Welcome to the Forest Service - Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air & Rare Plants program web site. We cover a wide variety of topics and we are located across the nation. Our staff provides support and coordination to the public and the agency regions, forests and districts.

This web site will give you a taste of our diversity and is designed for our various customers. We laid things out by topic with multiple paths to each topic.

If you want to understand our administrative layout select the "staff" link on the left hand navigations. The search engine takes you through the whole agency, not just our staff pages. If you want to find specific staffs, you need to add the word "staff" to the search. Or try "advanced" searches once you have done your initial search. You are also welcome to contact any of our staff or web site administrator directly.

Our official staff acronym is WFW. You may also see WFWARP on some of our pages or in communication with staff members.

WFW Newsletter - Monthly ::
SEPTEMBER POSTED

THANK YOU PARTNERS!

To all our Partners -- Thank you for your hard work

• implementing these conservation projects;
• planning future projects;
• developing partnerships; and
• reporting your accomplishments and opportunities.

The Partnership Report, the Find a Photo library, and WFRP-MS, available on the internet, would not be possible without our partners' work. These tools and products will help accomplish more conservation work, and focus more effectively on work where several partners - and potential partners - share objectives.

The Deputy Chief of the National Forest System is officially announcing the availability of these three internet tools/products for use by both partners and the general public in this downloadable letter. This letter is being shared directly with our partners through our national, regional, forest and district program leaders and biologists.

Partner Letter:
Thank You - 3 Tools/Products Announcement

PDF 48.8 KB
Word DOC 53.5 KB

Climate Change

FS Climate Change Resource Center
Information and Tools

FS Climate Change, Water and Kids
Emphasis Comments by FS Chief

Call for Award Nominations - Elk, Deer & Turkey

It is that time of year - the elk are bugeling, the turkeys are gobbling and the deer are eating your shrubery. It is fall! Also time to submit nominations for the 7th Annual Elk Country Awards, the 7th Annual Mule Deer Conservation Award, and the 8th Annual Making Tracks Awards. These awards recognize outstanding projects, programs, and individual achievement in the conservation of elk, mule deer, black-tailed deer, and wild turkeys and management of their habitat. We have significant wildlife-related work that is being accomplished by dedicated and conscientious employees every year in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Mule Deer Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Please take the time to nominate your employees or co-workers that deserve special recognition.

Nomination Information

Rise to the Future (RTTF) and National Watershed - Award Ceremony October 22 in DC

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.

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.

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.

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.

Award Winners:

• Answer the Call 2008 - Outstanding Volunteer Award: Jay Cox, Patoka Hills (IN) Chapter of Quail Unlimited
• Answer the Call 2008: Gary Rotta, Plumas NF
• Answer the Call 2008 - PNW Partnership Recognition: Dave Zalunardo, USFS Pacific Northwest Regional Representative
• FS - BLM Conservation Leadership Partner Award 2008: National Wild Turkey Federation
• Jack Adams Award 2008: Norm Weiland
• Lloyd Swift Senior Award 2008: Tom L. Darden
• Elk Country Award 2007 - Land Protection: Dakota Prairie Grasslands for Elkhorn Ranch Project
• Elk Country Award 2007 Recipient - Individual Achievement: Jeff Bohler
• Mule Deer Conservation: Steve Blatt
• 2006 Wagon Wheel Gap Awards: Greg Bevenger, Al Todd, and Mike Furniss

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Dig It
The Smithsonian's Dig It - Secrets of Soil is a big success. Not coming to Washington DC before 2010? Visit it online.
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