Michelle Pelzer

There’s a new ranger in town. Michelle Pelzer was introduced as the newest park ranger for Little Wall Lake at Thursday morning’s Hamilton County Conservation meeting. Pelzer, a Griswold native, will officially begin the new position on Monday.

“I knew I wanted to do some form of law enforcement and decided that I wanted try get into the parks because I’ve always loved the outdoors,” she said.

Pelzer, 28, has an extensive background in conservation. Pelzer received a associates degree in criminal justice from Iowa Western Community College. Pelzer then got a degree from Northwest Missouri State in recreation and park management. She has been working in the park system for six years.

“I went and got a parks degree started working on the county conservation board down where I am originally from,” said Pelzer. “Then I moved to Viking Lake State Park and worked for the state for a few years.”

According to Pelzer, her main duties at Little Wall Lake Park will revolve around park maintenance. Pelzer also has plans to attend the academy to become a certified officer in the future.

She is an avid hunter and fisherman. Ice fishing is one of her favorite ways to spend her free time.

“I’m excited. I’m ready to get going,” said Pelzer. “I’m ready to be back in a park again.”