WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 5TH, 2023
Within the succesful fingers of Rebekah Martin, the Coastal North Carolina Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Complicated thrives as a haven for fish, wildlife, and vegetation. Her dedication and revolutionary method have earned her the esteemed title of 2023 Paul Kroegel Award – Refuge Supervisor of the Yr.
This prestigious award celebrates refuge managers who’ve made distinctive strides within the safety and administration of nationwide wildlife refuges. Named in honor of Paul Kroegel, the primary supervisor of the inaugural refuge established in 1903 at Pelican Island, Florida, the 2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards ceremony and dinner will happen on September twenty sixth at 5:30 pm in Washington, D.C. on the esteemed Mayflower Resort. Media protection of this occasion is extremely inspired.
“Rebekah was instrumental in creating suggestions on a Related Conservation Constituency,” stated Deborah Roqcue, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Assistant Director, Science Functions. “Her sensible expertise as a refuge worker helped join the previous with the longer term and has ushered in a brand new period of connecting with the general public, notably the subsequent technology of conservationists and supporters.”
Rebekah’s notable accomplishments embody:
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Securing $27.25 million by means of the Inflation Discount Act to implement nature-based options, enhancing the resilience of nationwide wildlife refuges inside the Coastal North Carolina Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Complicated and neighboring state wildlife administration areas.
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Proposing an formidable venture to additional bolster the work achieved inside the Coastal North Carolina Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Complicated, securing funds for a watershed-scale initiative that implements nature-based options, fortifying the resilience of federal and state conservation lands within the Albemarle-Pamlico area. This endeavor not solely advantages the encompassing communities but in addition offers an enduring influence on under-resourced and underserved areas.
Below Rebekah’s steering, the Pocosin Lakes Nationwide Wildlife Refuge partnered with The Nature Conservancy to revive peat within the 1,325-acre Clayton Blocks. These areas, traditionally managed as seepage buffer zones for adjoining non-public land, now function thriving habitats for numerous natural world.
The Coastal North Carolina Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Complicated encompasses a variety of pristine habitats, together with 9 nationwide wildlife refuges; Pea Island, Cedar Island, Currituck, Alligator River, Mattamuskeet, Swanquarter, Roanoke River, Mackay Island, and Pocosin Lakes. These refuges function very important havens for migratory birds, sea turtles, black bears, purple wolves, and lots of different species. With their numerous ecosystems of salt marshes, dunes, maritime forests, wetlands, and swamps, these refuges provide unparalleled alternatives for wildlife viewing and conservation. Collectively, they contribute to the preservation of our pure heritage within the coastal area of North Carolina.
Rebekah’s excellent management and dedication have caused tangible conservation achievements, setting a exceptional instance for refuge managers throughout the nation. Be part of us in celebrating her exceptional accomplishments on the upcoming 2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards.
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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 Supervisor at etaylor@refugeassociation.org.