Awards

USDA Secretary's Honor Award - 2008

Kids in the Woods Core Team recognized at the 2008 USDA Secretary's Honor Awards

Rhonda Stewart and Rick Henderson, former WFW staff members.
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Fish/Aquatic

2008
Public Awareness
Wildlife Forever - Eastern Region (R9) & Beyond!

Through a partnership with Region 9, Wildlife Forever launched the “Threat Campaign”—effectively spreading the anti-invasive species message to recreational users. Using a comprehensive mix of media, conservation education programs, and publication development, Wildlife Forever has generated more than 136 million impressions—reaching 1,010 people with every $1 invested. During its existence, Wildlife Forever has contributed $26 million to fish and wildlife conservation projects and has been a valued partner with Forest Service programs in Region 9 and across the agency.

Aquatic Recreational Accomplishment
David C. Byrd - Fisheries Biologist, Kisatchie NF - Southern Region (R8)

As the first full-time fisheries biologist on the Kisatchee NF, David has built a successful and diverse Recreational Fisheries Program that both ensures healthy and productive waters, and effectively engages the public. David’s accomplishments include managing 32 lakes and wildlife ponds, leading volunteers in habitat restoration work, championing annual fishing derbies, and conducting conservation education courses.

Collaborative Aquatic Stewardship
The Resurrection of Resurrection Creek,
Chugach NF, Seward RD, Enterprise Teams, & Tongass National Forest, Alaska Region (R10)

This extensive, collaborative aquatic stewardship project restored a degraded Alaskan stream to health. Working with community partners and State and Federal agencies, the team reconstructed the main channel, developed floodplains, and created miles of new side channel and acres of side channel pools. These successes were recognized by the Alaska State Legislature, and it was recognized as a five star restoration site by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Association of Counties, Wildlife Habitat Council, and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Resurrection Creek is now a model for river restoration for the country.

Research Achievement
Douglas P. Peterson - US Fish and Wildlife Service
Bruce E. Rieman, Jason B. Dunham, & Michael K. Young - RMRS
Kurt D. Fausch - Department of Fishery - Colorado State University

This team of researchers advanced our understanding of salmonid isolation issues and developed tools to help guide management actions and prioritize projects. They analyzed the existing information and developed a framework to consider tradeoffs in the installation or removal of fish barriers. They crafted guidelines for making individual decisions and for prioritizing projects, and developed a tool to evaluate issues and model effects.

Mentor
Arnie (Skip) Rosquist – Hydrologist & Watershed Program Manager, Lolo NF - Northern Region (R1)

Skip was nominated by the Lolo NF and the Northern Regional Office. He has served as the Forest Hydrologist and Watershed Program Manager on the Lolo NF since 1977. Throughout his career, Skip has made extraordinary efforts to mentor and guide many young professionals. His foresight, gentle guidance, and consistent support and commitment to employee success has led to outstanding, high-quality work – not only for himself, but also for the cadre of aquatic professionals that have been fortunate to benefit from his mentorship.

Professional Excellence - Fish Management
James Capurso - Forest Fisheries Biologist, Caribou-Targhee NF - Intermountain Region (R4)

James’s passion for aquatic resources is clearly reflected in the strong, balanced, dynamic fisheries program he has developed on the Caribou-Targhee NF. His leadership has resulted in a diverse program that includes native fish reintroduction projects, physical habitat restoration projects, aquatic organism passage surveys and restoration projects, dam removals, beaver reintroductions, and irrigation diversion screen and bypass projects. James is always willing to assist Regional and National Offices when needed, and he recently served as the acting National Fish Program Leader.

Director's Award
Scott Peets – Fisheries Biologist, Siuslaw NF - Pacific Northwest Region (R6)
Liaison with the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watershed Recovery

Scott’s exceptional leadership has made a real difference for Threatened and Endangered fish resources in the Pacific Northwest. During a complex and tension-filled period of multiple listings and litigation, he has been instrumental in developing streamlined consultation and facilitating more effective interagency coordination. Scott was also instrumental in developing programmatic consultation covering fish passage projects in both Oregon and Washington. Most recently, he has expanded the program to address other fish habitat restoration activities.

