Turnipseed replaces Morros as conservation chief

State Engineer Mike Turnipseed was named Wednesday to replace Pete Morros as head of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Gov. Kenny Guinn named Turnipseed, whose Division of Water Resources is in the conservation-resources agency, to take over following Morros' recent announcement he's retiring after 38 years of state service.

Turnipseed, 56, has been with Water Resources since 1990, following 13 years with the Utah Division off Water Rights. He's following a well-worn track: Morros was state engineer before he became director of Conservation and Natural Resources - and his predecessor, Roland Westergard, did the same.

''Taking over as director of Conservation and Natural Resources is a huge challenge, but one I'm certainly looking forward to,'' Turnipseed said. ''I think my experience within the department will be a plus, and I'm anxious to get going.''

As director, he'll oversee about 1,000 employees in state divisions including forestry, wildlife, environmental protection, parks, lands, water planning, water resources and conservation districts.

The department also manages the Wild Horse Commission, Natural Heritage Program, Nevada Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and several other boards and commissions.