Matt Hogan Accepts Position with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

On Thursday, December 17, Matt Hogan announced he has accepted a position with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the new Assistant Regional Director for Migratory Birds and State Programs in Denver, Colorado.

“Making the decision to leave the Association is certainly a difficult one. However, after working in Washington, DC for 20 years, I am looking forward to the change,” said Hogan. “In my new position, I hope to continue working closely with state agencies in the Mountain Prairie region and continuing to strengthen the working relationship between the Service and state fish and wildlife agencies to elevate sound, science-based conservation of America’s fish and wildlife resources.”

Upon Hogan’s departure, Ron Regan, the Association’s Resource Director, will serve as the Acting Executive Director until a new Executive Director is selected. A job announcement will be released in early January 2010.

“We are a stronger Association because of Matt’s leadership, insight and expertise in advancing fish and wildlife issues on a national scale over the past three and half years,” said John Frampton, President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and Director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. “We wish him continued success as he begins this next chapter in his already exceptional career.”

AFWA's 2nd Annual “Land the Cover” Photo Contest

Arizona Game and Fish Department landed the cover of last year’s AFWA Annual Report with this stunning photo by George Andrejko. Who will take the spot and get bragging rights this year?

Submit your best hi-resolution photos of fish, wildlife, habitats, fish and wildlife agency staff at work or people enjoying your state’s natural resources. Images can be from state, territorial or provincial publications or personal photography. The entrant must be connected to a state, territorial or provincial fish and wildlife agencies to be eligible for the cover.

Every photo reproduced in the 2009 Annual Report will include a photographer credit. Photos may also be featured on the new fishwildlife.org web site. Of course, you retain the rights to your photograph; however, by entering the contest, you grant the Association use of the image. Digital images must be a resolution of at least 300 dpi and 8” x 10.” To look at previous Annual Report covers, visit www.fishwildlife.org/press_pubs.

Deadline to enter the 2nd Annual “Land the Cover” Contest is January 15, 2010.
Please email entries to lmaclean@fishwildlife.org.

Alternatively, you can mail a CD to the address below. Feel free to forward this announcement or call Laura with questions.

Laura MacLean
Communications Director
Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies
444 North Capitol St., NW
Suite 725
Washington DC, 20001
202/624-7744

Maryland DNR Deputy Secretary Testifies for AFWA Before Senate Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife

WASHINGTON, DC — Eric Schwaab, Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, today testified at a Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee hearing on the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act (S1214); the Joint Ventures for Bird Conservation Act (HR2188); a technical fix to NAWCA (HR3433); reauthorizing a Nutria eradication and control program (S1519); and in support of Reauthorization of the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act (HR 3537); Listing Asian Carp as Injurious (S1421); and the Marine Turtle Conservation Reauthorization Act (HR509).

On the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act
"The message is clear. The National Fish Habitat Action Plan and this legislation represent a thoughtful, planned, and strategic endeavor with the organization, science, and collaboration mechanisms to make it work. Indeed, the Plan is working and the Association supports all elements of the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act without exception or hesitation to assure its continued future success. Absent the funding contemplated in the Act, it will be difficult to sustain the existing momentum and voluntary coordination of federal and state agencies in progress."

On the Joint Ventures for Bird Conservation Act
"The future of many of the 1,400 bird species that occur in North America is in jeopardy. Many populations are in decline, some moderately, some precipitously, as habitats continue to be degraded or lost throughout their ranges which can span countries, continents — even hemispheres.

It is imperative, especially in light of future impacts of climate change, that we maintain enough high quality habitats across the hemisphere to sustain viable populations of migratory birds. This is why the Joint Ventures for Bird Habitat Conservation (HR2188) Act which emphasizes habitat conservation and management across the hemisphere, are so critical."

Read Eric Schwaab's full testimony >