Line Officer Award
Allen Nicholas - Forest Supervisor, Shawnee NF – Eastern Region (R 9)

Allen Nicholas is the type of line officer every fisheries biologist dreams of working for. The Forest has achieved great success primarily because Allen, as Forest Supervisor, expresses a genuine interest in fisheries, values the goals of the Fisheries Program, understands the need to protect and enhance aquatic resources, and recognizes the positive benefits (both internally and externally) that a successful Fisheries Program brings to the Forest. Recreational fishing is a key part of Allen’s vision for the Shawnee fisheries program - focusing on small pond management and developing more family-type, shoreline fishing opportunities. Under Allen’s leadership the fisheries program has built strong partnerships, with the public, local government, academic institutions, and other state and federal agencies.

Friend of the Fish Award
Geoff Chandler - Ecosystems Group Leader, Chequamegon-Nicolet NF – Eastern Region (R9)

Under Geoff’s effective leadership, the fisheries and watershed programs of the Chequamegon-Nicolet NF have strengthened, allowing the forest to expand its capacity to restore watershed conditions, improve water quality, and enhance fish passage. For years, Geoff has worked to develop good working relationships with many key aquatic partners. He has fully supported efforts to enhance conditions during the FERC relicensing process, and has ensured that watershed and fisheries resources are fully considered in the Forest Plan Revision process. During his tenure, his programs have received numerous Regional and national awards. These award-winning programs would not have been accomplished without Geoff’s leadership and support.

Partner Award
Jim Sparks, Gayle Sitter, & Jay Parks - Billings Field Office
Joe Platz & Wendy Warren - Miles City Field Office
Bureau of Land Management

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) worked hand-in-hand with the Custer National Forest to plan and implement the Crooked Creek fish passage barrier project. They provided substantial funding (internal and through grant writing), completed an Environmental Analysis for the project, organized public information meetings and campaigns, and contracted and constructed the barrier on BLM-administered lands. This project, and the subsequent protection and expansion of the Crooked Creek Yellowstone cutthroat trout population, would not have been possible without the outstanding cooperation and leadership of the BLM.

Soil - 2008

The National Field Soil Scientist Award
Deborah Page-Dumroese, Thomas Rice & Ann Abbott
Moscow Forest and Woodlands Program - Rocky Mountain Research Station

Debbie, Tom, and Ann were nominated by three Regions, and are recognized for their leadership and field efforts to scientifically standardize soil quality monitoring procedures. Their work includes the crafting the National Soil Disturbance Monitoring Protocol, developing the Soil Disturbance Field Guide, and designing the soil monitoring corporate database. Their field training sessions in five Regions ground-truthed the collaborative methodology, while their briefings with senior leadership insured the protocol was on course to address land management concerns.

Watershed - 2008

The “Wagon Wheel Gap” Hydrologist of the Year Award
Mark Story, Forest Hydrologist, Water & Air Program Leader, Gallatin NF - Northern Region (R1)

Mark has effectively led the Gallatin NF’s water and air programs for more than 15 years. He has been instrumental in the development and leadership of the Greater Yellowstone (GY) Hydrologist and Air Quality Groups. In 2007, Mark contributed significantly to tracking and reporting on air quality threats in the GY area; preparing an alternative to total maximum daily load (TMDL) by completing and documenting comprehensive restoration projects in the Taylor Fork; and responding to wildfires by leading several burned-area emergency response (BAER) teams.

