Kasich's Top Conservation Advisor Resigns, Criticizes ODNR

A top conservation adviser to Ohio Governor John Kasich has resigned and has written a letter criticizing the state's natural resources agency. Mike Budzik, a part-time policy liaison to the hunting and fishing community, says the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has little regard for the state's outdoor enthusiasts. Budzik says ODNR's lack of money and staff has resulted in hunting and fishing licenses going unchecked, calls about people trespassing not being responded to and hunting safety courses not being held. An ODNR spokesperson says the agency has better allocated its resources and is not understaffed. She denied rumors that ODNR's Wildlife Division will be eliminated. Budzik is a former chief of the Ohio Division of Wildlife who campaigned for President Trump. Kasich ran against Trump in 2016 and declined to endorse him or vote for him.