SEAFWA News

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...

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,...