Recovery Champions are U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff and their partners whose work is advancing the recovery of endangered and threatened species of plants and animals.
Region 1
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Special Agent Keith Swindle
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Strategically exercising his enforcement authority, Special Agent Keith Swindle has brought legal action to bear on chronic violations of the Endangered Species Act in Hawaii, particularly on behalf of the threatened Newell's shearwater. Collaborating with stakeholders, he brought about the first significant reductions in the major cause of the decline of the shearwater and other night-flying birds—their attraction to artificial lights and related collisions with power lines in the urbanized areas of Kauai. Agent Swindle's approach has also generated partnerships with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, American Bird Conservancy, Hawaii Department of Fish and Wildlife, Hawaii Department of Transportation, County of Kauai, Hawaii State House Representative Mina Morita, and private businesses such as Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, and Norwegian Cruise Lines.
Partner(s)
Robert Robichaux, Ph.D.
Hawaiian Silversword Foundation
Since the 1980s Dr. Robert Robichaux has led the way in conserving endangered Hawaiian plants and their ecosystems. After founding the Hawaiian Silversword Foundation with like-minded scientists, Dr. Robichaux has protected 50,000 acres of vulnerable native habitats – from lush rainforests to the arid slopes of volcanic mountains – and reintroduced 33,000 Mauna Loa silversword seedlings and 3,500, haha seedlings. His work supports research on the genetics and taxonomy of silverswords. Among recovery partners are the Volcano Rare Plant Facility, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Biological Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey, Hawaii Department of Public Safety, Kamehameha Schools, The Nature Conservancy, USDA Forest Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, private landowners, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Region 2
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Bill Radke
San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge
Bill Radke's mission is conserving endangered and threatened species – especially the Yaqui chub – on the San Bernardino and Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuges and creating a climate for partnerships. Stewardship of the 200 Yaqui chub saved from the drought of 1969 established a population that became the recovery stock and met the downlisting criteria. Bill Radke has engaged private landowners in linking the health of their ranches to the overall health of the ecosystem, increasing the security of aquatic habitats on the Refuges for native fish species and expanding their range. Playing a key role in the Leslie Canyon Watershed Safe Harbor Agreement, the Malpai Borderlands Group's Safe Harbor Agreement for the Chiricahua leopard frog, and El Coronado Ranch's Habitat Conservation Plan, he has generated good will that promises further achievements.
Partner(s)
Patrick Valentino
Mexican Wolf Fund
In creating a private fund to help conserve the endangered Mexican wolf by minimizing predator-livestock conflicts, Patrick Valentino has implemented an innovative, pragmatic program that has engaged the most affected stakeholders as recovery partners. Since 2006, the Mexican Wolf Fund has raised more than $300,000 in grants and donations to help fund on-the-ground solutions with ranchers to continue their traditional lifestyles while helping to retain the wildlife heritage of the Southwest. Working with landowners, the organization has resolved issues with more than 11 wolf packs and thousands of sheep and cattle. The initiative features building predator-proof fencing or "deter" fencing to protect livestock; installing noise machines to warn off wolves; providing diversionary food to reduce depredations; segregating vulnerable calves in "defensible" areas; and hiring range-riders.
Region 3
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Linda Nichols
Lucinda Ochoada
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
In administering a $1.835 million Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grant, Fish and Wildlife Service colleagues Lucinda Ochoada and Linda Nichols made possible the acquisition of the last large tract – 8.6 acres – of undeveloped shoreline and adjacent uplands of Ohio's South Bass Island, a popular area that is experiencing growth pressures and is essential to the Lake Erie watersnake, a threatened species. Lucinda Ochoada and Linda Nichols facilitated negotiations and made sure that the project met all financial standards. The grant to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, Put-In Bay Township Park District, and other area partners completed recovery actions for the Lake Erie watersnake, enabling the Service to propose it for delisting—and establishing a preserve to benefit a range of species of fish and wildlife and plants.
Partner(s)
Dr. Marian Smith
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Retired
Botanist, researcher, educator, and author, Dr. Marian Smith has become the recognized authority on the life history, management, and recovery of the decurrent false aster, a fugitive species that lives on moist, sandy, floodplains and prairie wetlands along the Illinois River. Threatened by soil runoff that smothers seeds and seedlings, the decurrent false aster relies on periodic flooding to scour away competing plants. Dr. Smith has recommended land management practices to benefit the species, developed new population and artificial propagation methodologies, and created seed storage methods for genetic diversity. She has written more than 16 scientific papers – many with her students – and has become the leading advocate for the decurrent false aster, promoting conservation through workshops and presentations.
