Ronald Bruch was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He spent his summers in Ashland County, Wisconsin, where he developed a keen interest in sturgeon and other fish species in the Flambeau River. Bruch attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, earning his bachelor's degree in fisheries. He earned his master's degree and worked towards a Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Bruch began his professional career with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in 1976. His early roles included working on the O'Connor River Project and assignments in Marinette and Milwaukee. In 1990, he became the sturgeon biologist for the Winnebago System, succeeding Dan Folz. Bruch's primary focus has been the research and management of the lake sturgeon population in the Lake Winnebago system. He has played a significant role in developing and implementing the Winnebago Comprehensive Management Plan, which has been pivotal in the conservation efforts of the sturgeon population. Throughout his career, Bruch has emphasized the importance of public involvement in resource management. He has collaborated with organizations such as Sturgeon for Tomorrow and the Sturgeon Advisory Committee to foster community engagement and support for sturgeon conservation. Bruch has also been instrumental in conducting extensive sturgeon population surveys, implementing tagging programs, and studying the biological and environmental factors affecting sturgeon growth and sustainability. Bruch has published numerous reports and scientific papers on sturgeon biology and fisheries management. 

Scope and Content Note
Kathleen Schmitt Kline conducted an oral history interview with Ron Bruch on August 15, 2008. The interview provides an in-depth look into Bruch's career and extensive work with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It explores Bruch's early interest in fisheries, his academic background, and the various roles he has undertaken within the DNR. A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to Bruch's work as the Fisheries Work Unit Supervisor of the Upper Fox Wolf Winnebago System. He discusses the historical context of sturgeon management, detailing the initial lack of data collection in the early 20th century and the subsequent efforts by biologists like Dr. Edward Schneberger and Robert Propst. Bruch elaborates on the methodologies used in sturgeon research, including creel censuses, age and growth studies, and tagging programs. He also addresses the challenges of accurately measuring and documenting sturgeon populations and the impact of regulations and environmental changes on sturgeon abundance. The interview covers Bruch's involvement in developing the Winnebago Comprehensive Management Plan and the importance of public participation in resource management. He shares his experiences working with local organizations and the community to promote sturgeon conservation. Bruch also reflects on the long-term environmental changes affecting sturgeon populations, such as non-point pollution and changes in water clarity, and how these factors have influenced management strategies. Bruch provides insights into specific research projects, including the validation of age estimation techniques using pectoral fin spines and bomb radiocarbon dating of otoliths. He explains the significance of these studies in understanding sturgeon growth rates, mortality, and recruitment patterns. Additionally, Bruch discusses the implementation of sexing and staging criteria for sturgeon, the development of tagging and monitoring programs, and the establishment of the Winnebago Citizens Sturgeon Advisory Committee. Finally, Bruch reflects on the current state of sturgeon populations in the Lake Winnebago system and the ongoing efforts to manage and conserve these fish. He emphasizes the need for continued research and adaptive management practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of sturgeon populations in Wisconsin.