On February 1, Pendills Creek NFH biologist Jenny Walker and 23 other new fisheries professionals, were presented with a Certificate of Completion for the 2007 Fisheries Academy, at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV. The

Fisheries Academy provides an introduction to the Fisheries Program policies, legislation, and functions; and provides the specialized training and skills these professionals will need to perform in their multi-faceted roles as Service biologists.

Courses covered a wide range of topics such as the Fish & Wildlife Service mission, strategic planning, the vision for the future, technical training, and sections on professional development, leadership roles, the future of the fisheries program, and the responsibility to protect aquatic resources. The class was visited by several guest speakers who offered profound perspectives of the Service past, present, and future.

Besides course content, the Academy was structured to allow attendants to explore the beautiful grounds of the NCTC, Shepherdstown, and Washington D.C. area together while developing a social network of professional “buddies” that will prove invaluable as time goes on.

Attendees witnessed the value of these relationships in the seamless team efforts and camaraderie of previous Academy graduates, June McIlwain, course leader, and other course instructors and guests. Becoming one of the team of professionals that makes up the Service is the best reward that completion of the Academy offers. Completing the 2007 Fisheries Academy will also make a career in the Service more prosperous and meaningful for these graduates and the Service as a whole.