Rich Storm, the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), has been reappointed to another four-year term. Storm manages a $100 million budget for the department. The Fish and Wildlife Commission, which oversees the agency, voted unanimously on August 30 to extend his contract, which will start on July 1, 2025. His current salary of $155,820.48 will remain unchanged.
Storm’s salary is slightly higher than other state officials, such as Kentucky’s constitutional officers, but less than Governor Andy Beshear’s salary of $179,442.96. The final details of Storm’s contract are still being worked out and will need approval from a legislative committee.
The commission, made up of nine volunteer hunters and anglers, is responsible for managing hunting and wildlife laws. The department’s funding comes from hunting and fishing licenses, boat registration fees, and federal grants. After a two-hour closed-door meeting, the commission announced Storm’s reappointment without much discussion. Members cited his strong leadership and business skills as reasons for the decision.
Despite past tensions between Storm and the administration of Governor Beshear, a Democratic appointee on the commission, Robin Floyd, praised Storm’s performance. He noted that Storm has handled responsibilities beyond just managing wildlife and has been effective in dealing with the legislature.
Storm and Governor Beshear have clashed over various issues, including contract terms and oversight of department decisions. Beshear has previously criticized the way Storm was hired and expressed concerns about the department’s operations. However, most of Beshear’s appointments to the commission were confirmed this year, except for one vacancy.
The governor’s office did not comment on Storm’s reappointment.