Coahran to lead Spicer, Minn., fisheries office, New London hatchery

SPICER -- Dave Coahran will lead the Department of Natural Resources' fisheries staff in Spicer as supervisor, according to an announcement by the DNR on Tuesday.

Coahran has served as acting supervisor since the retirement of Bruce Gilberston at the end of 2010.

With the exception of one year in International Falls, Coahran has spent his entire 23-year DNR career in Spicer.

The fisheries staff manages 40 lakes and several rivers and creeks in an area which includes Kandiyohi County and portions of Stearns, Lyon, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Swift and Yellow Medicine counties. They conduct lake surveys, sampling and testing.

They stock up to 38 lakes per year.

Coahran will also oversee operations at the New London Hatchery.

Coahran earned his bachelor's degree in fisheries science from Purdue University and his master's degree in fisheries science from Virginia Tech University.

Coahran becomes the third supervisor in the office's history.

The late Elvin Tews served as its supervisor from its opening until 1994, when Bruce Gilbertson began his 16-year tenure as supervisor.