The following is a press release from the WDA:
Douglas Miyamoto was recently named Deputy Director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) and will start on April 11, 2011.
A Rawlins native with deep roots in Wyoming and experience at the state and federal levels, Miyamoto brings a deep and varied skill set and knowledge base of agriculture to the WDA.
“We are incredibly happy and excited to have Doug join us at the Wyoming Department of Agriculture,” said Jason Fearneyhough, Director of the WDA. “Along with his strong ag background, he will bring a unique and fresh perspective to our department.”
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve citizens in the state as Deputy Director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture,” said Miyamoto. “While I have spent the majority of my career working with the federal government and regional entities, my ties have always been to Wyoming.”
Most recently, Miyamoto acted as the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Liaison to the Western Governors’ Association (WGA). As liaison, he provided technical assistance and NRCS program outreach to the Association and the affiliated 19 western States, and three Pacific Basin islands. He also drafted and presented WGA policy resolutions on numerous topics including the Endangered Species Act, Farm Bill and western agriculture, wildlife corridors, renewable energy, invasive species and others.
Prior to this, he also worked as the NRCS Liaison to the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts where he facilitated multiple steering committees through the watershed planning process in Wyoming. He guided this comprehensive process and produced viable plans. He also worked as a NRCS Rangeland Management Specialist, a Research Assistant in Rangeland Ecology at the University of Wyoming and a Water Rights Analyst with the Wyoming State Engineer’s Office.
“During my time as liaison to the WACD, my experience with the University and the state of Wyoming, I’ve met a great number of people throughout the state,” said Miyamoto. “I hope to use these experiences and connections to help the WDA facilitate positive gains in ag production while navigating the increasing demands imposed on producers.”
Miyamoto’s work with the NRCS has earned him several awards and acclaim, including performance awards each year since 2001. He was also awarded the Presidential Award in 2006 from Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts and was named an Outstanding Member by the Wyoming Chapter Soil and Water Conservation Society in 2006.
“Doug’s outgoing personality, skill as a communicator, and deep knowledge of ag and natural resources provides him the ability to work equally as well with individual ranchers and farmers, as well as high ranking elected and appointed officials,” said Fearneyhough. “He has worked hard for our state’s agriculture industry, he knows Wyoming and I am sure he will be an exemplary Deputy Director at the WDA.”
Miyamoto earned a Master’s Degree in Rangeland Ecology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Range Management, both from the University of Wyoming. He has also published two peer-reviewed articles on the long-term effects of rangeland renovation.
He and his wife Heather live in Cheyenne and enjoy outdoor activities like camping, fishing and hunting.
For more information on the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, visit http://agriculture.wy.gov.
Source: WDA
Posted by Haylie Shipp
