Morros will remain as state conservation director

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1998 | 11:12 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Peter Morros intended to retire this year as director of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources after 37 years of state service.

But Gov.-elect Kenny Guinn announced Tuesday that Morros, 62, is being reappointed to the job that pays $92,000 a year.

Guinn's chief of staff, Peter Ernaut, said the governor-elect is "very confident" of Morros' ability and that it is important to have consistency in dealing with water, natural resources and the environment.

"I had planned to retire but there are some things I would like to finish," Morros said.

He said he wants to see the completion of the so-called "negotiated settlement" involving the Truckee and Walker Rivers in Northern Nevada and the adjudication of water rights in the Las Vegas Valley. Also, he said his agencies will be presenting to the 1999 Legislature the statewide water plan and the plan for managing wild horses.

Morros also wants to help the Colorado River Commission and the Southern Nevada Water Authority in their efforts to obtain more water for Clark County to accommodate the growth.

He said Guinn has the ability to "be good for Nevada and I would like to be part of that."

Morros said he has not placed any time limit on how much longer he will serve. He has been in his present job since Feb. 6, 1990. He served as state engineer from July 1981 to 1990. Prior to that he worked in the state Division of Water Resources.

He oversees the divisions of environmental protection, conservation districts, forestry, natural heritage, lands, parks, water planning and wildlife.

Morros was born in Ely and graduated from White Pine County High School. He gained a bachelor of science degree from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1962 and then joined the state.