PRAISE TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

Many Thanks!

In 2007, California Waterfowl Association was delighted to honor several of the many volunteers who dedicate their time toward our mission. Our thanks go to the following individuals for their commitment to the ducks:

Ray Lewis Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented to recognize a lifetime of outstanding contributions to waterfowl and wetlands conservation in California.

Recipient: Stephen D. Bechtel Jr.
As a CWA Diamond Benefactor, Steve is the single most generous supporter of CWA. He experienced his first hunt at age seven with his uncle Warren Bechtel at the Butte Lodge Outing Club.  Since that time, he has made it possible for several organizations, including CWA, Ducks Unlimited, Audubon, and Delta Waterfowl, to preserve our waterfowling heritage through conservation of wetlands and waterfowl habitat. The Board, staff, and members are all deeply indebted to Steve for his faithful support of our mission.

Glass Gavel Award
This award is presented to the Chairman of the Board upon completion of his term.

Recipient: Stuart Hanson
Stuart, a CWA Life Sponsor, served as vice chair beginning in 2002 and was elected as chair in 2005. As an attorney, he has provided invaluable legal counsel and was the driving force behind the creation of the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance.  Stuart has also been very involved in CWA’s education and grassroots fundraising, serving on the Sacramento Committee for more than 15 years.

Joseph M. Long Award
This award is presented to an individual who exhibits outstanding waterfowl resource management efforts. The late Joseph Long was an enthusiastic supporter of waterfowl throughout his life; he loved waterfowl and contributed a great deal of time and money to CWA in support of its conservation efforts.

Recipient: Frank Belleci
Frank has spent a lifetime hunting and managing habitat in the Suisun Marsh. As a CWA Director, Frank championed participation of hunters and was the driving force in organizing and heading the CWA Regulations and Traditions Committee.  Frank was instrumental in founding and serving as chair of the Contra Costa Chapter for nearly two decades, through which he raised more than $1 million for the ducks.

A. Starker Leopold Award
This honor is awarded for exceptional waterfowl and wetland efforts. The late Dr. A. Starker Leopold came from a widely known family of naturalists, including his father, Aldo, who is considered the father of modern wildlife management. Starker is well remembered for his influences on public and private agencies in California as they developed ways to preserve wildlife resources in a changing society.

Recipient: Al Wright
Al Wright is the former executive director of the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) where he worked for six years heading efforts that restored thousands of acres of habitat in the Central Valley.  Prior to joining the WCB, he worked 33 years at the Bureau of Land Management.

Dennis G. Raveling Award
This honor is awarded to an individual who has made vital contributions to the field of waterfowl research. A leading waterfowl expert, Dr. Raveling’s efforts are the basis for some of the most successful waterfowl and wetlands conservation programs in North America.

Recipient: Thomas Seeno
Tom has been a dedicated supporter of CWA for more than 20 years and host of the annual Seeno Duck Luncheon. His intense love of duck hunting and knowledge of waterfowl have led to many improvements in CWA’s Mallard and Pintail programs.  Most recently, Tom’s generous donations allowed us to increase pintail banding in California; without the data generated from banding, it is unlikely that CWA efforts to regain pintail hunting opportunity would ever be realized.

Frank C. Bellrose Award
This award is presented for extraordinary efforts on behalf of wood ducks and the California Wood Duck Program. Dr. Bellrose was one of the leading authorities on waterfowl in the world and a renowned expert on his personal favorite species, the wood duck. He pioneered the use of nest boxes to increase wood duck populations in eastern North America, which led to continent-wide conservation efforts and the recovery of this species.

Recipient: Derrold Daly.
Derrold is a retired firefighter who started the most successful egg salvage program in California’s history.  His Live Oak facility has successfully raised and released more than 22,000 ducks, 10,000 of which were wood ducks. Derrold also hosts field trips and participates in seminars to teach his duck rearing techniques. In 1990, Derrold first called on CWA to band his birds to track movement and survival rates.


Malcolm D. King Award
This award is presented to an individual who contributes to wildlife conservation by integrating wildlife-friendly practices on his/her farm or ranch. The late Malcolm King was an enthusiastic supporter of wildlife conservation. On his ranch in Ukiah, California, King purposefully integrated practices that benefited the wildlife inhabiting his ranch. In addition, King dedicated his time through membership in the California Bluebird Recovery Program and the California Wood Duck Program. Malcolm played an integral role in the latter’s inception, served as a District Manager, and personally monitored over 100 nest boxes in Butte, Mendocino, and Lake counties.

