Welcome Aboard Bill Moritz

Posted on July 19, 2017 by admin

The Wildlife Management Institute recently announced the hiring of William “Bill” Moritz as the new Midwest Field Representative, replacing Pat Ruble who retired earlier this year. The Midwest Field Representative serves as WMI’s liaison with the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. In addition, Bill will be working with federal, state, and non-governmental organizations to advance conservation efforts in the Midwest as well as serving on WMI teams that review and evaluate national, regional, and state conservation programs.

Bill Moritz

 

WMI’s strategic focus areas include: science and management projects, program review and policy development, information and education, project coordination, and service to the profession and partners. Bill’s extensive education and experience will serve us well in that role.

Bill Moritz has a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from Iowa State University, a M.S. in Fish and Wildlife Management from Montana State University, and a Ph.D. in Zoology and a Master of Public Affairs from Southern Illinois University. Bill currently serves as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Natural Resources Deputy. Previously, he was the Executive Director of the Safari Club International and Safari Club International Foundation. Prior to those positions, Bill worked for Michigan DNR in various positions including Chief of the Wildlife Division.

Bill will assume his position at WMI on August 5, 2017. Bill will be performing selected duties for the Michigan DNR and will continue his coordination of the Monarch Conservation Plan’s development and implementation. WMI welcomes Bill aboard and looks forward to expanded opportunities to enhance conservation in the Midwest.

 

 

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MAFWA Directors’ Meeting

Posted on April 6, 2017 by admin

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 84th Annual Midwest Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Directors’ Meeting at the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland, Nebraska. The MAFWA Directors’ Meeting is for senior level management of natural resources professionals in the fields of wildlife and fisheries management, information and education, licensing and administration, law enforcement, and conservation engineering. Learn more.

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Humphries Appointed NWTF CEO

Posted on April 5, 2017 by admin

 

April 5, 2017

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation Board of Directors announced Becky Humphries as its new chief executive officer, a role she will assume effective April 10, 2017.

“I am honored to be appointed CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation,” said Humphries. “I came to this organization because I wanted to help save the habitat and the hunt, and we are well on our way to achieving all of our goals through the strength and great work of our dedicated staff and volunteers”.

Humphries previously served the NWTF as vice president of conservation and also chief conservation and operations officer. Under her leadership, conservation staff identified habitats across the nation with the most immediate conservation needs, now known as “America’s Big Six of Wildlife Conservation.” The department then developed partnerships for the betterment of the most critical wildlife habitats and worked with state chapters to launch management plans that advance the Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative.

“With Becky as the new CEO, the NWTF is poised to continue its conservation success well into the future,” said Marvin Hartley, NWTF board president.

Outside of her work with the NWTF, Humphries currently serves on the Steering Committee for the Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America’s Fish and Wildlife Resources of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies and chairs the Wildlife Health sub-committee for the Boone and Crockett Club. Humphries also serves on the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports and the Wildlife Hunting Heritage Conservation Council.

Humphries’ impressive résumé details more than 40 years of experience in wildlife management and conservation. Before coming to the NWTF, she served as the director of operations in the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region for Ducks Unlimited, focusing on conservation delivery, policy and science. She also served the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment for 32 years, including seven years as department director.

Previous NWTF CEOs include George Thornton, Rob Keck and founder Tom Rogers.

 

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Asian carp and old Chicago waterways

Posted on March 17, 2017 by admin

 

March 7, 2017

University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

 

For more than 100 years, the Illinois-Michigan Canal, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, and the Cal-Sag Canal have connected the Great Lakes and Mississippi River systems. Asian carp, currently confined to the Mississippi River system, are threatening to invade Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes through the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Researchers reaffirm that providing safe drinking water to Chicago residents must remain the number one priority; however, the Asian carp must be blocked to prevent them from getting into the Great Lakes.

University of Illinois researcher Ken Olson and his colleague from Iowa State University, Lois Wright Morton observe that reversing the flow of the Chicago River in 1892, construction of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in 1900, and subsequent management still constitute a good solution to the city’s unique water problems.

This ingenious feat should be recognized, according to Olson. “A mammoth undertaking, the canal originally had four aqueducts and 17 locks to enable navigation of the 140-foot drop from Lake Michigan to the Illinois River,” Olson says. “The permanent reversal of the Chicago and Calumet rivers was an immense municipal public works achievement that became internationally known as one of the seven wonders of American engineering.” Continue reading →

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Secretary Zinke Applauded

Posted on March 3, 2017 by admin

 

Washington D.C. (March 2, 2017)

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies applauds today’s announcement of Secretarial Order 3346 and Secretarial Order 3347 by Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. These orders revoke a non-toxic ammunition and fishing tackle order signed by the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on January 19, 2017 and “enhance conservation stewardship, increase outdoor recreation, and improve the management of game species and their habitat.”

“Outdoor recreation is about both our heritage and our economy. Between hunting, fishing, motorized recreation, camping and more, the industry generates thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity,” said Zinke. “This package of secretarial orders will expand access for outdoor enthusiasts and also make sure the community’s voice is heard.” Continue reading →

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