Regional Director's Award recipient (with plaque) Craig Isola with FWS Director Dale Hall (left), Deputy Regional Director Ken McDermond and Regional Director Steve Thompson. (photo: Scott Flaherty USFWS)

Erica Szlosek, External Affairs

Craig Isola of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex was presented with the Regional Director’s Award in June for his outstanding contribution to landscape conservation within Region 8. Isola, who co-leads the administration and management of the easement and private lands programs within the refuge complex, is responsible for the management of 140-plus conservation easements throughout 11 counties in the Central Valley. According to coworkers, Isola routinely puts  tremendous thought, effort, and on-the-ground oversight into the administration of the programs he oversees.

“Despite his day-to-day demands, he always manages to step up to the plate to assist with regional and national projects, and he is regularly called upon by managers within the Regional Office to help with big picture issues,” said Kevin Foerster, Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex Project Leader .

Recently, Isola developed and co-hosted the 17^th annual Wetland Management Workshop at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge. The workshop, which targets private landowners in the Sacramento Valley, was well received by more than 100 landowners and agency personnel in attendance. Isola developed the agenda which featured expert speakers from the California Department of Fish and Game, National Wildlife Refuge System, University of California Davis, and United State Geological Service. Feedback from workshop participants included “That was the best workshop ever…” and “…I can’t wait to get back to my duck club to make some changes.”

In addition, Isola recently served as the team leader for the development of the Northern Sacramento Valley Initiative Area Strategic Plan. The Plan is a collaborative effort of the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, Red Bluff Fish and Wildlife Office, and the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex and will enable managers to more effectively meet the challenges of managing national wildlife refuges.

“Whatever the issue is, be it water management planners, invasive species research, mosquito issues, or technical assistance to private landowners, Craig is well qualified and always ready to help organize, develop, finalize, and implement all projects. Craig is an outstanding employee and we are indeed lucky to have the privilege of working with him,” concluded Foerster.