SEAFWA News

The MINRC Committee is pleased to announce the 2016 SEAFWA Diversity and Inclusion Awards winners in the categories of workforce diversity and diversity outreach.  The winners, chosen by a small group of volunteers with the SEAFWA MINRC Committee, were judged on their commitment to diversity and inclusion, the effectiveness of their programs, and any partnership developed and used to support their diversity and inclusion goals.

The winner of the workforce diversity and inclusion award is the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), for their outstanding...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies named W. Matthew Knox the 2016 Wildlife Biologist of the Year at their annual meeting in Baton Rouge this week. Knox is the deer project co-leader for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF).

“Matt has made significant contributions to important regional and national deer management initiatives,” SEAFWA President Gordon Myers said. “He is depended upon for wisdom and experience on myriad deer-related issues by his peers as evidenced by his being selected to represent wildlife agency deer biologists on...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies named Willard E. “Wes” Stewart the 2016 Colonel Bob Brantley Wildlife Officer of the Year at their annual meeting in Baton Rouge this week. Stewart is a private first class conservation officer for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

“Each state submits the officer recognized as their officer of the year for consideration of this award, and each and every one of these individuals is deserving of recognition and appreciation,” SEAFWA President Gordon Myers said. “Stewart is certainly not only a great asset...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies named John Fischer, DVM, Ph.D. of Athens, Georgia the 2016 C. W. Watson Award winner at their annual meeting in Baton Rouge this week. This award is the highest honor bestowed by the Association.

“Dr. Fischer’s extensive research and associated wildlife disease experience, which spans more than 25 years, has been critical to informing state fish and wildlife agency conservation strategies for decades. His knowledge, understanding of the state and federal wildlife management systems, and ability to bring people to...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) named Dennis Riecke the 2016 Fisheries Biologist of the Year at their annual meeting in Baton Rouge this week. Riecke is a fisheries biologist for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

Dennis Riecke named 2016 SEAFWA Fisheries Biologist of the Year

BATON ROUGE – Oct. 19, 2016 – The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) named Dennis Riecke the 2016 Fisheries Biologist of the Year at their annual meeting in Baton Rouge this week. Riecke is a fisheries...

Beginning October 1, 2016, Rusty Garrison began serving as the Director of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. 

Garrison has been with DNR for 18 years, having served most recently as the manager of the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia. He has served in numerous other capacities, including Assistant Chief of Game Management, State Coordinator of Project WILD, and Chief of the DNR Mountain Search and Rescue Team. Before his career with DNR, Garrison worked for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service...

J.D. Strong, executive director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and former Oklahoma Secretary of the Environment, was selected by the eight-member Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission to serve as the new Director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

"I firmly believe that sustainably managing and protecting Oklahoma's incredible natural resources is one of our most critical duties to fuel our future prosperity," J.D. Strong, executive director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, who was selected to be the next Director of the Oklahoma Department...

Commissioners unanimously approved Jeff Crow as director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at today’s monthly meeting.

Crow, AGFC chief of staff, will assume the role of director July 1. He will replace Mike Knoedl, who is retiring after 31 years with the agency. Crow will be the agency’s 17th director in its 101-year history.  

“I’m very humbled by the Commission’s decision, but I also am very confident moving forward,” Crow said. “The direction and support this Commission has given Director Knoedl and myself gives me that confidence. The staff of the...

Governor John Bel Edwards has appointed former Congressman Charlie Melancon, a native of Napoleonville, La., as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Secretary Melancon replaces Robert Barham who previously served as the Department’s Secretary since 2008.

Melancon’s chief duty as Secretary will be to manage, conserve and promote wise utilization of Louisiana's renewable fish and wildlife resources and their supporting habitats through replenishment, protection, enhancement, research, development and education for the social and economic benefit of...

Click here to download the 2015 SEAFWA HFWP Committee Report on recruitment and retention of hunters, fishermen and other fish and wildlife users in the Southeast. The report identifies top recruitment and retention programs among the Southeastern states and addresses the charge and goals of the Committee.