For Excellence in Environmental Leadership:
William Ruediger
USDA Forest Service
|
Bill Ruediger has been a long-time advocate of habitat protection as related to road and highway development. He is also one the leading practitioners in the emerging science of road ecology. Serving as the Ecology Program Leader for Highways in the US Forest Service, Bill led numerous interagency efforts over the years to address the effects of roads and highways on large, wide-ranging carnivores. He has led several statewide and regional efforts to identify wildlife habitat linkages and establish habitat conservation plans for use by transportation and resource agencies. In 2001, Bill participated in an FHWA and AASHTO joint technology scanning tour that examined how countries in Western Europe were addressing the effects of highways on wildlife mortality and habitat connectivity. Transportation agencies have also benefited from Bill's continuing support of the International Conference on Ecology and Transportation series. He played a major role in leading the conference to its current status as the premier international gathering of transportation and ecological interests. In summary, this award for environmental excellence recognizes Bill's leadership commitment, foresight, and tireless efforts to improve habitat connectivity and protect wildlife along our nation's highways.
