Henry Van Offelen, Natural Resource Scientist

Henry joined MCEA in June 2002 as our Natural Resource Scientist, focusing on our Red River Valley flood reduction and natural resource enhancement projects. He came from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), where he worked as the Red River fisheries specialist since 1998. In that capacity, he coordinated watershed initiatives and fisheries management in rivers and streams in the Red River basin.

He also has experience working with landowners and local, state and federal officials to develop comprehensive watershed management plans to enhance natural resources and reduce flood damage. Prior to that, he worked with the DNR to develop special fishing regulations to accommodate treaty fishing rights of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe along with seven other bands.

He has a Master’s in fisheries biology from Cornell University and a Bachelor’s in fisheries from the University of Minnesota. Henry lives and works in Detroit Lakes with his wife and three children.

Email: hvanoffelen@mncenter.org

Phone: (218) 849-5270