Region 4
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Bob Butler
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
With his years of experience and immense knowledge of fauna in drainages from the Great Lakes to Florida, Bob Butler has become a vital resource to conservationists working on our nation's most endangered aquatic species. As a writer, editor, and field biologist, Bob Butler is a leader in initiatives on behalf of mussels and crayfish that are facing severe threats including unmanaged development and extensive drought. The recovery leader for fishes and mussels including wide-ranging species such as the pink mucket, he has provided essential monitoring and survey data, organized mussel "blitzes" to find critical species, and provided a unique "big picture" approach that spans states and regions. Leading projects to recover mussels and fishes in the Tennessee and Cumberland River drainages, Bob Butler has developed a restoration plan across five states.
Partner(s)
Steve A. Ahlstedt
U.S. Geological Survey, Retired
Steve Alhstedt has led freshwater mussel recovery for more than 30 years, coordinating initiatives in the richest drainages in 10 southeastern States. Beginning with his Master's work, Steve Ahlstedt has provided vital monitoring data for mussels throughout the Tennessee River Basin in scholarship that is documented in more than 75 publications. Along with conducting field studies and status assessments that were key factors in Endangered Species Act listings, he has prepared recovery plans for 14 mussel species. Steve Ahlstedt has led restoration projects in the Tennessee, Cumberland, Coosa, and Mobile River drainages. Known for his ability to tell a story and create awareness about freshwater mussels, he is a strong "voice" for both the fauna and the rivers that are their homes.
Misty Buchanan
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program
As the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program botanist, Misty Buchanan has expanded our knowledge of the 27 listed plant species in the State through surveys that documented the number of populations, as well as their distribution, status, and health. Applying that knowledge, she has worked closely with the Plant Conservation Program, The Nature Conservancy, Wildlife Resources Commission, and land trusts on recovery initiatives throughout North Carolina. In providing expertise to the Fish and Wildlife Service – especially to field offices in Asheville and Raleigh – Misty Buchanan has helped to prepare five-year reviews, served as a peer-reviewer for draft recovery plans, helped to propose critical habitat designations for species such as the golden sedge, and provided technical assistance in biological opinions for consultations.
Region 5
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Mark McCollough, Ph.D.
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Dr. Mark McCollough's leadership on behalf of endangered and threatened species—especially for those with highly vocal constituencies – such as the Canada lynx and eastern cougar – has been characterized by biological integrity, honest communication, and dedication to conservation. He developed the lynx recovery outline and critical habitat designation, led the initiative to restore habitat under the Healthy Forest Reserve Program in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and prepared biological opinions including one for a highway reconstruction and widening project in the core of lynx range. In conducting the cougar status review, he engaged 20 States and three Canadian provinces and reconciled opposing taxonomic perspectives. For the Furbish's lousewort, his threats analysis increased clarity on issues, focused recovery needs, and facilitated cooperation with landowners along the St. John's River.
Partner(s)
Heidi Holman
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Lindsay M. Webb
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Steven Fuller, Ph.D.
Wildlife Management Institute
Heidi Holman, Lindsay Webb, and Steven Fuller have brought the endangered Karner blue butterfly from the point of extirpation in New Hampshire to thousands of members of the species in wild populations. While restoring 125 acres of Concord pine barrens – especially at the airport and around it – the team created a captive-breeding program, releasing 5000 Karner blues within the State capital, directly supporting the recovery plan. In 2009 and 2010, the program produced 17,000 Karner blue butterfly eggs, almost 10,000 caterpillars, and 6,000 adults and returned 2,550 Karner blue pupae to New York to supplement small populations. Among partners are the New Hampshire Army Reserve National Guard, the Roger Williams Park Zoo, the City of Concord, and Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
Region 6
Partner(s)
Dan Carney
Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife
It's fair to say that without wildlife biologist Dan Carney and the support of the Blackfeet Tribal Council, grizzly bear recovery would not have been achieved in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem. Dan Carney's long-term dedication has resulted in grizzly bears reoccupying hundreds of square miles of habitat across the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Building trust with area residents for the past 23 years, he has developed a comprehensive management and research program that serves the needs of Tribal members and non-Tribal members on the Reservation while at the same time recovering the grizzly bear. Often on-call 24 hours a day in the spring, summer, and fall, Dan Carney has responded to bear/human conflicts on the huge Reservation. His fellow-biologists know him as a leader.