Mentor
Arnie (Skip) Rosquist – Hydrologist & Watershed Program Manager, Lolo NF - Northern Region (R1)

Skip was nominated by the Lolo NF and the Northern Regional Office. He has served as the Forest Hydrologist and Watershed Program Manager on the Lolo NF since 1977. Throughout his career, Skip has made extraordinary efforts to mentor and guide many young professionals. His foresight, gentle guidance, and consistent support and commitment to employee success has led to outstanding, high-quality work – not only for himself, but also for the cadre of aquatic professionals that have been fortunate to benefit from his mentorship.

Wildlife - 2008/2009

Jack Adams Award – 2 Fabulous Winners!
This year, the 2008 Jack Adams Award was presented to two biologists, Mary Sue Fisher, Regional Budget and Long-term Planner, Pacific Southwest Regional Office and Thomas Skinner, Forest Fisheries/Wildlife Biologist of the Coronado National Forest. The Jack Adams Award is presented annually to the Forest Service biologist or botanist who best reflects the unique and outstanding professional and personal qualities of Jack Adams, a Forest Service wildlife biologist who lost a battle with cancer in 1984 at the height of an acclaimed career.
Presented at 2009 North American Wildlife & Natural Resource Conference.

Lloyd Swift, Sr. Award – Jim Clarr
This year’s award recipient, Jim Claar, National Carnivore Program Leader, selected for his national leadership role in carnivore conservation. Jim is the tenth recipient of this award. The Lloyd Swift Sr. Award is presented periodically to a current or past Forest Service employee who exemplifies the characteristics, accomplishments and qualities of Lloyd Swift Sr., a wildlife biologist for the Forest Service (1928 – 1963). As part of his long and illustrious career, Lloyd Swift served as the National Wildlife and Fisheries Director from 1944 through 1963. The award recognizes an exceptional few who provided national or regional leadership in the management of fish, wildlife, and rare plants.
Presented at 2009 North American Wildlife & Natural Resource Conference.

Conservation Partner and Conservation Project Awards
The Forest Service and BLM jointly sponsored two awards, the Conservation Partner and Conservation Project Awards.
The Conservation Partner award was presented to Bat Conservation International for its outstanding work in bat conservation.

The Conservation Project award was presented to the West-slope Bighorn Mountains Cooperative Initiative for over 10 years of cooperative work in big game and riparian habitat restoration in northern Wyoming and southern Montana.
Presented at 2009 North American Wildlife & Natural Resource Conference.

	Thomas Skinner (right), Jack Adams Award recipient, poses with Joel Holtrop (US Forest Service Deputy Chief for NFS; center) and Anne Zimmermann (USFS/WFW Director; left). Photographer: Cheryl Carrothers, USFS
Mary Sue Fisher (right), Jack Adams Award recipient, poses with Joel Holtrop (US Forest Service Deputy Chief for NFS; center) and Anne Zimmermann (USFS/WFW Director; left). Photographer: Cheryl Carrothers, USFS
	Jim Clarr (right) accepting the Lloyd Swift, Sr Award, posing with Anne Zimmermann, USFS/WFW Director (left) and Joel Holtrop (US Forest Service Deputy Chief for NFS; center). Photographer: Cheryl Carrothers, USFS
BLM-FS Conservation Project award presented to the West-slope Bighorn Mountains Cooperative Initiative. Accepted by Melanie Woolever, USFS (center left) and Steve Ferrell, (center right) Wyoming Game and Fish. Presented by Anne Zimmermann, USFS/WFW Director (not pictured), and Dwight Fielder BLM (not pictured). Joel Holtrop (US Forest Service Deputy Chief for NFS; far left) and Mike Pool (Acting Director of the BLM; far right) were congratulators. Photographer: Cheryl Carrothers, USFS	Ed Arnett, BCI (3rd from left) accepted the Conservation Partner award. Presented by Anne Zimmermann, USFS/WFW Director (2nd from left), and Dwight Fielder, BLM (2nd from right). Joel Holtrop (US Forest Service Deputy Chief for NFS; far left), Jim Dryden (BLM; 3rd from right) and Mike Pool (Acting Director of the BLM; far right) were congratulators. Photographer: Cheryl Carrothers, USFS

