SEAFWA News

The National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI) recognized the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies at its Director’s Meeting during the group’s annual conference.  The Director’s Firebird Award was presented to Curtis Hopkins, Executive Secretary, and Paul Johansen, President, for unparalleled support in a time of need.  The award is reserved for contributions worthy of national recognition towards the advancement of bobwhite conservation.  

The NBCI was navigating an operational transition from the University of Tennessee to...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) bestowed a Special Recognition Award upon the Oklahoma Fishing Trail during their 74th annual meeting, held virtually Oct. 26-28. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) and Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) collaborated on the initiative to increase fishing participation across the state.

“This collaborative initiative boosted tourism in Oklahoma, increased fishing participation, and had great economic returns for the state,” SEAFWA President Paul Johansen said.

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The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) bestowed a Special Recognition Award upon Oklahoma's Outdoors Are Always Open communication campaign during their 74th annual meeting, held virtually Oct. 26-28. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) implemented the campaign to promote outdoor recreation during the trying times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“While so many things were closed or uncertain during this unprecedented year, ODWC's Information and Education Division worked long hours and weekends to bring a ray of good news - the...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) named the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) the 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Award winner during their 74th annual meeting, held virtually Oct. 26-28. The program's intent is to engage underrepresented audiences in outdoor recreation and nature.

“This program is an essential component to TPWD's goal of diversifying the audiences visiting Texas State Parks and utilizing agency programs as well as increasing Texas residents' connection to natural and cultural...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) bestowed a Special Recognition Award upon the Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center (AABC) during their 74th annual meeting, held virtually Oct. 26-28. AABC is the largest state non-game recovery program of its kind in the nation. Its mission is to promote the conservation and restoration of rare freshwater species in Alabama waters and, in turn, restore cleaner water in the state's waterways.

“Many species of mollusks, like the spiny...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) bestowed the Clarence W. Watson Award upon Dr. Leandro Esteban "Steve" Miranda during its 74th annual meeting, held virtually Oct. 26-28.

Miranda has been a prominent freshwater fisheries biologist for the USGS Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit since 1986.The award is the highest honor given by the Association and is presented in conjunction with the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society and the Southeastern Section of the Wildlife Society.

“Dr. Steve Miranda is one...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) named Corporal Mac Davis the 2020 Colonel Bob Brantley Wildlife Officer of the Year at their 74th annual meeting, held virtually Oct. 26-28. Davis has 20 years of law enforcement experience, including seven with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).

“Our conservation officers do so much more than the already daunting task of law enforcement, and Corporal Davis is no exception,” SEAFWA President Paul Johansen said. “From coordinating fishing derbies for nursing home residents to hosting antler shed hunting...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) named Jeff Evans the 2020 Fisheries Biologist of the Year at their 74th annual meeting, held virtually Oct. 26-28. Evans has been the Superintendent of the Watha State Fish Hatchery for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), for nearly 30 years.

“Evans has been an invaluable asset to the NCWRC, and his influence has extended well beyond North Carolina,” SEAFWA President Paul Johansen said. “His efforts have significantly advanced the science of fish propagation and have substantially expanded...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) named Felicia Sanders the 2020 Wildlife Biologist of the Year at their 74th annual meeting, held virtually Oct. 26-28. Sanders is the Coastal Bird Conservation Project Supervisor for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), where she has worked since 2001.

“Sanders has led the state's coastal bird management and built an internationally recognized program,” SEAFWA President Paul Johansen said. “Throughout her career, she has been a dedicated champion for coastal birds, and her work has...

SEAFWA directors honored and celebrated the commitment, dedication, and leadership of Gordon Myers as he retired from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) after over 30 years of professional experience serving the public in the field of fish and wildlife conservation; including 12 years as Executive Director.

Gordon thrives on new challenges and encourages this attitude in all who work for him; he approaches problems...