News  Bob Durand Appointed to Fisheries and Wildlife Board

Bob (Robert A.) Durand, of Marlborough, has been appointed by Governor Charlie Baker to the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito conducted the swearing-in ceremony at the State House on Wednesday, May 22, 2019.

“I am so pleased and honored to receive this appointment to the Board, which has been a part of my life in one way or another for most of my life,” Durand said. “I’m thankful to Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito for their confidence in me to carry out this vital mission to protect many critical aspects of our natural world, and with them, our quality of life in Massachusetts.”

The seven-member Fisheries and Wildlife Board has oversight of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), and is the state’s adopting authority for regulations relating to hunting and fishing, endangered species, and other fish and wildlife related issues. The Board also sets policy and is the hiring authority for MassWildlife. Durand will represent the Northeast Wildlife District, replacing Frederic Winthrop of Ipswich, who did not seek reappointment to his seat in October 2018.

“I’m looking forward to working with Bob,” said MassWildlife Director Mark Tisa. “From sporting groups to land trusts and other environmental organizations, Bob has always worked in the conservation community with passion, knowledge and love of the outdoors, and personal connections to people all over the state.”

Durand has been an avid outdoorsman and conservationist since his youth. He served four terms as state representative for Berlin and Marlborough and then four terms as a state senator for the Middlesex and Worcester District. Durand was appointed Secretary of Environmental Affairs by the late Governor Cellucci and served for four years. After leaving state service, Durand formed Durand and Anastas Environmental Strategies, an environmental consulting and lobbying firm.