Endangered Species Recovery Champions Announced: Northeast Region recipients from Cortland, N.Y., and Williamsburg, Va.

Endangered Species Recovery Champions Announced: Northeast Region recipients from Cortland, N.Y., and Williamsburg, Va.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall has announced the 16 recipients of the Services 2007 National Recovery Champion award. The Recovery Champion award recognizes outstanding contributions of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees and their partners toward recovering threatened and endangered species in the United States.

Award recipients in the Services Northeast Region are Robyn Niver, endangered species biologist with the New York Field Office in Cortland, N.Y., and Mitchell Byrd, Ph.D., and Bryan Watts, Ph.D., of the Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va.

Niver was honored for her leadership in endangered species recovery, especially on the extremely rare Chittenango ovate amber snail, on bog turtles, Indiana bats and Karner blue butterflies. She revitalized recovery efforts instrumental in improving the snails prospects for survival.

"Robyn is a highly resourceful recovery biologist who works tirelessly with many agencies and organizations on behalf of imperiled species," said Northeast Regional Director Marvin E. Moriarty. "Her work with partners on Indiana bat conservation is particularly valuable as we work to unravel the mystery of white-nose syndrome and the deaths of thousands of bats in the Northeast."

Byrd and Watts were honored for promoting the recovery of the bald eagle. Together, they founded the Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William and Mary in 1991. Their research has been used to evaluate development plans that could affect eagle habitat, to understand the ecology of Chesapeake Bay eagles, and to establish protected areas for eagles.

"Doctors Byrd and Watts exemplify leadership in research, advocacy, partnerships and habitat protection directly contributing to the recovery of the bald eagle, particularly in the unique and vital Chesapeake Bay region," said Moriarty.

"The Recovery Champion award not only recognizes the exceptional conservation accomplishments of the honorees, it also provides the public with a unique opportunity to learn about endangered species conservation," said Hall. "These Recovery Champions are extraordinary conservationists dedicated to protecting and restoring our nation's wildlife and ensuring that future generations of Americans enjoy the natural treasures we experience today."

The 2007 Recovery Champion honorees contributions to the conservation of our natural heritage benefit a broad range of endangered and threatened plants and animals. From manatees to mussels, Service employees and their partners have been working to recover our nations most imperiled wildlife. Habitat protection, public awareness campaigns, and the development of cutting-edge technology to achieve captive breeding success are just a few examples of this years Recovery Champion honorees efforts.

For additional information, please visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Recovery Champion Web site http://www.fws.gov/endangered/recovery/champions/index.html