SEAFWA News

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 the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Wheatley Distinguished Professor of Deer Management Karl Miller, Ph.D. the 2018 C. W. Watson Award winner at their annual meeting in Mobile this week. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the Association.

“While the careers of many wildlife professionals focus on one general area, Dr. Miller’s accomplishments encompass white-tailed deer management practices, forest management impacts to wildlife habitat, and the education of future wildlife professionals,” said...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies named Andy Barnes the 2018 Colonel Bob Brantley Wildlife Officer of the Year at their annual meeting in Mobile this week. Barnes is a conservation officer for the Missouri Department of Conservation.

“Today’s conservation enforcement officers wear many hats. They assist other law enforcement officers with everything from search and rescue to manhunts. They are the primary face of our state agencies to the public. They mentor, educate, promote, serve and protect,” SEAFWA President Chuck Sykes said. “Agent Barnes...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies named the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) as the 2018 SEAFWA Diversity and Inclusion Award winner at their annual meeting in Mobile this week. The ADCNR’s Collegiate Mentoring Program assists minority students who desire to work with fish and wildlife agencies in gaining meaningful hands-on experience with different outdoor activities.

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies named the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) as the 2018 SEAFWA...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) is an organization whose members are the state and federal agencies with primary responsibility for management and protection of the fish and wildlife resources in 16 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Its objectives are to cultivate friendly relations and mutual understanding among officials engaged in natural resources conservation and to coordinate the programs they administer. SEAFWA also promotes public understanding and appreciation of the importance of conserving natural resources and encourages...

Nominations are being accepted for the 2018 C. W. Watson Award. The Award is given to the nominee who has contributed the most to any of the appropriate areas of fish and wildlife conservation in the southeast.

The Award can be given for a single accomplishment or a series of nonrelated items. According to Committee Chair, Bob Duncan, “The level of competition is so keen for this Award that the category of Career Achievement comes to my mind although the Award is not based on tenure or length of service”.

This year’s C. W. Watson Award Committee is chaired by Director...

One hundred years ago, wildlife biologists began determining which plant species provided food and cover for ducks and geese and then how to manage coastal wetlands to promote those plants. Within decades, that knowledge was the basis for managing water levels, water salinity, fire, and land acquisition on the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts. By the end of the last century, that knowledge also was being used to improve habitat for wading birds, shorebirds, and other associated species habitat and also in efforts to combat coastal wetland loss.

Today,...

In 1905, a Florida game warden named Guy Bradley became the first wildlife law enforcement agent killed while performing his duties to protect the nation’s wildlife. Law enforcement agents like Bradley are essential to virtually every aspect of wildlife conservation, from recovering endangered species to managing waterfowl and big game resources.  In honor of Guy Bradley, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation established this lifetime achievement award to recognize individuals for their commitment and performance in the field of wildlife law enforcement.

The Guy Bradley...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies named Brad Hasamear the 2017 Colonel Bob Brantley Wildlife Officer of the Year at their annual meeting in Louisville this week. Stewart is a senior conservation officer for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

“Today’s Conservation Enforcement Officers must be educator, mentor, public relations officer, hunting and fishing promoter, search and rescue professional, and law enforcement,” SEAFWA President Alvin Taylor said. “Senior Officer Hasamear meets every one of these demands with a positive...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) named the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s former Southeast Regional Director Cindy Dohner the 2017 C. W. Watson Award winner at their annual meeting in Louisville this week. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the Association.

“Cindy has been a visionary in wildlife management and partnership engagement,” said SEAFWA President Alvin Taylor. “Conservation leaders across the nation are looking at her groundbreaking efforts to establish a unified, all-encompassing plan for conservation in her region, and...