Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologist Charles Todd is a recipient of the national Recovery Champion Award presented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Mr. Todd, who is greatly respected by his co-workers and peers for restoring the bald eagle population in Maine, received the award Thursday night in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Director Rowan Gould announced the 18 recipients of the Service's 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."
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Roland "Danny" Martin commended Mr. Todds professionalism and scientific dedication in his work to return bald eagles to Maines blue skies and vast woodlands.
"Bald eagles were nearly extirpated from Maine," noted Martin. "In 1972 only 29 pairs of eagles remained here. Today, thanks in large part to Charlies efforts, there are at least 477 nesting pairs of eagles, annually producing more than 300 eaglets."
Mr. Todd is regarded as a veritable institution in Maine, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Director Marvin E. Moriarty. Todd is noted for his bald eagle work in the skies and on the ground - spotting habitat, protecting nest sites, rearing chicks, banding nestlings, rescuing injured birds, and providing eagles to other states to establish populations.
Applauded for his diplomatic approach and technical expertise, Mr. Todd has collaborated with Native American tribes, pulp and paper mills, the academic community, non-government organizations, and state and federal agencies, engaging landowners to ensure that nesting birds are safe from disturbance. He has given presentations to schools, universities, conservation groups and scientists, and he helped establish Maines first eagle Webcam.
A guiding force and mentor for eagle researchers, Todd is contributing to another legacy - stewardship through scholarship.
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 year's Recovery Champion honorees efforts.
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.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife are stewards of Maine's outdoors, working to preserve and protect Maine's natural resources, outdoor heritage and economic foundation. For more information, visit
