Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

April 27, 2011, Front Page

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Pedersen looking forward to meeting challenges

By Peter Spicer

Clark County Forestry and Parks Administrator Joshua Pedersen, who began his duties Monday, April 11 is looking forward to meeting challenges his department will face.

Pedersen is not new to the area – he grew up in Neillsville and graduated from Neillsville High School in 1998.  His parents, Steve and Carol, reside near Neillsville.

Pedersen graduated from UW-Stevens Point in 2003, earning two Bachelor of Science degrees in urban forestry and forestry recreation.  He then earned a master’s degree from Michigan State University in 2005 in park and recreation management.

Pedersen is a certified park and recreation professional, a certified arborist and is a member of both the national Recreation and Park Association, and the International Society of Arboriculture.

Before moving back to Neillsville, Pedersen spent four and a-half years as the city of Washington, MO, Parks and Recreation director. 

Pedersen stated it was time for a change and he wanted to find a job in Wisconsin; he applied for the Forestry and Parks position when it came open.

Pedersen looked forward to returning to the state’s changing seasons and pursuing his outdoor winter hobbies, which include snowmobiling, ice fishing and skiing.

“I like having defined seasons,” stated Pedersen.

The Forestry and Parks Committee hired Pedersen March 16 after meeting in closed session.

Pedersen knew the administrator position would be a good fit for him.

“This is a really good position,” explained Pedersen.  “I’m really looking forward to it.”

Pedersen stated he faces many of the same challenges he faced while serving as the parks and recreation director in MO 

Pedersen gained experience working with a variety of people at the city level, oversaw many areas, dealt with personnel and budget issues and gained experience with grant writing.

However, Pedersen stated some issues will be different with a smaller group of supervisors at the city level, but will now be working with 29 board supervisors with the county.

Pedersen will listen to a variety of opinions and also deal with issues within the department but is ready for “the challenges moving forward.”  Pedersen stated he is not afraid of those challenges and said solving them will be rewarding.

Bruce Mound Winter Sports Area will be a key issue for the department, said Pedersen, who explained he will help find a good solution once he gets settled into his role as administrator.  “I don’t have any solutions or suggestions right now,” Pedersen said.  Pedersen stated he will investigate what can be improved at Bruce Mound to help it become more efficient and turn a profit once again.

Pedersen looks forward to re-acquainting himself with area residents and encourages others to stop by his office, say “Hi” and discuss any issues they have.

Pedersen stated the Forestry and Parks Department is one of the state’s best and will not need much tweaking.

One advantage Pedersen has returning to the area is knowing all the area’s parks and trails, because he enjoyed them growing up in Neillsville.

“That makes the transition a little easier,” stated Pedersen.