Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

Three recent recipients of the Minorities in Natural Resource Conservation Technical Committee’s (MINRC) scholarships to attend SEAFWA’s annual conference have joined the professional ranks with agencies in the southeast.  Abby Florez is a Wildlife Refuge Specialist in Georgia, Lavendar Harris is also in Georgia as a Wildlife Biologist, and Cerise Mensah is an Environmental/Natural Resources Specialist in Mississippi.

MINRC’s mission is to increase the overall representation of minorities and women in professional occupations within the field of natural resource conservation...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) named Cole Edwards the 2019 Colonel Bob Brantley Wildlife Officer of the Year at their annual meeting in Hilton Head, South Carolina this week. Edwards is a conservation officer for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP).

“Today’s conservation enforcement officer must be an educator, mentor, public relations officer, hunting and fishing promoter, search and rescue professional and law enforcement,” said Chuck Sykes, SEAFWA President. “Corporal Cole Edwards meets every one of these...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) named Tom Holman the 2018 Fisheries Biologist of the Year at their annual meeting in Mobile this week. Holman has been a fisheries biologist for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) since 1988.

“Tom has provided unwavering leadership in fisheries research and management for Mississippi’s state agency for three decades,” SEAFWA President Chuck Sykes said. “His efforts and outstanding reputation are appreciated beyond the borders of the Magnolia State, and this award clearly...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) named Dennis Riecke the 2016 Fisheries Biologist of the Year at their annual meeting in Baton Rouge this week. Riecke is a fisheries biologist for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

Dennis Riecke named 2016 SEAFWA Fisheries Biologist of the Year

BATON ROUGE – Oct. 19, 2016 – The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) named Dennis Riecke the 2016 Fisheries Biologist of the Year at their annual meeting in Baton Rouge this week. Riecke is a fisheries...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies named John Gruchy the 2015 Wildlife Biologist of the Year at their annual meeting in Asheville this week. Gruchy is the private lands coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

“John’s passion for putting wildlife habitat on the ground, technical abilities and gift for effectively working with partners have improved wildlife habitat on thousands of acres in Mississippi. He is clearly a leader in the realm of private lands conservation, a critical avenue for providing the habitat needs of...