Captain Bill, Hugh Carola Receive Federal Award

 

Dr. Mamie Parker, Northeast Regional Administrator of the USFWS presents Capt. Bill, Andy Willner and Hugh Carola with Special Appreciation Awards for their outstanding conservation efforts for the benefit of the American people.

Baykeeper Andy Willner and Bob McDowell of N.J. Fish and Wildlife also feted by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Carlstadt reception   During an October 24 reception at the Grasshopper Also Restaurant in Carlstadt, Capt. Bill, HRI Program Director Hugh Carola and NY/NJ Baykeeper Andy Willner were honored by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Each was presented with a Special Appreciation Award for their work on behalf of Meadowlands conservation. According to their awards, each has made an “outstanding contribution to the mission of the Service.” Also during the evening, Bob McDowell, Director of the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJDFW) was presented with a special award in recognition of his many years of service. Mr. McDowell, who is retiring this year, has presided over the preservation and management of thousands of acres of wildlife habitat in New Jersey.

Presenting the awards were Dr. Mamie A. Parker, the Northeast Regional Administrator of the USFWS and Clifford G. Day, Director of the Service’s New Jersey Field Office. Referring to the awardees, Mr. Day said, “Their dedication has helped the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service further its mission to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.” 

It was obvious from their reactions that none of the awardees expected the honors they received. “It has always been my pleasure to assist the Service whenever they have requested our help in gathering data about the Meadowlands,” said Capt. Bill. “To be recognized for just doing my job is an unexpected honor.” Hugh remarked, “I knew Bill and Andy were getting awards but I was floored when Cliff called me up as well.”

The event took place following a daylong meeting between the USFWS and the NJDFW at the Secaucus Crowne Plaza Hotel. “One purpose of our meeting was to map out strategy for the future preservation and management of wetlands habitat in the New Jersey Meadowlands,” said Mr. Day.

The USFWS is the nation’s primary agency for overseeing America’s wildlife resources and habitats. The Service manages the 93 million-acre National Wildlife Refuge system which includes five Refuges in New Jersey. Currently, the New Jersey Field Office is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a feasibility study to determine the best ways to prioritize and acquire the remaining open space acres in the Meadowlands. Representative Steven R. Rothman (D-NJ9th) successfully provided the study’s federal funding through his position on the House Appropriations Committee.