Matt Diana – Senior Fisheries Biologist, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Matt Diana is a University of Michigan alumnus where he received a BS and MS in natural resources, ecology and management. Matt spent 15 years working for the Illinois Natural History Survey as an aquatic research ecologist where he was director of the Ridge Lake Biological Station, Assistant Director at the Kaskaskia Biological Station, and Associate Director of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Initiative. His research focused on sportfish ecology and management and river ecology. Matt moved back to Michigan in 2016 and joined the Michigan DNR managing the Kalamazoo River watershed. His rolls at the DNR have increased to managing the St. Joseph, Black, Galien River watersheds, co-chair of the Esocid Committee, lead of the Quality Panfish Management Initiative, and the Wildlife Action Plan Large River’s lead biologist. He has been involved in several dam removal and habitat projects and is passionate about stream ecology and the Kalamazoo River watershed. He is involved in several outdoor organizations and boards as an active member. Matt lists public access to outdoor recreation and protection of land, water quality, and habitat as his most important priorities. His interests involved fishing, hunting, and family. When not on the lake/river for work, you are likely to find Matt on some piece of public land/water enjoying the outdoors with his family.