WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 14th, 2022
In November 2019, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established simply the second Nationwide Wildlife Refuge (NWR) absolutely situated in Kentucky. Regardless of historic opposition to a higher federal presence within the state, the Inexperienced River NWR grew to become the Nation’s 568th unit of the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System as a direct results of the distinctive imaginative and prescient and communication of Michael Johnson.
Michael was lately acknowledged with the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Affiliation’s 2022 Paul Kroegel Award – Refuge Supervisor of the 12 months. This award acknowledges excellent accomplishments by a refuge supervisor within the safety and administration of nationwide wildlife refuges. The Wildlife Refuge Awards dinner will happen on Wednesday, September 14 on the Mayflower Resort in Washington, DC at 6 p.m. Media is welcome to attend and canopy this system.
“Michael balanced a tough collection of years, managing a workforce serving each Clarks River and Inexperienced River NWRs by the COVID pandemic, all whereas guaranteeing worker and public security,” stated Holly Gaboriault, Deputy Refuge Chief, and Michael’s former supervisor. “Regardless of the great workload for “his” two refuges, Michael at all times thinks of the higher conservation good.”
A few of Michael’s main accomplishments embody:
-
Working carefully with the newly established Buddies of Inexperienced River group whereas persevering with to assist lead the broader landscape-focused mission.
-
Creating the Conservation Backyard at Clarks River NWR. The principle characteristic is the Conservation Champions Wall, honoring pals, volunteers, and group members which have contributed to the success of the refuge.
-
Partnering with Murray State College to assist them obtain a Division of Vitality grant to analysis methane fluxes in several habitats.
###
The Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Affiliation is a non-profit solely targeted on defending, selling, and enhancing the 850-million-acre Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System, the world’s largest community of lands and waters put aside for wildlife conservation.
For all media inquiries and questions please contact Eden Taylor, Communications Affiliate at etaylor@refugeassociation.org.