The manager of one of the largest and most complex refuge systems in the nation, and the administrative officer at a refuge in the Rocky mountains, have won national recognition from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their contributions.
Each year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes outstanding staff at national wildlife refuges around the country. The 2003 Refuge Manager of the Year is Mike Rearden, who manages the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. The 2003 Refuge Employee of the Year is Ann Blakley, an administrative officer at the National Elk Refuge in Wyoming.
"I am continually impressed by the dedication of the staff at national wildlife refuges around the country," said Steve Williams, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "Anyone who
