SEAFWA News

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...

SEAFWA directors honored and celebrated the commitment, dedication, and leadership, of Rusty Garrison as he retired from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (GDNR) after 39 years of professional experience serving the public in the field of fish and wildlife conservation.

Rusty held positions Director of Wildlife Resources Division, Assistant Chief of Game Management with (GDNR), Program Manager...

SEAFWA directors honored and celebrated the commitment, dedication and leadership, of Ed Carter as he retired from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) after 49 years of professional experience serving the public in the field of fish and wildlife conservation.

Ed held positions in the Divisions of Law Enforcement, Information and Education, TWRA Region 2 Assistant Manager, and Chief of the TWRA Boating Division until March of...

While conducting aerial surveys for desert bighorn sheep in West Texas on Saturday, Aug. 8, three Texas Parks and Wildlife Department employees died in a helicopter crash on TPWD’s Black Gap Wildlife Management Area in Brewster County.

The victims include Wildlife Biologist Dewey Stockbridge, Fish and Wildlife Technician Brandon White, and State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Bob Dittmar. The pilot, a private contractor, survived the crash and was transported to El Paso for further treatment.

“No words can begin to express the depth of sadness we feel for the loss of our...

The purpose of the Fish and Wildlife Relevancy Roadmap is to serve as a guide to help agencies and organizations enhance conservation through broader engagement. It fulfilled the second recommendation of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America’s Diverse Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The Wildlife Management Institute received a grant through the Multistate Conservation Grant Program to assist state agencies who would like to begin putting the roadmap into action.

To learn more information about the Fish and...