Fish and Wildlife Biologist Michelle Vander Haar was presented with the 2006 Distinguished Service Award from the Rifle River Watershed Restoration Committee in recognition of distinguished and dedicated service to restore, enhance and preserve the Rifle River watershed. 

Vander Haar collaborated with the Committee through the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program to implement projects that improve water quality and wildlife habitat in the watershed. 

These projects included riparian restoration and stabilization of streambanks to reduce sedimentation and nutrient runoff.  Also, road stream crossings were improved to increase fish passage and log structures were installed to enhance fish habitat.