Recognizing Refuge Employees with Prestigious Honors
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Roy Lowe, Refuge Manager of the Year, was recognized for building mutually productive relationships with land conservancy groups, private landowners and American Indian tribes as manager of the Oregon Coast NWR Complex.
Photo Credit: Dawn Grafe/USFWS
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The prestigious Refuge Manager of the Year and Refuge Employee of the Year Awards were presented by the National Wildlife Refuge Association and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation at a special ceremony March 17 in Arlington, VA.
The Paul Kroegel Refuge Manager of the Year Award was given to Roy Lowe, manager of the Oregon Coast NWRC, and the Refuge Employee of the Year Award was presented to Laura Brandt, a wildlife biologist at Loxahatchee NWR, FL.
The awards recognize exceptional contributions made by employees toward protecting the National Wildlife Refuge System. Recipients, who often make use of scarce funds and limited resources to "get the job done," have demonstrated a dedicated career and commitment to the cause of wildlife conservation, as well as the ability to effectively deal with external organizations and the public to further the goals and objectives of the Refuge System.
Lowe was recognized for working effectively to build mutually productive relationships with land conservancy groups, private landowners, and American Indian tribes to add crucial acres of rare and essential habitat to the refuge complex. His commitment to public outreach, research, and education has proven invaluable to projects such as the acquisition of Crook Point and the preservation of the archeological and cultural significance of the Ni-les'tun Unit of Brandon Marsh NWR.
"This is really a humbling honor when you think about who this award is named after and all the hard-working and deserving folks in the Refuge System today," said Lowe. "The only way to make things happen in a coastal setting like this, with six different refuges spread along the entire coast, is through extensive outreach, education, and partnerships," he said. The Oregon Coastal Refuges protect more than 1,800 rocks, reefs, and islands supporting more than 50 percent of the nesting seabird population on the U.S. West Coast.
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Laura Brandt, Refuge Employee of the Year, was honored for her involvement restoration of the Greater Everglades ecosystem.
Photo Credit: Jim Smoot/USGS
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Brandt was honored for her involvement in multiple forums working to restore the Greater Everglades ecosystem. She is widely respected as a scientist who facilitates communication and understanding between various partners. Her enthusiasm and dedication have led to valuable collaboration with partners and academic institutions.
"This recognition wouldn't be possible without support from all the people at Loxahatchee, especially Refuge Manager Mark Musaus and others in the Regional Office," said Laura Brandt. "Their continued support allowed me to facilitate communications among refuge employees and others working to improve a scientific approach in Everglades restoration."
The awards ceremony will take place at a reception held in conjunction with the 70th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, which runs March 16-19 just outside Washington, DC.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation also presented Refuge Volunteer of the Year and Friends Group of the Year Awards in February during the 2005 National Refuge Friends Conference in Washington, DC. As reported in the January/February issue, Ervin Davis of the National Bison Range earned the Volunteer of the Year Award, while the Friends of Black Bayou (LA) received Friends Group of the Year honors.
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