Recipients: Don Ekstrom & Steve Tofft
Don is a rice farmer and owner of a masonry contracting business, as well as member of the Manuhui Duck Club. An avid waterfowler and outdoorsman, he willingly takes risks to achieve his vision of creating wildlife habitat at O'Brien Ranch. The ranch is now a mecca for waterfowl, deer, quail, turkeys, and other wildlife. 

Steve is a retired homebuilder who is very active in creating waterfowl habitat in the District 10 area. His work is primarily with private funds, and he continues to develop additional seasonal and permanent wetlands.  He has been a waterfowl enthusiast for over 40 years and is a founding member of the Manuhui Duck Club.

Grant Kenyon Award
This honor is awarded for outstanding legislative advocacy on behalf of waterfowl, their habitats, and our hunting heritage.

Recipient: Assemblywomanr Nicole M. Parra
Assemblywoman Nicole M. Parra (D-Hanford) has emerged as one of the Central Valley’s most prominent political leaders.  Representing the 30th Assembly District, she co-chairs the California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus and has played an important role in conserving California’s diverse fish and wildlife resources.  Assemblywoman Parra has a proven track record of supporting issues that are important to California’s outdoor enthusiasts.

Ambassador Award
This award recognizes exceptional effort to promote the California Waterfowl Association to the public. CWA ambassadors play an integral role in raising the awareness of CWA within the general public and defining our association’s reputation and credibility.

Recipient: Claude Grillo
Through his influence and enthusiasm, Claude has stimulated giving for CWA’s mallard, pintail, legislative advocacy, and youth education efforts, facilitating donations of more than $1 million. In addition, he has used his tireless energy to promote and develop new initiatives such as egg salvage and youth facilities, as well as encourage cooperative efforts on behalf of California’s waterfowl. Claude also founded the Walnut Creek /Diablo Dinner, which has raised another $1 million waterfowl.

Harry C. Adamson Award
The Adamson Award recognizes creativity in exemplary efforts and generosity on behalf of California’s waterfowl, wetlands, and outdoor heritage. Harry Curieux Adamson is a world-renowned wildlife artist whose work has been displayed in such venues as the White House. He and his wife, Betty, have raised more than $1 million for conversation. Harry has always enjoyed the exploration of California’s most famous waterfowl habitats and has captured their majesty in hundreds of paintings.

Recipient: Sherrie Russell-Meline
Sherrie hails from Madison, Wisconsin, where she graduated with a degree in fine art.  She now resides in Mt. Shasta with her husband, Kevin, where they own and operate Wingbeat Gallery. Sherrie is a gifted wildlife artist whose artwork has won competitions or been commissioned to appear on over 80 prestigious stamps and commemorative prints. Sherrie is a generous donor to CWA and many other conservation organizations, and her amazing work has graced numerous CWA prints and other products.

K.H. Hofmann Youth Education Award
This award recognizes exceptional efforts to promote and support youth programs that educate and inspire future conservationists and hunters. The K.H. Hofmann Foundation supports CWA’s Youth Program, as well as the Community Youth Center and other valuable youth and conservation efforts.

Recipient: Johnny Ribeiro
Johnny Ribeiro is currently a Bronze Benefactor and an enthusiastic supporter of CWA’s Mallard Legacy Program. He is also a tremendous advocate of CWA’s Youth Program and believes strongly, as we at CWA do, that educating our children is vital to the future of California’s outdoor heritage and habitat conservation.

California Heritage Award
This award recognizes extraordinary work in preserving our outdoor heritage through a dedicated partnership with CWA, working cooperatively to preserve and enhance outdoor traditions and resources.

Recipient:  Pacific Flyway Decoy Association
Carvers who sought to promote and preserve the North American tradition of hand-carved wood decoys established the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association (PFDA) in 1971. This nonprofit organization hosts the annual Wildlife Art Festival, as well as offering a member newsletter and carving workshops. PFDA partners with CWA on various fundraising and education programs, including wildlife art camps and the Junior Duck Stamp Program.

Hunter Conservationist Award
This first annual award goes to an individual who has made an exceptional effort to promote the positive image of hunting and the important role hunters play in conservation efforts in California.

Recipient:  Chuck Dennis
The late Chuck Dennis served as a passionate and serious mentor for several generations of conservation’s finest hunters and was an inspiring example of how one man can change the world for the better. An avid hunter and fisherman, he transformed the 5,200-acre farm on Mandeville Island into a blend of agricultural crops and natural habitat for waterfowl in the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta. He left behind an incredible waterfowl legacy.

Youth Program Administrator Award
This new annual award recognizes a top education program administrator who has shown extraordinary dedication to promoting stewardship values and opportunities among today's youth.

