On March 7, 2012, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar presented U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region Deputy Regional Director Charlie Wooley with the Distinguished Service Award.
Wooley's active leadership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been marked by his ability to build consensus and inspire members of the conservation community to apply common sense solutions to the Great Lakes' most difficult challenges. His capability in identifying limiting factors affecting fish and wildlife resources has led to significant restoration milestones.
Wooley was instrumental in establishing the Great Lakes Fishery Trust, an innovative cooperative that restores fishery resources from losses caused by the operation of hydroelectric facilities. He also led field, regional and national efforts to identify natural resources injured by contaminants, recover damages from those responsible, and undertake restorations.
On behalf of the Department of the Interior, he negotiated one of the earliest, large settlements nationally for the Saginaw River in Michigan and continues to lead Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration program activities across the region.
As a Service Deputy Regional Director, Wooley has a special affinity and appreciation for the day-to-day work of field biologists across all organizations. He makes himself available to all employees and his coaching, guidance, and caring are hallmarks of a generous leader.
The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honorary recognition an employee can receive within the Department of Interior. It is granted for outstanding contribution to science, outstanding skill or ability in the performance of duty, an eminent career in the Department, an outstanding record in administration, outstanding contribution to energy conservation, or any other outstanding contribution to public service.