Elk Country Awards from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

RMEF news release

U.S. Forest Service employees in California, Colorado and Oregon are earning special recognition for their work enhancing and conserving habitat for elk and other wildlife. Each has received a 2009 Elk Country Award presented by the Forest Service and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

• Elk Country Award: Wildlife Habitat Management Achievement - Modoc National Forest
• Elk Country Award: Individual Achievement - Melanie Woolever, R2, Wildlife Program Leader
• Elk Country Award: Partnership Achievement - Mark Henjum, Umatilla National Forest

Hank Kashdan (USFS/Associate Chief/Operations; left), Randy Moore (USFS/PSW Regional Forester; center) and Jack Blackwell (RMEF/Vice President of Lands and Conservation; right). [above]		Mark Henjum accepting award (left), posing with Tom Toman (RMEF). [above]
	Hank Kashdan (USFS/Associate Chief/Operations), Melanie Woolever (center) and Jack Blackwell (RMEF/Vice President of Lands and Conservation). [above]

Making Tracks Awards - Nationa Wild Turkey Federation
February 20 – 22, 2009
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The Making Tracks awards are presented annually at the National Wild Turkey Federation's annual Convention and Sport Show to people and projects that significantly improve habitat for the wild turkey and other species and accomplish the mission of the National Wild Turkey Federation. There are four award categories.

The Habitat Management Projects category is a single-year award for projects that benefit the wild turkey. The District Ranger, Beth LeMaster, of the Enoree Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest in Whitmire, S.C., received the Group Habitat Project award on behalf of her District, for various land management practices that created and improved habitat for Bobwhite Quail, several species of sparrows and other birds.

The Habitat Management Program category recognizes program accomplishments that benefit wild turkeys over several years.

Individual Habitat Program award - Danny Waldon of Mayhill, N. M., received the 2009 Individual Habitat Project award for his habitat stamp program and other projects benefiting the Lincoln National Forest during the last 19 years. Waldon's efforts helped create more than 118 watering tanks for wildlife and eight natural spring developments, and restore thousands of acres in New Mexico's Lincoln National Forest. Don DeLorenzo accepted the award.

Group Habitat Program award - Dave Zalunardo, Anne Roberts, Monty Gregg and the stewardship group of the Deschutes and Ochoco national forests in Oregon earned a Habitat Management Programs award. The scope of their projects is to restore watersheds that contain threatened, endangered and sensitive wildlife and plant species with the help of community and tribal leaders. Monty Gregg accepted the award.

Group Habitat Program award - Wildlife biologists Dave Newhouse, Heather Keogh, Chris M. Schumacher, Phillip Huber and Christopher L. Williams with Michigan's Huron-Manistee National Forests earned a Habitat Management Programs award for programs that provide a wide variety of habitat improvements, from brood rearing and early successional habitat development and maintenance to shrub plantings and water development. Dave Newhouse accepted the award.

The Partnership Achievement category recognizes accomplishments in strengthening and expanding the partnership between the Forest Service and the NWTF.

2009 Individual Project Achievement award - Rob Hoelscher with Vermont's Green Mountain and New York's Finger Lakes national forests received the 2009 Individual Project Achievement award. About 400 acres of the forests are affected every year from this partnership between the Forest Service and the NWTF. All projects are a cooperative effort among recreation, timber and engineering specialists, including NWTF chapters and volunteers. Erick Walker accepted the award.

2009 Group Partnership Achievement award - Organizers of the Wheelin' Sportsmen Savannah River Site Mobility Impaired Hunt earned the 2009 Group Partnership Achievement award. The 2008 event saw 27 hunters take advantage of the only turkey hunt allowed at the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River Site. Seventeen turkeys were taken during the two-day hunt. Scott Ray, Tal Mims and Keith Lawrence accepted the award.

