HONORS ABOUND

During the course of working to benefit waterfowl and the many other wildlife species that inhabit California's wetlands, CWA has received recognition by many partners and peers. As members and supporters of CWA, we hope you are pleased to discover the range of prestigious awards that demonstrate the strength and value of CWA's work. It is only through your financial and volunteer contributions that program successes are possible.

• CWA was recently named Conservationist of the Year by The Wildlife Society, Western Section, for making outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation. The Wildlife Society is a scientific and educational organization serving professionals in all areas of wildlife ecology, conservation, and management.

• CWA President Bob McLandress received the Award of Distinction from the University of California, Davis, as well as the Volunteer Service Award from the National Agricultural Alumni and Development Association of Purdue University.

• CWA Senior Biologist Chadd Santerre won the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands Conservation Award in 2005. Chadd was recognized by the USFWS California/Nevada Operations Office. The award celebrated the wetland restoration and enhancement work accomplished primarily through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act grants CWA has been awarded.

• Centennial Partnership Awards were presented to CWA for promoting conservation, enhancement, and enjoyment of wildlife habitat within the refuge system and to CWA’s Becky Easter for extraordinary efforts in promoting the 100-year anniversary of the refuge through exceptional environmental education programs. Both awards were from the USFWS Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).

• The Butte Sink Waterfowl Association presented Biologist Rob Capriola with the Robert Hunter O’Hair Memorial Award for invaluable service in construction of water control facilities in conjunction with the Lower Butte Creek Project. Additionally, CWA’s youth programs were twice selected as the fund recipient for these annual awards.

• CWA received the Award of Excellence from Associations Advance America for its Youth and Education Outreach Programs.

• The California State Senate presented CWA with a Certificate of Recognition and the USFWS recognized CWA for invaluable service and contributions to the Salton Sea NWR Bird Hospital.

• The Natural Resources Conservation Service recognized CWA’s partnership contributions to the Wetland Reserve Program and wetland restoration and protection efforts in California.

• CWA received honors from Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in appreciation of support, contributions, restoration, and management of Sun River, the public hunting addition to this refuge in the southern Sacramento area.

• The Klamath Basin Agricultural Community recognized CWA’s support during the 2001 water crisis.

• USFWS recognized CWA for its assistance in developing interpretive facilities at the Llano Seco Unit of the Sacramento River NWR.

• CWA received honors from the New Forces in Change in Boston. The oversight group for this meeting was impressed with CWA’s successes in developing wildlife-friendly agricultural practices for a variety of crops, cattle operations, and fruit/vegetable processing facilities in California.

• Yuba Community College recognized our efforts in mentoring the career development of college students with an award.

• CWA received an award for partnership in the Chico Junior High School Wetland Project as part of Take Pride in America.

This is not a complete list, but it is a motivating reminder to all of us to appreciate and to pursue extraordinary efforts on behalf of CWA and our mission.