In fiscal year 2003 fishery volunteers contributed over 800 hours to the LaCrosse FRO; assisting in lake sturgeon and paddlefish netting, endangered mussel propagation, exotic species monitoring, lake sturgeon tagging, fish collections for the wild fish health survey and several general fishery surveys.

More than 30 individuals contributed to this volunteer effort and LaCrosse FRO would like to recognize Don Schroeder (Onalaska, Wis.) as the volunteer who contributed the most hours in 2003 with a total of 217 hours. Don assists on almost every type of project our office is involved in. He is a huge asset to our program; and not only is he experienced with field work, but he has fantastic shop skills and was instrumental in construction of our new native mussel display. Don is also a two-time Volunteer of the Year and this year reached the 1,000 hour club for volunteer service with LaCrosse FRO.

LaCrosse FRO also would like to recognize Jeff Dahl (LaCrosse, Wis.), our 2003 Volunteer of the Year. Jeff is the youngest volunteer (16) to contribute 70 hours in a single year. With great enthusiasm and energy Jeff assisted on native mussel projects, lake sturgeon netting and several fishery surveys. His father (Tom Dahl) works for FWS as a Wetlands Specialist. Other special awards went to Arnie Swartz (LaCrosse) who was the first President of our Friends Group. Arnie was instrumental in getting the Friends group off the ground and running and did a great job recruiting several new members. Ruth Nissen also received special recognition for contributing over 100 hours of volunteer service in just three years.