A Sikeston businessman who owns several nursing homes, including Houston House, was appointed last week to the Missouri Conservation Commission.
Gov. Jay Nixon made the announcement that Don C. Bedell, 68, would serve a term that expires July 1, 2015.
“Don Bedell has been a leader in Missouri’s conservation community for decades, and his experience as an avid conservationist and sportsman will be a valuable asset to the commission in its role of managing the state’s forestry and wildlife resources,” Nixon said.
Bedell is a life sponsor in Ducks Unlimited and was the first diamond life sponsor in Missouri for the National Wild Turkey Federation. He has been a sustaining member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri since 1988 and also is a life member of Quail Unlimited and of Safari Club International.
Bedell is the owner of B&B Boats and Bikes in Sikeston and B&R Marine & Cycle in Batesville, Ark., and is the founder of Health Facilities Management Corporation, a nursing home management firm. He serves as an advisory board member to the Southeast Missouri State University College of Health and Human Services.
His previous gubernatorial appointments include the Economic Stimulus Coordination Council by Nixon, and the State Board of Health (including two terms as chairman) by Gov. Kit Bond in 1973. Bedell’s appointment to the conservation commission will be subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate when it re-convenes in January.
The Missouri Conservation Commission controls, manages, restores, conserves and regulates the bird, fish, game, forestry and all wildlife resources of the state, including hatcheries, sanctuaries, refuges, reservations and all other property owned, acquired or used for such purposes, as well as the acquisition and establishment of those properties.