Longtime state official Morros retires

Tuesday, June 6, 2000 | 11 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Peter Morros, the director of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the past 10 years, is retiring after 38 years in state service.

Morros will leave his $92,000-a-year job Aug. 1. No replacement has been named by Gov. Kenny Guinn.

"I'm going to take it easy for a little while," said Morros, who turns 64 a week from Thursday. "It's time to move on and spend more time with my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I have had a great career in state service, and I hope I leave the department in good shape."

He oversees more than 1,000 employees in the wild horse commission, conservation districts, natural heritage programs and the divisions of environmental protection, forestry, state lands, parks, water planning, wildlife and water resources.

Nevada's first state water plan was produced during Morros' tenure, containing 72 recommendations for improving water management in the state.

As a result of several high-profile explosions and chemical leaks, a chemical-accident prevention program was put in place.

In 1989 he was named water conservationist of the year by the Nevada Wildlife Federation and was named winner of the John Wesley Powell award presented by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1991.