Georgia Wildlife Federation Honors Skippy Reeves as Wildlife Conservationist of the Year at 2005 Traditions In Conservation Celebration

Contacts:
Jerry McCollum, Georgia Wildlife Federation, 770-787-7887

COVINGTON, GA: The Georgia Wildlife Federation (GWF) honored Folkston resident Skippy Reeves as its Wildlife Conservationist of the Year during recent Conservation Legacy Awards ceremonies at a banquet celebrating Traditions In Conservation. The event took place at the newly opened Charlie Elliott Conference Center in Newton County, Georgia.

As recently retired Refuge Manager of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge since 1993, Reeves has successfully guided the largest National Wildlife Refuge east of the Mississippi River through challenges ranging from mining threats to water quality degradation. He has emphasized important habitat strategies such as exotic species management and native habitat restoration.

“A forest would not be ecologically functional without wildlife – and a good steward,” said GWF president Jerry McCollum. “Skippy effectively developed partnerships and constantly provided ‘win-win’ opportunities to overcome the many environmental challenges he’s faced.”

The banquet, kickoff of the Georgia Wildlife Federation’s Traditions in Conservation weekend, spotlighted the newly opened Charlie Elliott Conference Center, located off Highway 11 south of Social Circle. The Center is a property of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division.

The Georgia Wildlife Federation is Georgia's oldest and largest private, non-profit conservation organization, and is the state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. More than 50,000 members of GWF include bird watchers, hunters, anglers, educators, gardeners, hikers – a diverse group of individuals united by concern and compassion for the environment.

Skippy Reeves receives award presented
by Lonice Barrett, Director of the Office of
Implementation for the Governor of Georgia.