season. During warmer months an agent may check fishing permits and creel limits or catch someone fishing through illegal methods. Duties related to hunting generally occur in the colder months, with patrol and stakeouts as a normal part of the job. Agents also have many duties in the areas of wildlife, fisheries and forestry management, as well as working with schools and libraries to teach conservation-related skills and ethics.

Agent Collins can be reached at (573)421-3240 or by email at michael.collins@mdc.mo.gov.