Glenn Carowan, manager of Maryland's Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, has been selected as Refuge Manager of the Year by two nonprofit conservation organizations, according to Marvin Moriarty, northeast regional director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The award, presented annually by the National Wildlife Refuge Association (), recognizes the exceptional contributions of an individual manager in support of the Service's wildlife conservation mission.
As project leader of Blackwater, Martin, Susquehanna and Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuges, Carowan is credited with employing strong partnerships and sound science to protect and restore wetlands, forests and islands. Through a successful collaboration among several agencies, he led a campaign to remove nutria from the refuge and the surrounding Chesapeake Bay area. Native vegetation and wildlife have made a rapid comeback following the removal of these destructive large rodents, which were introduced from South America to the U.S. early in the 20th century.
Under Carowan's leadership, the refuge complex has implemented numerous efforts to restore marsh and wetland habitats lost to invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species and saltwater intrusion. In addition, he has worked with local leaders and the Friends of Blackwater to promote the expansion and renovation of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, improve interpretive and environmental education programs, expand hunting and fishing opportunities, and support heritage tourism.
During his 35 year career with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Carowan has worked on 27 national wildlife refuges in 7 states and served as the Service's manatee coordinator immediately prior to transferring to Cambridge, Maryland in 1989.
The Refuge Manager of the Year award is named in honor of Paul Kroegel, the first manager of the nation's first national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge , established in 1903 on Pelican Island, Florida. Carowan will receive the award later this month at the 71st North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Columbus, Ohio.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System (
