SEAFWA News

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) named Alvin A. Taylor the 2019 C. W. Watson Award winner at their annual meeting in Hilton Head, South Carolina this week. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the Association.

Taylor retired earlier this year after almost 42 years of service with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). He served as SCDNR Director from March 2012 until May 2019....

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) has received the 2019 Diversity Outreach and Education Award from the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) at their annual meeting in Hilton Head, South Carolina this week. The Oklahoma agency was recognized for forging fruitful partnerships to introduce students from diverse backgrounds to the outdoors through fishing.

“At a time when young people in cities are increasingly disconnected from nature and the outdoors, especially those from diverse backgrounds who may lack access or opportunity...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) named Gary Norman the 2019 Wildlife Biologist of the Year at their annual meeting in Hilton Head, South Carolina this week. Norman is the Forest Game Bird Project Leader for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF). 

“Gary has dedicated his life to promoting and conserving Virginia’s natural resources,” said Chuck Sykes, SEAFWA President. “After more than 30 years, he continues to look for opportunities to improve the understanding and management of upland game birds. We are proud to...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) presented Rhonda Hurst with a special recognition award at their annual meeting in Hilton Head, South Carolina this week. Hurst is the Executive Assistant to the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). She also serves as coordinator of the ODWC Wildlife Expo, one of the largest wildlife expos in the nation.  

“Rhonda lives and breathes for sharing her love of the outdoors with friends, family and neighbors across Oklahoma,” said Chuck Sykes, SEAFWA President. “Throughout...

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 Todd Ewing the 2019 Fisheries Biologist of the Year at their annual meeting in Hilton Head, South Carolina this week. Ewing is Assistant Chief of the Inland Fisheries Division with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 

“Todd’s work as a fisheries biologist has made him a leader in the conservation and management of many rare and imperiled aquatic nongame species,” SEAFWA President Chuck Sykes said. “His efforts are leading to positive outcomes in waterways not only in North Carolina,...

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has received the 2019 Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Award from the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) at their annual meeting in Hilton Head, South Carolina this week. The Alabama agency was recognized for multiple efforts to engage racial minorities, women and people with disabilities.

ADCNR has shown exceptional leadership in working to diversify its workforce, an important challenge that must be faced to better serve people of all backgrounds into the future. Their work...

Paul Johansen, Chief, Wildlife Resources Section, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, hosted the 2019 Spring Directors’  Meeting in Charleston, WV, April 3-5. Directors visited an elk restoration area where the habitat had been restored from mining operations.  Mining operations are still active in the immediate vicinity of the elk restoration area.

The Directors’ business meeting included a vote to extend the term of office from one (1) to two (2) years for President, Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer.  President Charles Sykes, Vice-President...

 Directors recognized Bob Duncan at the 2019 Spring Directors Meeting with a Resolution for his dedicated professional service to conservation, SEAFWA, and The Wildlife Society. Bob recently retired as the Director of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The professional wildlife community will miss Bob’s enthusiastic approach to “getting it done” for wildlife and fisheries.

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) named Melynda Hickman the 2018 Wildlife Biologist of the Year at their annual meeting in Mobile this week. Hickman is a Wildlife Diversity Biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC).

“Melynda was selected by her peers for a clear dedication to promoting and conserving Oklahoma’s natural resources,” SEAFWA President Chuck Sykes said. “Her engagement in public education events and programs establish connections with future generations that all of our state agencies and the wildlife we...