WASHINGTON, D.C. – JUNE fifth, 2024 – Beneath the distinctive stewardship of David Lucas, the Colorado Entrance Vary Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Complicated, encompassing the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Two Ponds, and Rocky Flats Nationwide Wildlife Refuges, stands out for its conservation excellence and concrete group engagement. David Lucas’s modern management has earned him the celebrated 2024 Paul Kroegel Award – Refuge Supervisor of the Yr.
Named after Paul Kroegel, the primary supervisor of the inaugural refuge at Pelican Island, Florida, this award honors refuge managers who’ve made important contributions to the safety and administration of nationwide wildlife refuges. The 2024 Wildlife Refuge Awards ceremony and celebration will probably be held on September 18th beginning at 5:30 pm in Washington, D.C. on the esteemed Mayflower Lodge. Media protection of this occasion is very inspired.
“David’s transformative imaginative and prescient and unwavering dedication have turned former Superfund websites into vibrant city wildlife refuges, setting a brand new normal for conservation in city settings,” mentioned Katherine Kramer, Employees, Buddies of the Entrance Vary Wildlife Refuges. “His efforts haven’t solely restored habitats but additionally linked numerous underserved city communities to nature of their yard.”
David’s notable accomplishments embrace:
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Transformation of Superfund Websites: Beneath David’s management, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR and Rocky Flats NWR have been efficiently rehabilitated from former Superfund websites to thriving nationwide wildlife refuges, attracting over a million guests yearly.
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Grassland & Habitat Restoration: David has overseen the restoration of 15,000 acres of brief grass prairie, blended grass prairie, and riparian habitats. This contains the reintroduction of the endangered black-footed ferret and managing a wholesome bison herd, key to the Division of the Inside’s Bison Stewardship Program.
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Group Engagement & Accessibility: David has expanded entry to the refuges by putting in ADA accessible trails and fishing piers, constructing nature-based leisure alternatives, and creating city connections to underserved communities. His initiatives embrace hiring bilingual rangers to raised serve numerous native populations.
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Revolutionary Conservation Tasks: David secured important funding by means of the Inflation Discount Act and different sources to implement large-scale grassland and riparian restoration initiatives, enhancing each wildlife habitats and group resilience to environmental challenges.
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Youth and Profession Improvement: By partnering with native youth organizations, David has created profession paths from internships to full-time employment in conservation, mentoring the following era of environmental stewards.
The Colorado Entrance Vary NWR Complicated, below David’s steerage, serves as a mannequin for city wildlife conservation, providing invaluable habitats for species just like the black-footed ferret and bison whereas offering enriching nature experiences for city residents. His work exemplifies the legacy of Paul Kroegel, combining efficient habitat administration with group outreach and schooling.
Be a part of us in celebrating David Lucas’s extraordinary contributions to wildlife conservation on the 2024 Wildlife Refuge Awards. Go to refugeassociation.org/awards to study extra.
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The Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Affiliation is a non-profit completely centered 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.