Michael Gutzmer receives Special Recognition Service Award

Michael Gutzmer, principal and owner of New Century Environmental, LLC, has received TWS’ Special Recognition Service Award. The award honors any person or group making an outstanding contribution to the wildlife profession; the general areas of wildlife conservation, management or science; or a specific area of endeavor.

Gutzmer has done all of those, the awards committee found, “and is truly deserving of this recognition.”

A Certified Wildlife Biologist®, Certified Fisheries Professional, Certified Senior Ecologist and Professional Wetland Scientist, Gutzmer was recognized for advancing knowledge and conservation of flora, wetlands and threatened and endangered species throughout the Great Plains.

He and his team of biologists have consulted on numerous high-profile environmental assessments on a variety of development projects, including the Dakota Access Pipeline.

“Dr. Gutzmer is one of a very few individuals nationwide that has been active in both the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society and has made the immense strides in conservation and science in our profession,” wrote Jordan Kort in his nomination letter.

Gutzmer founded the “Tribal Scientific Area” concept, implemented by the Standing Rock Indian Reservation and other Great Plains tribes, to protect areas occupied by threatened and endangered species for the purposes of conservation, education, outreach and scientific research. He and his team will be responsible for the reintroduction and inventory of the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota.

“The Wildlife Society is grateful for Dr. Gutzmer’s dedication to enhancing wildlife conservation throughout the Great Plains region,” the awards committee announced, “and is pleased to present this award to him in recognition of his efforts.”

Click here for a complete list of 2020 TWS award winners. For more about this year’s virtual conference, click here.