2009 RISE TO THE FUTURE AND NATIONAL WATERSHED AWARDS

DATE POSTED: 10/22/2009

2009 Rise to The Future And National Watershed Awards

Aquatic Recreational Accomplishment

Stop Aquatic Invasives – Oregon Multi-Agency Project
Oregon State Marine Board, Portland State University, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, and USDA Forest Service (Willamette National Forest, Deschutes National Forest, Umpqua National Forest, and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest).

This large scale multi-agency effort has delivered a consistent, familiar message across a large geographic area. By pooling resources, this multi-agency team has contacted thousands of people. Agency personnel as well as the general public have been enlightened on invasive species concerns. This multi-agency project is truly a prime example of collaborative partnership. Through their efforts, a multitude of individuals across Oregon now have the knowledge to “Stop Aquatic Invaders.”

Collaborative Aquatic Stewardship

Leopard Darter Recovery Team
Robert Bastarache and Richard Standage; USDA Forest Service
Ken Collins, Daniel Fenner and Brent Bristow; US Fish and Wildlife Service

The Leopard Darter Recovery Team has been together for approximately 18 years. This team has been very successful in securing funding and accomplishing recovery activities. These activities include acquiring 14 miles of Designated Critical Habitat, fish passage restoration, species propagation, consistent monitoring, as well as genetic and fish passage studies. The team has been very successful at integrating this data to determine recovery issues and potential solutions for the Federally Threatened Leopard Darter.

Director's Award

Jeff Uebel,
Assistant Regional Fish and Aquatic Program Leader, Pacific Northwest Region (R6)

Jeff has set a standard of professionalism and consistent accomplishment as the Assistant Regional Fish and Aquatic Program Manager for 10 years. His accomplishments have ranged from forest to international in scale. Jeff has played a key role in development of the region’s Whole Watershed Restoration Partnership Program. He leads the Pacific Northwest Streams Program, which works cooperatively to acquire key parcels to benefit aquatic resources, as well an aggressive Aquatic Invasive Species Program. Jeff’s many accomplishments have played a significant role in the continued growth, diversity, and excellence of the regional fisheries program. He sets a standard of excellence and professionalism for all fisheries biologists to emulate.

Friend of the Fish Award

Regional Engineering Transportation Team - Rocky Mountain Region (R2)
Steve Coupal, Scott Mitchell and Jeff Moll

Steve, Scott, and Jeff have been the driving force behind fostering and implementing a highly successful Aquatic Organism Passage, Road, and Trail Restoration Program across the region. While Steve, Scott, and Jeff have numerous other duties as transportation engineers, they have been able to build a passage program, resulting in over $9 million dollars for improvements. Due to their efforts, the Region accomplished 79 improved stream crossings, over 2,200 acres of watershed improvements, 310 miles of system and unauthorized roads decommissioned, 42 miles of system roads maintained or improved, and 92 miles of stream habitat improved in one fiscal year alone. Through their extraordinary efforts, habitat continues to improve as new projects are realized. Steve Coupal, Scott Mitchell, and Jeff Moll are truly Friends of Fish.

Line Officer Award

Kurt Wiedenmann,
District Ranger, La Grande Ranger District, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Pacific Northwest Region (R6)

Kurt has provided exceptional leadership to the Forest Fisheries and Watershed Program. Kurt has provided consistent and aggressive leadership which has lead to a positive influence on the Wallowa-Whitman and Umatilla National Forests. Kurt’s constant support has lead to an increase in program accomplishment in the area of aquatic organism passage, instream restoration, riparian treatment and restoration, as well as monitoring. His involvement in the technical and policy aspects of the aquatic program have provided a positive base for the continued improvement in integration, effectiveness, and efficiency on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

Partner Award

Trout Unlimited Idaho Water Project
Kim Trotter and Jim Gregory

Trout Unlimited has made many significant contributions to the fisheries program on the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Since 2003, Trout Unlimited has partnered with the Salmon-Challis National Forest to complete a plethora of projects aimed at protecting and restoring fish and fish habitat. These projects have been designed to: 1) protect and restore bull trout populations in the Little Lost River, 2) protect and restore mountain whitefish populations in the Big Lost River, and 3) evaluate the impact of stream diversions on fish and fish habitat. Through this productive partnership, significant improvements have been accomplished for numerous species including the mountain whitefish and bull trout.