Recipient:  Ellen Vasta
Ellen is retiring as science curriculum specialist for Elk Grove Unified School District. She has been involved with CWA’s Youth Program for 10 years and most recently worked in partnership to pilot a Youth Leadership Program that benefits elementary and high school students. Ellen is involved in the Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Association, the Audubon Society, the Laguna Creek Watershed Council, and more.

Teacher of the Year Awards
This award is presented to two teachers who have demonstrated a passion for conservation education and the preservation of our outdoor heritage.

NorCal Recipient:  Mark Fowler
Mark has taught anatomy, health and biology and coached football at Lincoln High School for 34 years. For the past six years, he has facilitated a wood duck nest box study program and a scholarship program.  In six years’ time, students have fledged over 1,000 wood ducks, and over 50 scholarships have been awarded through the Sportsmen’s Legacy Foundation.

SoCal Recipient:  Deborah Smerdon
Deborah is a commercial artist, homeschool teacher, and a 4-H leader from Brawley. She promotes the Junior Duck Stamp Program at many elementary schools in Imperial County and displays Junior Duck Stamp artwork at several Southern California festivals and fairs.  Deborah gives students hands-on drawing demonstrations, educational materials and has inspired many students to learn about wetlands and waterfowl.

S.D. Bechtel Jr.  Award
This award is presented to the individual who has demonstrated exemplary efforts and generosity in promoting the California Mallard Legacy Program.

Recipient: Anthony Marnell II
Tony has completed habitat work on Mandeville Island, producing 5,200 acres of some of the finest habitat for waterfowl in California. He has been a philosophical leader and generous supporter of CWA for nearly two decades, helping to leverage other donors and government grants to restore and enhance over 300,000 acres of critical habitat.  Also a staunch supporter of the “grassroots” hunter, Tony has encouraged hunting opportunity through better management of public lands and improved public access.

Volunteer Service Awards
Volunteers are the mainstay of CWA. Without their efforts we would be unable to carry out our important mission. A few select individuals are awarded this prestigious volunteer award each year in honor of their unique and generous contributions and outstanding volunteerism in support of the CWA grassroots fundraising program.

Recipients:

Doug Adams – Youth Education
The late Doug Adams was a champion of CWA’s Youth Education Program.  A lifelong sportsman, he loved to hunt and fish with his family and friends and take hunting trips to Africa with his wife, Ruth. Doug was the owner of the Lucky 7 Duck Club in the Willow Creek area where he sponsored many youth duck hunts.

Bruce Billings – Willows Chapter
Bruce is a tireless volunteer. He is a founding member of the CWA Willows Chapter and has served as chair for 13 years. He also chairs the CWA Sacramento/Delevan Brush-up Day. In his 21-year commitment to the Willows Chapter, over $500,000 has been raised for the ducks.

Dick and Joanne Fording – CLAW Chapter
Dick and Joanne met and shared a mutual passion for conservation, attending many fundraising dinners. The couple has been the driving force of the CWA Chester, Lake Almanor and Westwood (CLAW) event for 15 years.  Largely through their efforts, the chapter has raised more than $200,000.

Walt Caldwell - Fundraising and Membership Recruitment
Walt started hunting ducks at the age of five and today is an avid hunting and fishing enthusiast. He has diligently manned the CWA membership booth at the International Sportsmen’s Exposition in San Mateo for more than 25 years. An incredible 3,000 members have been enrolled through his efforts.

Harry Boyle – Chico Chapter
Now retired from guiding and duck calling, Harry spends his time duck hunting, golfing, and volunteering. In his 20 years with the CWA Chico Chapter, Harry has played a major role in raising over $500,000. As a donor and auctioneer, his expertise has brought in countless thousands of dollars as well. He also does a fabulous job instructing young callers.

Jim Holdner – North Coast Chapter
Under Jim's leadership, the North Coast/Eureka Chapter Dinner has seen increased net profits, life membership sign-ups, and attendance while maintaining its tradition as a true family affair. The chapter also has the largest youth contingency, with nearly 50 youngsters in attendance. 

Eric Hunter – Napa-Sonoma Chapter
Eric enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. He has long been an integral part of the Napa-Sonoma Chapter and now serves as co-chairman for this fabulous event.  Over his 20-year service, the Napa-Sonoma event has raised over $1 million for the ducks.

Don Knapp –Atwater and Chowchilla Chapters
Don, a CWA Life Member and a native of North Dakota, has fond memories of hunting ducks, geese, and pheasants with his dad and continues that tradition in the field with his oldest daughter Abby. Don is a dedicated CWA volunteer, chairing the Chowchilla Dinner and co-chairing the Atwater event.

