DNR Hires New Lake Winnebago System Fisheries Biologists

(Lake Winnebago) The Department of Natural Resources have announced their new lake Winnebago System fisheries biologists. Both Margaret Stadig and Angelo Cozzola begin their new roles on February 14th.

Stadig will focus primarily on managing the Lake Winnebago System lake sturgeon population. A native of Michigan, Stadig has extensive experience working with large, primitive fish species. Most recently, she worked for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department partnering on the reintroduction of the prehistoric paddlefish into the Big Cypress Bayou System. Prior to working at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, she studied lake sturgeon with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the St. Clair River system.

Cozzola will focus primarily on managing the highly sought-after walleye, as well as northern pike, muskellunge and other popular game fish on the Winnebago system. Prior to his new role, Cozzola was a DNR fisheries technician based in Oshkosh. Before joining the DNR`s fisheries management program, he completed graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he investigated the effects of herbicides on native Wisconsin fish species.

DNR Fisheries Management Bureau Director Justine Hasz says these two very important positions are critical to fish management for the entire Winnebago System.