The U.S. North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) and the Intermountain West Joint Venture (IWJV) are delighted to announce that Dave Smith, IWJV’s Coordinator, has been selected as the 2015 recipient of the Gary T. Myers Bird Conservation Award. He was awarded this honor at the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies meeting this week in Reno, Nevada.
“I’ve worked first hand with Dave for years, and he has always exemplified the power of partnerships and actively sought ways to build bridges to new partners,” said Brad Bortner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division Chief of the Migratory Bird Management Program. “Dave shows the same vision and passion that Director Myers brought to bird conservation and is truly deserving of this award.”
The Association of Joint Venture Management Board and NABCI created this award to recognize individuals or groups who have shown exceptional accomplishments and/or leadership in bird conservation in line with the principles of NABCI and the national/international bird initiatives. The award is presented to visionary individuals or groups that have played a central role in advancing the protection and restoration of bird populations and their habitats. It is named after the retired director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, who received the award in 2010.
Dave Smith has lived and breathed wildlife conservation his entire life. Starting with his childhood in California, he grew up living on the wildlife refuges where his dad worked as a biologist. His deeply instilled commitment to wildlife conservation, hunting, and securing opportunities for future generations provided the foundation for his professional career.