Brian and Melody Lake – Lincoln Chapter
Brian and Melody were a vital part of the original Lincoln Committee eight years ago, helping make it the most profitable first-time event in CWA history.  As co-chairs for the past six years, they have raised more than $200,000 for the ducks.  The couple volunteers at several CWA events through the year.

Eric Medeiros – Egg Salvage
A resident of Gustine, Eric has hunted the Grasslands all his life and has been involved in egg salvage operations for three years. Employed by Kegle’s Custom Farming, he and his crews always stop to retrieve eggs when they see a hen flush from the nest. These are eggs that would have otherwise been destroyed.  Eric has successfully saved over 700 eggs.

Kevin Meline – Siskiyou Chapter
Kevin and has been involved in raising funds for waterfowl for over 30 years. He and his wife, Sherrie, chair the highly successful CWA Mount Shasta Dinner that this year increased its net profits by a whopping 33 percent.  Kevin is passionate about CWA, and his dedication to the organization truly shows in the work he does.

James R. Morton D.C. – Chino Chapter
Jim has been a self-proclaimed duck hunting addict ever since his first harvest at age 10. In 2004, Jim was a founding member of the San Dimas Chapter and recently started the CWA Chino Chapter, which landed in the top 10 for best net-to-gross. He is a member of the prestigious Hollister Land and Cattle Duck Club and also volunteers for the highly successful CWA fundraiser and Life Membership drive.

Judy Oswald and Jim Yost –Davis Chapter
Judy helped to found the first CWA Ladies Chapter, the first CWA KIDS Camps, and along with Jim, the first annual Davis Chapter event. Judy has also served on the CWA Board of Directors. Judy and Jim are generous contributors to many CWA events, sponsoring guns, gun safes, and fabulous hunting trips for more than 13 years.

Ronald Souza – Castro Valley Chapter
Ron started hunting in his early teens and enjoys hunting doves and ducks in the Sacramento Valley.  He has served as chairman of the Castro Valley Dinner Committee for six years.  With Ron at the helm, the Castro Valley Chapter has raised more than $100,000.

Don Springer and Tom Kemp – Youth Education
As avid outdoorsmen, Don and Tom understand the relationship between conservation and a sustained resource. They have helped mentor young hunters for more than for 13 years, coordinating youth hunts on 12 clubs neighboring the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. Hunts include food, lodging, seminars on gun safety, bird identification, and duck calling, as well as an instructional trap shoot.

Kurt Steindorf – Chico Chapter
Kurt has served as chairman of the CWA Chico Chapter for five years. In his tenure, he has led the chapter in its most successful events in a 20-plus year history. In addition to CWA, Kurt has served as a volunteer for the Mule Deer Foundation and the California Deer Association.

Ray Sprague – Lincoln Chapter
Ray resides in Lincoln, where he has served several terms as Mayor. He was on the original Lincoln Committee eight years ago, the most profitable first-time event in CWA history. Ray has been enormously helpful bringing major donors to the Lincoln event as it continues to be a first-class fundraiser.

Sean Wilson – Mallard Legacy Chapter
At age six, Sean began duck hunting in the North Grasslands with his father, and he looks forward to passing on this tradition to his children. He has served on the Mallard Legacy Dinner Committee for six years, and as chair for the past three. Sean has done a fabulous job restructuring the event and making it one of the hottest tickets on the CWA calendar.

Bob, Carl, and Sid Yamada – Attendance Award
The Yamada Brothers, (Bob Carl and Sid) quite certainly hold the record for CWA event attendance. Over the past 20 years, the Yamadas have attended and generously supported more than 400 CWA events. Their incredible dedication to the resource is truly amazing.  They have been active members of the CWA Stockton and Tracy Chapters and have donated guns to countless chapter events.

Special Service Awards
Recipient: Gene Andreuccetti
As a CWA Board Member, he chaired the Communications Committee and took the lead in framing the Strategic Plan.  Under his guidance as event chairman, the CWA Pocket-Greenhaven Chapter Dinner has doubled its attendance and net profits over the past three years.

Recipient:  Victor Gonella
A long-standing member of the Board of Directors, and also serving a term as Chairman, Victor now serves on the Past Presidents and Administration and Finance committees. Victor was instrumental in founding the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance. At the grassroots level, he is a generous donor and served on the Marin Dinner Committee for many years before founding the CWA Petaluma Chapter.

Recipient:  Judy Oswald
Judy has been a dedicated member of the CWA Board of Directors.  She has been active in CWA’s education, waterfowl, and fundraising programs, serving as volunteer coordinator of the Wood Duck Program, initiating the KIDS Camp Program, participating on the Youth Program Committee, and heading numerous fundraising efforts through the Ladies Chapter, the Davis Chapter, and much more.