Spurgin, Fisher Appointed to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Board

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman recently appointed Mark Spurgin of Ogallala and Rex Fisher of Omaha to the Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners. Spurgin will replace outgoing Commissioner George Hall of Bridgeport and will represent the Commission’s seventh district. Fisher was appointed to the At-Large Commissioner position created in the previous legislative session. Spurgin is a native Nebraskan and University of Nebraska graduate who farms and feeds cattle near Ogallala. He said he enjoyed bullhead fishing with his mother when he was young, but he is now primarily a waterfowl hunter. Spurgin said “I think every person in the state is touched by the Game and Parks Commission and its impact in enhancing economic development in communities.” As a commissioner, Spurgin says he is interested in helping promote Nebraska’s hunting, fishing, boating and parks areas. He also wants to work toward increasing hunting access. “I can see the decline in the number of hunters and I know hunting opportunity isn’t what it should be,” he said. Fisher, an avid hunter and angler, is the president of Qwest Corporation. He also owns a farm near Lynch. “It’s a privilege to serve on the Commission board,” he said. “Game and Parks is one of the most important tourism and economic development assets we have. Stewardship of the state parks, wildlife and natural resources is a serious responsibility.” The Norfolk native moved to Omaha as a child and is a University of Nebraska graduate. Fisher, who likes to hunt deer, waterfowl and pheasants, said he believes his rural and urban background, as well as his frequent business travels and people he’s met around the state, should serve him well on the board. Commission Director Rex Amack said, “We welcome Mark and Rex to the board of commissioners and look forward to working with them in managing Nebraska’s wildlife and parkland resources.”