Rise to the Future Awards 2008 - Ceremony October 22, 2008 in DC

Public Awareness
Wildlife Forever - Eastern Region (R9) & Beyond!

Through a partnership with Region 9, Wildlife Forever launched the “Threat Campaign”—effectively spreading the anti-invasive species message to recreational users. Using a comprehensive mix of media, conservation education programs, and publication development, Wildlife Forever has generated more than 136 million impressions—reaching 1,010 people with every $1 invested. During its existence, Wildlife Forever has contributed $26 million to fish and wildlife conservation projects and has been a valued partner with Forest Service programs in Region 9 and across the agency.

Aquatic Recreational Accomplishment
David C. Byrd - Fisheries Biologist, Kisatchie NF - Southern Region (R8)

As the first full-time fisheries biologist on the Kisatchee NF, David has built a successful and diverse Recreational Fisheries Program that both ensures healthy and productive waters, and effectively engages the public. David’s accomplishments include managing 32 lakes and wildlife ponds, leading volunteers in habitat restoration work, championing annual fishing derbies, and conducting conservation education courses.

Collaborative Aquatic Stewardship
The Resurrection of Resurrection Creek,
Chugach NF, Seward RD, Enterprise Teams, & Tongass National Forest, Alaska Region (R10)

This extensive, collaborative aquatic stewardship project restored a degraded Alaskan stream to health. Working with community partners and State and Federal agencies, the team reconstructed the main channel, developed floodplains, and created miles of new side channel and acres of side channel pools. These successes were recognized by the Alaska State Legislature, and it was recognized as a five star restoration site by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Association of Counties, Wildlife Habitat Council, and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Resurrection Creek is now a model for river restoration for the country.

Research Achievement
Douglas P. Peterson - US Fish and Wildlife Service
Bruce E. Rieman, Jason B. Dunham, & Michael K. Young - RMRS
Kurt D. Fausch - Department of Fishery - Colorado State University

This team of researchers advanced our understanding of salmonid isolation issues and developed tools to help guide management actions and prioritize projects. They analyzed the existing information and developed a framework to consider tradeoffs in the installation or removal of fish barriers. They crafted guidelines for making individual decisions and for prioritizing projects, and developed a tool to evaluate issues and model effects.

Mentor
Arnie (Skip) Rosquist – Hydrologist & Watershed Program Manager, Lolo NF - Northern Region (R1)

Skip was nominated by the Lolo NF and the Northern Regional Office. He has served as the Forest Hydrologist and Watershed Program Manager on the Lolo NF since 1977. Throughout his career, Skip has made extraordinary efforts to mentor and guide many young professionals. His foresight, gentle guidance, and consistent support and commitment to employee success has led to outstanding, high-quality work – not only for himself, but also for the cadre of aquatic professionals that have been fortunate to benefit from his mentorship.

Professional Excellence - Fish Management
James Capurso - Forest Fisheries Biologist, Caribou-Targhee NF - Intermountain Region (R4)

James’s passion for aquatic resources is clearly reflected in the strong, balanced, dynamic fisheries program he has developed on the Caribou-Targhee NF. His leadership has resulted in a diverse program that includes native fish reintroduction projects, physical habitat restoration projects, aquatic organism passage surveys and restoration projects, dam removals, beaver reintroductions, and irrigation diversion screen and bypass projects. James is always willing to assist Regional and National Offices when needed, and he recently served as the acting National Fish Program Leader.

Director's Award
Scott Peets – Fisheries Biologist, Siuslaw NF - Pacific Northwest Region (R6)
Liaison with the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watershed Recovery

Scott’s exceptional leadership has made a real difference for Threatened and Endangered fish resources in the Pacific Northwest. During a complex and tension-filled period of multiple listings and litigation, he has been instrumental in developing streamlined consultation and facilitating more effective interagency coordination. Scott was also instrumental in developing programmatic consultation covering fish passage projects in both Oregon and Washington. Most recently, he has expanded the program to address other fish habitat restoration activities.

Line Officer Award
Allen Nicholas - Forest Supervisor, Shawnee NF – Eastern Region (R 9)

Allen Nicholas is the type of line officer every fisheries biologist dreams of working for. The Forest has achieved great success primarily because Allen, as Forest Supervisor, expresses a genuine interest in fisheries, values the goals of the Fisheries Program, understands the need to protect and enhance aquatic resources, and recognizes the positive benefits (both internally and externally) that a successful Fisheries Program brings to the Forest. Recreational fishing is a key part of Allen’s vision for the Shawnee fisheries program - focusing on small pond management and developing more family-type, shoreline fishing opportunities. Under Allen’s leadership the fisheries program has built strong partnerships, with the public, local government, academic institutions, and other state and federal agencies.

Friend of the Fish Award
Geoff Chandler - Ecosystems Group Leader, Chequamegon-Nicolet NF – Eastern Region (R9)

Under Geoff’s effective leadership, the fisheries and watershed programs of the Chequamegon-Nicolet NF have strengthened, allowing the forest to expand its capacity to restore watershed conditions, improve water quality, and enhance fish passage. For years, Geoff has worked to develop good working relationships with many key aquatic partners. He has fully supported efforts to enhance conditions during the FERC relicensing process, and has ensured that watershed and fisheries resources are fully considered in the Forest Plan Revision process. During his tenure, his programs have received numerous Regional and national awards. These award-winning programs would not have been accomplished without Geoff’s leadership and support.

Partner Award
Jim Sparks, Gayle Sitter, & Jay Parks - Billings Field Office
Joe Platz & Wendy Warren - Miles City Field Office
Bureau of Land Management

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) worked hand-in-hand with the Custer National Forest to plan and implement the Crooked Creek fish passage barrier project. They provided substantial funding (internal and through grant writing), completed an Environmental Analysis for the project, organized public information meetings and campaigns, and contracted and constructed the barrier on BLM-administered lands. This project, and the subsequent protection and expansion of the Crooked Creek Yellowstone cutthroat trout population, would not have been possible without the outstanding cooperation and leadership of the BLM.

RTTF Award Winners - 2007
(Presented in 2007 for work done in 2006)
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