U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Director Rowan Gould today announced the 18 recipients of the Services 2008 Recovery Champion award. The Recovery Champion award recognizes Service employees and their partners for contributions to the recovery of threatened and endangered species in the United States.
; The Recovery Champion award both recognizes the exceptional conservation accomplishments of its honorees and highlights the importance of strong and diverse partnerships in species conservation," said Gould. "Recovery Champions are helping imperiled species regain their place in the natural resources fabric of our country while focusing attention on the importance of conserving our nation's biological heritage for future generations."
; Award winner Barbara Douglas energy and ability to influence others to take action are having widespread benefits for endangered species in West Virginia, according to Regional Director Marvin E. Moriarty. Douglas worked with partners to complete a multi-year survey of 100 miles of the Elk River for mussel species, identifying threats, mapping habitat types, and focusing on areas for protection and augmenting mussel beds.
; Through an Ohio River Basin partnership, Douglas is conserving fish and mussels including three Endangered Species Act-protected species with the goal of a joint venture under the National Fish Habitat Action Plan.
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; Responding to the threat of white-nose syndrome killing bats, Douglas has surveyed for the syndrome, worked with landowners to close caves, developed decontamination procedures for caving gear, and addressed 2,000 cavers at a national convention. She led a group that constructed a bat gate at Trout Cave, a priority hibernacula for endangered Indiana bats and other bat species.
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; Douglas, a biologist, works in the Services West Virginia Field Office based in Elkins.
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; The 2008 Recovery Champion honorees are working to benefit a range of endangered and threatened plants and animals. From whooping cranes to mussels, Service employees and partners such as universities, conservation agencies, and private organizations are devoting their resources to a shared mission. Habitat restoration, public awareness campaigns, and species monitoring programs are just a few examples of this years Recovery Champion honorees efforts.
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; For additional information, please visit the Services Recovery Champion Web site at: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/recovery/champions/index.html
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works 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 a 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 www.fws.gov.