Professional Excellence - Fish Management

Jerry Boberg,
Forest Fisheries Program Manager, Six Rivers National Forest, Pacific Southwest Region (R5)

Throughout his 22 years of service, Jerry has been an exemplary fisheries biologist. In his capacity as Forest Fisheries Program Manager, he has built an effective program working closely with State agencies, tribes, and other partners to increase the quality of the Forest Fisheries Program. Jerry’s influence and accomplishments have extended far beyond his home forest. His willingness to accept additional assignments beyond the Six Rivers National Forest has resulted in significant changes for fisheries management at the regional and national level. Through his dedication and hard work, Jerry has made a lasting and profound contribution to the quality of fisheries management on a local, regional, and national level.

Public Awareness

Washington Watershed Restoration Initiative (WWRI)
Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Alpine Lakes Protection Society, American Whitewater, Cascade Chapter-Sierra Club, Conservation Northwest, Gifford Pinchot Task Force, North Cascades Conservation Council, Olympic Forest Coalition, Pacific Rivers Council, Pilchuck Audubon Society, The Mountaineers, The Wilderness Society, Washington Trails Association, Washington Wilderness Coalition and Wildlands CPR.

The Washington Watershed Restoration Initiative is a coalition of state and private non-profit groups focused on improvement of water quality and watershed conditions on National Forests. Since 2007, members have worked tirelessly to address road and trail impacts on watersheds and fish habitat. By utilizing media, networking and testifying to Congress, awareness has been heightened. Their efforts have resulted in the allocation of over $90 million dollars to repair degrading roads and trails within National Forest System Lands.

Research Achievement

Long-Term Brook Trout Habitat and Population Dynamics Project
Dr. Kyle Hartman, West Virginia University; Dr. Mary Beth Adams, Fernow Experimental Forest; Michael D. Owen, Monongahela National Forest; Thomas Cain, Monongahela National Forest; Michael Shingletom, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources; Jay Engle, and Aaron Plaugher, Mead Westvaco.

This Project began in 2003 and was designed to improve understanding of the spatial and temporal variability in brook trout habitat and population dynamics. Research documented the importance of terrestrial insects as food sources for brook trout populations, preferential use of pools, significant contributions of angling impacts and trout seasonal movements. While providing significant information for managers and landowners, eight (8) graduate students have successfully completed their education and research studies. At least 15 publications have arisen and approximately 30 presentations have been made at National, Divisional, and State American Fisheries Society Meetings. Knowledge gained from this long-term project continues to have significant management and recovery implications for brook trout.

The National Field Soil Scientist Award

Dr. David D’Amore,
Pacific Northwest Research Station; Anchorage, Alaska

Dr. D’Amore collaborated with land managers and researchers in his efforts to scientifically understand the cause of the devastating die-off of yellow-cedar in southeast Alaska and the development of an adaptive management strategy for yellow-cedar conservation and restoration. He also advanced a mitigation strategy for carbon management in the carbon dense coastal temperate rainforest and developing mitigation strategies to limit exported carbon and nitrogen into aquatic ecosystems. These accomplishments were achieved through extensive collaboration with land managers and numerous research facilities and researchers across the country. Though resources have been limited, he was able to leverage those resources with partners to achieve common goals.

The “Wagon Wheel Gap” Hydrologist of the Year Award

William Hensen,
Forest Hydrologist, Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest (R8)

During his three decades of public service, Bill Hensen has been a high-level performer strongly committed to providing high-quality hydrologic information. He has continuously exhibited a passion and dedication for hydrology and watershed management throughout his career. This has led to making the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests one of the most productive and effective forests in the Southern Region. His contributions to the scientific world include 40 technical papers and publications, as well as field evaluations on numerous conditions and actions which continue to serve as training materials. Bill’s contributions to the Region and interactions with others in sharing ideas and transferring technology go beyond expectations.