The Conservation Education category recognizes conservation and education projects for wild turkey restoration, management and conservation. The 2009 Conservation Education Award went to the Becky Ewing and Kari Kirschbaum of the Ironton Ranger District and Supervisor’s Office of Ohio's Wayne National Forest, which has partnered with the local chapter of the NWTF to provide several events and new venues for sportsmen with disabilities in the national forest during the past five years. Kari Kirschbaum received the award.

The Heritage Leadership Award is presented to a Regional Forester in recognition of leadership and accomplishments that strengthen and expand the partnership between the Forest Service and the National Wild Turkey Federation. The 2009 Heritage and Leadership award was presented to Corbin Newman, the Southwestern Regional Forester.

Mule Deer Conservation Award Congratulations to Nate Yorgason, Devin Johnson, Ron Rodriguez, and Tyler Hoyle, of the Dixie National Forest, on receiving the 7th annual Mule Deer Conservation Award!

The 7th annual Mule Deer Conservation Award was presented by Mr. Brian Ferebee, Forest Supervisor of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, at the Mule Deer Foundation annual convention, February 6, 2009, in Salt Lake City, as part of the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo. Nate Yorgason, Devin Johnson, Ron Rodriguez, and Tyler Johnson were recognized for their collaborative work with the Mule Deer Foundation and numerous other partners toward the conservation of mule deer and black tail deer on the Dixie National Forest, located in south-central Utah. Their work consisted of a suite of projects targeting important winter, summer, and transition range in the southern portions of Utah.

These projects were designed to improve upon degraded mule deer habitat conditions across a broad landscape and over a variety of land ownerships. Specific treatment areas were located on the Cedar City and Pine Valley Ranger Districts, near the towns of Irontown, Pine Valley, Panguitch, Paragonah, Enterprise, and Pinto. The strategy behind the series of projects in these areas focused on decreasing Pinyon pine/juniper regeneration in old anchor-chained areas and creating quality deer habitat over a wide range of deer habitats on public lands, both Forest Service and BLM. These projects included numerous components which addressed different needs related to enhancing habitat including:

• Pinyon pine/juniper removal
• Reseeding/seeding of native vegetation
• Sagebrush treatments
• Water/wetland developments
• Monitoring to assess effectiveness of and improve upon treatment
  

In total, almost 14,000 acres of mule deer habitat have been enhanced using these methods, a total that has been matched on adjacent BLM lands as part of the larger cooperative efforts.

Congratulations Nate, Devin, Ron, and Tyler!

