Section honors Prairie Pothole leaders

The Central Mountains and Plains Section of The Wildlife Society has recognized 28 Prairie Pothole project leaders and refuge managers with the Executive Group Achievement Award.

This unique award recognizes the outstanding contributions these wildlife professionals have made to conservation through enhancing legacy landowner partnerships.

During a virtual event on Sept. 24, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional  Director Noreen Walsh and Acting Assistant Regional Director for Refuges Maureen Gallagher offered their congratulations and emphasized that the work of these professionals has been critical to enhancing wildlife conservation efforts across North America.

The recipients are Dave Azure, Paul Halko, Matt Sprenger, Kathy Baer, Natoma Hansen, John Takala, Jonathan Beyer, Brad Johnson, Kurt Tompkins, Jeff Dion, Jared Newton, Matt VanThuyne, Robin Donahue, Tom Pabian, Brian Vose, Frank Durbian, Jay Peterson, Stacy Whipp, Mick Erickson, Kory Richardson, Gary Williams, Patrick Fitzmorris, Chris Roed, Scott Williams, Todd Frerichs, Bryan Schultz, Chad Zorn and Dan Severson.

Then-TWS President Gary White and recent CMPS Representative to TWS Council Bob Lanka shared their enthusiasm for the “in the field” efforts of these professionals. Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, and North Dakota Natural Resources Trust leaders also added their applause and recounted stories of the extraordinary difference these professionals have made for populations of waterfowl, grassland birds, and pollinators in North America.

Each award recipient will receive a personalized certificate in honor of their vital work protecting 3.1 million acres of wetland and grassland easements essential for 50% of upland duck production in North America.