Alligator River/Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge P. O. Box 1969 Manteo, North Carolina 27954 Contact: Bonnie Strawser - 252-473-1131 Back to News Home Page

News Release

February 22, 2006

photo credit: Bonnie Strawser
Scott Lanier reported for duty as the new Deputy Project Leader for Alligator River and Pea ISland National Wildlife Refuges on February 21, 2006

NC Native Son Returns to Management on Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Refuge Manager Mike Bryant announced today the recent arrival of Scott Lanier as the new Deputy Project Leader for Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges. Scott is a native of Lincolnton, NC and brings 22 years of refuge management experience to his new position.

In 1984, while still in college, Scott started his U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service career at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge as a student trainee. The following year, he continued his training at Alligator River and Pea Island before returning to North Carolina State University to complete his BS degree in Wildlife. After graduating, he returned to Alligator River and Pea Island Refuges, working as an assistant refuge manager until 1991.

Scott accepted his first deputy project leader position in 1991 at Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana and his second in 1994 at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama.

In 1997, Scott accepted his first project leader position at Carolina Sandhills and Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuges in South and North Carolina. He has remained in that position until his recent move.

Scott is excited to be back in North Carolina, and he's particularly happy to be on the Outer Banks. " I'm ready to get back to the NC Coast - red wolves, black bears, waterfowl, shorebirds, and everything that goes along with it !!!!", he explained. What attracted him back here? "Both my wife and I love this area. It's a great place to raise kids. These refuges are among the best in the system, and I'm looking forward to becoming an active part of what's happening on them. This is one of the few places that offered both- great refuges and resources and an excellent community to live in...."

Bryant is thrilled to have Scott on-board. "Scott brings the type of experience we need. His background as a project leader and his skills in dealing with a wide variety of people will serve us well. His quality of character and family focus will make him a great addition to our refuge family as well as to the community as a whole."

Scott and wife, Jami, have a daughter, Shelby, age 11 and a son, Aubrey, age 5. They plan to settle in Manteo.