Answer the Call 2008 Partnership Awards

Jay Cox recognized with National “Answer the Call” Award Jay Cox, member of Patoka Hills (IN) Chapter of Quail Unlimited was presented the 2008 “Answer the Call” Award for an outstanding volunteer at Quail Unlimited’s National Convention in Springfield, MO. Jay has been an active coordinator for quail habitat improvement and restoration projects on the Hoosier National Forest. His projects include maintaining forest openings for quail forage, fire break construction, native grass restoration and removal of non-native fescue. Patoka Hills Chapter President, Jim Bardwell said, “Jay has been our go-to guy for project logistics involving equipment transport and repair. He really stepped up and plays an invaluable role in making sure the Chapter’s Answer the Call projects are completed.” Jim accepted the award on behalf of Jay. Answer the Call” is a partnership between the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Quail Unlimited and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation dedicated to cooperative projects that improve quail and upland game bird habitat across the nation.	Jim Bardwell (middle), Patoka Hills Chapter President accepting Answer the Call Volunteer award from Gail Tunberg, Answer the Call Program Coordinator (left) and Rocky Evans, Quail Unlimited President.
Gary Rotta recognized with National “Answer the Call” Award Gary Rotta, Wildlife Biologist on the Plumas National Forest, was presented the National “Answer the Call” Award at the 2008 Quail Unlimited National Convention in Springfield, Missouri. ȁnswer the Call” is a partnership program between the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Quail Unlimited and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The program promotes quail and upland game bird habitat management nationwide through cooperative projects. Gail Tunberg, National Coordinator for “Answer the Call”, and Rocky Evans, President of Quail Unlimited, presented the award in recognition of Gary’s career-long dedication and accomplishments in the management of quail habitat on the Plumas National Forest. Gary has been very successful throughout his 30+ year career in obtaining funding and implementing quail habitat improvement projects, water sources for quail and other wildlife, and being an agency advocate for quail conservation. I want to thank my peers for nominating me and I accept this award on behalf of all Forest Service biologists who work hard each day doing habitat improvement work”, Gary said.	Left to right: Gail Tunberg, Gary Rotta, Rocky Evans
Dave Zalunardo Recognized for Dedication to “Answer the Call” Partnership Dave Zalunardo, Pacific Northwest Regional Representative to the “Answer the Call” partnership was recognized for 14 years of exemplary service at Quail Unlimited’s National Convention in Springfield, MO. Quail Unlimited President Rocky Evans and National “Answer the Call” Program Coordinator, Gail Tunberg presented Dave with an engraved Henry Golden Boy rifle on behalf of the “Answer the Call” partnership, Forest Service wildlife biologists in the Pacific Northwest Region and Quail Unlimited. Dave plans to retire from the Forest Service this winter and spend his days hunting and fishing. All of us involved in “Answer the Call” join Rocky in saying, "Dave will certainly leave big shoes to fill, regarding our cooperative efforts with western quail species. Dave has always shown a true passion for his work with wildlife and the many programs that we have been mutually involved with. We wish him nothing but the best and I'm hopeful that our paths cross often". Thanks for all your efforts Dave!	Left to right: Rocky Evans, Dave Zalunardo, and Gail Tunberg

Past Awards

2008 AWARDS

Wildlife
Elk Country/Land Protection - Dakota Prairie Grasslands on their Elkhorn Ranch Project
Elk Country/Individual Achievement - Jeff Bohler of the Umpqua National Forest
Million Bucks/Mule Deer Conservation Award - Steve Blatt, Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Wildlife Biologist
Jack Adams - Norm Weiland, USFS/R9/Wildlife Program Leader, retired
Lloyd Swift - Tom Darden, USFS/R8/Cooperative Forestry Director, retired
FS-BLM Conservation Awards - National Wild Turkey Federation

2007 AWARDS

DOC 14.3 MB
PDF 395 KB
TXT 23 KB

WILDLIFE & TES

2006 Award recipients DOC (48.5 KB) PDF (33.4 KB)

Lloyd Swift Sr. Award - Richard Holthausen, USFS/WO/WFW National Wildlife Ecologist, retired

Jack Adams Award - Steve Widowski, Assistant District Ranger and Wildlife Biologist at Mississippi Bluffs RD/Shawnee NF.

Jack Adams and Lloyd W. Swift Sr. Awards recognize outstanding, sustained employee performance

Conservation Partner and Conservation Project Awards - David Burton of the Aspen Delineation Project in California

WATERSHED

Wagon Wheel Gap Award Winners
Awarded 2007
The Wagon Wheel Gap Award recognizes a high level of performance by hydrologists and hydrologic technicians in all branches of the Forest Service engaged in watershed management on National Forests and Grasslands or in the Regional Offices, or conducting watershed research at laboratories or in Stations, the IITF, or in delivery of hydrologic services to domestic or overseas partners as part of their normal duties. This award is named in honor of the first watershed experiments in the United States at the Wagon Wheel Gap Experimental Forest on the Rio Grande National Forest.

In 2006, three awards are being presented - one within each Deputy area: Research, State and Private Forestry, and the National Forest System.

• Michael J. Furniss - Research/Pacific Northwest
• Albert H. Todd - State & Private Forestry/Northeastern Area
• Greg S. Bevenger - National Forest System/Shoshone NF

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