Piping Plover Recovery Team
Brent Jamison
Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Kirsten Brennan
Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge
Michael Rabenberg
Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Craig Hultberg
Audubon National Wildlife Refuge
Connie Mueller
Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge
Eric Rosenquist
The Nature Conservancy
In Montana and North Dakota, the Alkali Lakes Piping Plover Team has nearly doubled the population of the endangered species and restored prairie habitat for a range of wildlife. While some piping plovers nest on refuges, most breed on the shorelines on private property such as The Nature Conservancy's 2100-acre Williams Preserve. Thanks to partnerships with 150 landowners, piping plover team members build cages to protect nests from predators and track bird pairs from the time they make a "nest scrape" until the chicks fledge. In the off-season, the team fences beaches, provides water sources for cattle so that plover nests and chicks will not be crushed, removes rock piles that house predators, uproots trees to remove raptor perches, and replants prairies to reduce runoff and sedimentation in the lakes.
Region 7
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Neesha Stellrecht
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
For a decade, Neesha Stellrecht has conserved the Steller's eider and spectacled eider on the North Slope of Alaska through an outreach program that has reduced illegal harvest, lead shot ingestion, and nest disturbance. She has built trust through interpersonal relationships. Teaching high school students about waterfowl conservation while they gained job experience working on a Steller's eider research project in Barrow, Neesha Stellrecht has also conveyed a stewardship message to the next generation of hunters and citizens through North Slope Bird and Culture Camps. She has bolstered waterfowl identification skills, promoted the use of steel shot, and alerted the community to the health effects of lead. Partners include the Bureau of Land Management, North Slope Borough, Ukpeakvik Inupiat Corporation, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Partner(s)
Yamashina Institute for Ornithology
For nearly 20 years, Kiyoaki Ozaki, Tomohiro Deguchi, Fumio Sato and others at the Yamashina Institute have helped recover the short-tailed albatross, a seabird that spends time in Alaska and migrates throughout the North Pacific. Pioneering methods for establishing colonies, staff members have raised chicks, fledging every single one that they captured and moved—without information on husbandry of the endangered species. The Yamashina Institute created a safe haven away from the unpredictable conditions of the main colony on volcanic Torishima Island and established a nesting colony using decoys and recorded colony sounds with such success that the decoys and sounds are no longer needed. Further, the Institute initiated satellite tracking to determine migration routes and year-round distribution, providing critical information to managers working to prevent harm from interactions with commercial fisheries.
Region 8
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Sandy Vissman
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Sandy Vissman's initiatives in recovering the San Clemente Island loggerhead shrike have resulted in the increase of the population from 14 birds to more than 300 in its range on a southern California Channel Island owned by the U.S. Navy. The achievement is the result of her leadership to engage and partner with the U.S. Navy to promote conservation without impeding its military training mission. She worked with a team in creating a captive-breeding project for the endangered species, genetically managing the breeding project, releasing shrikes into the wild, conducting censuses, and controlling predators such as rats and feral cats. Our partners include the U.S. Navy, Zoological Society of San Diego, Institute for Wildlife Studies, Point Reyes Bird Observatory, the Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services, and San Diego State University.
Partner(s)
Michael Mace
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
"Creative and interested in working through the hard questions," Michael Mace is a central figure in conserving endangered species, including the California condor and light-footed clapper rail. When the very survival of the California condor was in question, he advocated the capture of the last remaining wild condors with the vision of restoring populations through captive-breeding. Today, 192 California condors are soaring in the wild, while others are enrolled in propagation programs or are on exhibition in popular facilities such as Mexico's Chapultepec Zoo. Michael Mace has also devoted his expertise to recovering the light-footed clapper rail. A partnership with San Diego Zoo's Safari Park, Sea World, Chula Vista Nature Center, conservation biologists, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has produced steady growth in the wild population from 163 pairs in 1989 to a record 443 pairs in 2007.
Duckwater Shoshone Tribe
Translating funding into a conservation legacy, the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe has restored the Railroad Valley springfish in the two thermal springs on the Reservation, establishing self-sustaining populations of the threatened species, a tiny desert fish. After restoring 90 acres of wetlands and two miles of a stream through a $450,000 project, the Tribe reintroduced the springfish through a Safe Harbor Agreement that ensures that the Tribe has the continued use of its historic water rights and that the reintroduced population exceeds the recovery goal. Then the Tribe restored Little Warm Spring, adding 25 more acres for recovery. The projects required removing an irrigation infrastructure and an old aquaculture facility, reconstructing the spring head, rebuilding the historical stream channel, and installing a public education boardwalk where people can view the springfish in its natural habitat.
