CVJV Management Board Celebrates Individuals for Years of Service

At its most recent Management Board meeting the CVJV Management Board honored several individuals who have given many years of dedicated service to the joint venture and its conservation mission.

Mike Miller was presented with the CVJV Award for Scientific Excellence. As a Research Biologist at the Dixon Field Station of the Western Ecological Research Center for over 25 years, Mr. Miller’s achievements have contributed greatly to the attainment of the Joint Venture’s wetland habitat goals. His research on the ecology and management of waterfowl have been published extensively and have led to a greater understanding of waterfowl-habitat relationships in the Central Valley.

Dr. Joe Fleskes was also presented with the CVJV Award for Scientific Excellence. The Board recognized the tireless efforts of Dr. Fleskes on behalf of the State’s wildlife resources, particularly those involving wetlands and waterfowl research. As a Research Wildlife Biologist at the Dixon Field Station of the Western Ecological Research Center for over 20 years, his efforts have greatly contributed toward the realization of Joint Venture wetland habitat goals. In addition, his research on survival, distribution, movement patterns and habitat use was critical to the development of the CVJV 2006 Implementation Plan.

Carole Combs was given the CVJV’s first Conservation Leadership Award. The Board celebrated her diligent efforts at partnership building on behalf of the San Joaquin Valley’s wildlife resources, particularly those involving wetlands and associated migratory bird habitats within the Tulare Basin. As coordinator of the Tulare Basin Working Group and as Executive Director of the Tulare Basin Wildlife Partners, her vision and strong sense of the “big conservation picture” are results driven. Her efforts have secured much needed funds for a variety of state and private initiatives within the Basin, which are contributing significantly to the objectives of the Joint Venture.

Jay Chamberlin, former Assistant Secretary, California Resources Agency, and Frank Michny who retired earlier this year as Assistant Regional Director, Mid-Pacific Region of the Bureau of Reclamation, were honored for their dedication to the wetlands and waterfowl resources of California as members of the Central Valley Joint Venture Management Board. Both men have served with distinction and dedication to the CVJV mission. Their contributions will be missed.