Longtime Johnson County conservation director dies

IOWA CITY — Larry Gullett, Johnson County’s longtime conservation director who helped Iowans better enjoy nature, has died at age 65.

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Gullett, a native Iowan, spent more than four decades working for conservation boards across the state, serving in various roles in Johnson, Jones, Jasper and Dallas counties. He also worked with the Army Corps of Engineers at Saylorville Lake.

“He had an ability to notice really interesting small things and point those out to folks. And it certainly made my enjoyment of the natural world better and deeper,” Johnson County Supervisor Rod Sullivan said.

Gullett, of Solon, died Sept. 6. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in fisheries and wildlife biology, according to his obituary.

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“I admired his passion for our collective work and vision for holistic restoration of Iowa’s landscapes,” said Carolyn Buckingham, president of the county conservation board. “Larry was a pioneer and a visionary in so many ways and was a dedicated advocate for environmental conservation.”

Gullett joined Johnson County in 2013 and much of his work focused on improving natural areas for public use and overall ecological restoration.

“Larry was a true conservationist,” Sullivan said. “That was his thing. It was his passion. And he really knew his stuff.”

At the time of his death, Gullett was on paid administrative leave from the county for unspecified reasons, along with Operations Superintendent Wade Schultz.

Buckingham said the conservation board will begin the process of hiring Gullett’s successor at its upcoming meetings.

“I have every expectation that the staff and we as a board will continue the achievements this department is known for, take care of our employees and protect the natural resources of Johnson County,” Buckingham said. “Larry will be greatly missed, and I personally extend my sympathies to his family and friends.”

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