Former Rep. Sean Logan, a Columbiana County commissioner, was named by Governor-elect Ted Strickland on Tuesday to serve as director of the Department of Natural Resources.

Mr. Logan, 40, served for six years on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee during a 10-year tenure that ended when he faced term limits in 2000. Along with serving as president of the county Board of Commissioners, he also is a member of the Little Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River Advisory Board.

"I was fortunate to work with Sean when I was a member of Congress representing Columbiana County, and I know firsthand how bright and hard-working he is," Mr. Strickland said in a news release. "Sean truly believes in the potential of Ohio's parks and natural resources, and he's someone who will respect the rights of Ohio sportsmen and women."

Mr. Logan, the sixth cabinet member named by the governor-elect, holds a bachelor's degree in political science and speech communication from Muskingum College and a law degree from Capital University Law School.

"From camping and hiking to hunting and fishing, our state parks and bountiful natural resources are a vast source of recreation - and economic strength - for our great state," Mr. Logan said. "I look forward to ensuring that Ohio's natural heritage will be enjoyed by Ohioans for generations to come."

Ohio Environmental Council Public Affairs Director Jack Shaner said the governor-elect's choice is familiar with the agency's services and needs given that he hails from a county full of ODNR facilities.

Mr. Logan faces three major issues in his new post, Mr. Shaner said, not the least of which are budgetary constraints exacerbated by funding levels that haven't kept pace with inflation.

ODNR also faces challenges in the area of coal mining and Lake Erie shoreline oversight, he said. While coal mining is on the rebound in the state, Ohio is last among the Appalachian states in the number of mine inspectors and other monitoring activities.

Meanwhile, control of the Lake Erie shoreline and the related issue of the "public trust" has been a lightning rod for controversy and extensive legislative debate in recent years. Mr. Shaner said his group would be watching to assure Governor-elect Strickland continues to maintain Ohio's 200-year history of protecting the Lake Erie shoreline.

Mr. Logan's salary has yet to be determined, Strickland spokesman Keith Dailey said.

Retiring ODNR Director Sam Speck was paid $128,600 a year in salary, according to the Department of Administrative Services.