U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall recently presented the first ever Rachel Carson Group Award for Scientific Excellence to members of the Habitat and Population Evaluation Team (HAPET), located in Fergus Falls.
HAPET, a division of the Services Migratory Birds Program, coordinates the agencys annual Waterfowl Breeding Population and Production Survey, a comprehensive report on the state of ducks, geese and swans in the Prairie Pothole Region. The team also coordinates surveys for a wide range of migratory birds. In addition to the Fergus Falls office, HAPET also has a station in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Stretching through Iowa, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Montana, and large portions of central Canada, the Prairie Pothole Region was once a haven for waterfowl and migratory birds. Due to agricultural development, it is now one of the most threatened waterfowl habitats in the world.
"HAPETs work is critical to informing the Services migratory bird and waterfowl management objectives," said John Christian, Assistant Regional Director for the Migratory Birds Program. "Their on-the-ground survey work allows us to make conservation decisions that maximize benefits to species and habitat in peril."
The team uses biological models and geographic information systems (GIS) technology to analyze migratory bird populations in the U.S. portion of the Prairie Pothole Region. Since 2000, HAPET has joined forces with multiple conservation partners including state agencies and NGOs to assist in biological data collection and analysis for a broad range of migratory bird species in the tall grass prairie region of the upper Midwest.
Members of the Fergus Falls HAPET office recognized in the Directors award presentation were Diane Granfors, Dan Hertel, Dawn Johnson, Fred Oslund and Tony Rondeau.
"Its an honor to lead this team," said Rex Johnson, Fergus Falls HAPET Team Leader. "We think we bring greater efficiency to Fish and Wildlife Service programs." As part of the award, HAPET will receive $50,000 from the Service to further the teams research and scientific work.
"Rachel Carson left a legacy beyond her years with the Fish and Wildlife Service," said Tom Melius, Midwest Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "HAPET demonstrates how Carsons dedication and work ethic live on throughout this agency." Carson began her career with the Service as an aquatic biologist, and later became the Services Editor in Chief of Publications. Both author and ecologist, she published numerous books on marine life and the dynamic relationship between humans and the environment.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov
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