Each region nominated one Ecological Services project leader to compete for the national title.  A Washington panel evaluated all the nominees and, for the first time, had a tie between two nominees – Craig and Gail.  Consequently, both were honored at a reception at the Library of Congress on March 1.  Along with other regional nominees, they participated in a “fireside chat” with Service Director Dale Hall.

Craig was nominated for this award because of his impact on the conservation of imperiled species and their habitats through his role as East Lansing's Project Leader and leadership roles that he has taken on national and regional initiatives. 

§As Project Leader, Craig has supported State efforts to develop a state-wide Habitat Conservation Plan for the Karner blue butterfly, spearheaded development of a landscape-level prescription for habitat restoration for copperbelly water snake recovery, and engaged Great Lakes water resource development agencies in constructive reviews of proposed projects.

Through Craig’s initiative, Service project leaders in Michigan now have recurring project leader meetings to enhance cross-programmatic collaboration and outcomes.  Craig was instrumental in last year’s reauthorization of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act—legislation that has been remarkably successful in building partnerships for cooperative conservation, enhancement, and restoration of Great Lakes fish, wildlife, and habitat.  As Coastal Coordinator for the Great Lakes Coastal Program since its inception in 2000, Craig directed the restoration and enhancement of 2,764 acres and 100 miles of riparian and in-stream habitat and removal of six fish passage barriers.

On a national level, Craig assisted in leading efforts of the National Ecosystem Assessment Team to produce the conservation business model entitled Strategic Habitat Conservation (SHC).  The SHC model will assist the Service in developing and implementing landscape approaches to habitat conservation.

Please join in congratulating Craig on his award.