Game and Parks appoints McCoy as director

Posted on September 30, 2021 by admin

shawna richter-ryerson September 29, 2021 Comments Offon Game and Parks appoints McCoy as director

Tim McCoy was selected as the new director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on September 29, 2021. He will succeed Jim Douglas, who is retiring November 2, 2021. Eric Fowler, September 29, 2021. Copyright NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioners on Sept. 29 appointed Tim McCoy to become the agency’s new director.

McCoy, currently the deputy director, succeeds Jim Douglas, who is retiring Nov. 2 following 47 years at Nebraska Game and Parks, the last nine as director.

“I am honored to be selected as the next director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission,” McCoy said. “It is a unique privilege and responsibility to lead the stewardship of Nebraska’s fish, wildlife and park resources and provide diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation.”

Said Dan Kreitman, Commission chairman: “The Board of Commissioners extends our thanks and appreciation to Jim Douglas for his 47 years with the Game and Parks Commission.

“We welcome Tim McCoy as the new director; he has the education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully lead the Commission. We are honored to volunteer with the Commission and work directly with Tim, connecting people to our natural resources and supporting conservation in Nebraska.”

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Dave Chanda Named New RBFF President & CEO

Posted on September 30, 2021 by admin

Chanda Will Work with RBFF Leadership to Increase Fishing & Boating Participation

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (September 30, 2021) — The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today announced Dave Chanda as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. In his new role, Chanda will manage all aspects of RBFF operations and assume responsibility for meeting the strategic goals set by RBFF leadership.

Chanda, who originally joined the RBFF team in 2017 as Vice President of State & Federal Engagement, brings to the role more than 30 years of leadership expertise. “What an incredible honor to be selected to lead RBFF,” said Chanda. “I have had a 23-year long association with this organization and have always been a steadfast supporter of their goals and mission. I look forward to continuing to work with this talented team as we continue to grow fishing and boating opportunities throughout the country.”

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Jeb Williams New North Dakota Director

Posted on August 26, 2021 by admin

Monday, August 23, 2021 – 12:00 pm

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed Wildlife Division Chief Jeb Williams to serve as the next director of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, effective Aug. 24, citing his broad experience and leadership during his 22-year career with the agency.  

Williams joined the Game and Fish Department in 1999 and has served in a variety of roles including natural resource technician and biologist, outreach biologist and wildlife resource management supervisor. He was named chief of the department’s Wildlife Division in 2014 after having served as assistant wildlife chief since 2011.

“Jeb has a strong track record as a highly capable leader on issues affecting fish and wildlife resources and as an effective communicator in relating those issues to North Dakota’s hunters and anglers and the general public,” Burgum said. “His extensive background, commitment to public service and trusted leadership within Game and Fish will benefit North Dakota citizens and the management of our state’s abundant wildlife resources.”

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Surveillance Data Shows White-Tailed Deer Exposed to SARS-CoV-2

Posted on July 30, 2021 by admin

Published: July 28, 2021

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Contact: APHISpress@usda.gov

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently completed a study that analyzed serum samples from free-ranging white-tailed deer for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). Results of the study indicate that certain white-tailed deer populations in Illinois, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania were exposed to SARS-CoV-2.

Samples were obtained opportunistically as part of wildlife damage management activities conducted by APHIS Wildlife Services across 32 counties in the 4 states. These samples were tested at APHIS’ National Wildlife Research Center and National Veterinary Services Laboratories. Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 33% of the 481 samples collected from January 2020 through 2021. None of the deer populations surveyed showed signs of clinical illness associated with SARS-CoV-2.

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Historic, Bipartisan Bill Will Galvanize Wildlife Recovery

Posted on July 26, 2021 by admin

  • Lacey McCormick, National Wildlife Federation
  • Jul 20, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. — New legislation from U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) will dedicate $1.4 billion annually to proactive, voluntary, locally-led efforts to recover thousands of at-risk wildlife species, while creating jobs and ensuring our outdoor heritage endures for future generations. 

“The historic, bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is by far the most important piece of wildlife legislation in the past half century,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “At a time when more than one-third of wildlife species are at heightened risk of extinction, this critical legislation will help recover thousands of at-risk species through proactive, collaborative efforts in every state, territory, and Tribal nation, creating jobs while preventing extinctions.

“We applaud the incredible bipartisan leadership of Senator Heinrich and Senator Blunt, and their House partners Rep. Dingell and Rep. Fortenberry, who are all demonstrating once again that wildlife conservation can unite all Americans.”

“The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation is grateful for the leadership of Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) Co-Chair Sen. Martin Heinrich and CSC Member Sen. Blunt for introducing the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act,” said the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s Jeff Crane. “This 21st century, proactive conservation initiative is critical to turning the corner on fish and wildlife conservation before more costly measures are necessary.”

“Fish and wildlife need healthy habitats to thrive — enhancing our lives, supporting good jobs, and providing many other benefits,” said Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops. “State fish and wildlife agencies have a solid track record of accomplishing remarkable recovery and restoration successes, but to ensure diverse fish and wildlife resources thrive for future generations we must restore habitat all across America by passing the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.”

The Senate version of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act largely mirrors the bipartisan House bill, while leveraging funds from penalties paid by polluters and those convicted of environmental crimes to restore and reconnect degraded habitat, remove invasive species, confront wildlife disease, and bolster resilience to climate impacts.

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