Clyde Morris discusses the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project on the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay NWR. (Photo USFWS)

Clyde Morris, former manager of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge was named the 2008 Employee of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.  The award was announced during  a ceremony at the 73rd North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, March 25-29, in Phoenix, Ariz.

Mr. Morris' innovation, leadership and vision, combined with a strong natural resource conservation ethic, sound biological knowledge, and skill in public administration, provided the exact mix of knowledge and ability needed to concurrently oversee multiple large-scale habitat restoration projects on the Refuge.  Morris skillfully balanced the needs of the Refuge (with its threatened and endangered species and large numbers of migratory birds) with the needs of the surrounding communities and their seven million residents.

Each year the National Wildlife Refuge Association and National Fish &Wildlife Foundation recognize outstanding effort by refuge volunteers and exceptional performance by refuge staff.  The annual award is presented to an individual whose career has shown a commitment to the conservation of our natural resources and superior effectiveness in advancing the cause of wildlife conservation.

Morris retired earlier this year, after 10 years with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as Manager of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay NWR.