DUC biologist receives award from Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation

Regina, Sask., March 12, 2008—Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has always prided itself on its skilled employees who are committed to conservation. And that pride only deepens when staff excellence is recognized outside the organization.

In February, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) named DUC’s Brian Hepworth as the Resource Management Conservationist of the Year. The annual award recognizes a conservation or resource management professional who has demonstrated dedication, courage, ability and expertise above and beyond the normal course of duty in managing and preserving Saskatchewan’s natural heritage.

“We’re proud to select Brian as this year’s Resource Management Conservationist,” said Ray Wild, president of the SWF. “His work with Ducks Unlimited at both the provincial and national level has been critical to the conservation of wildlife habits in Saskatchewan. The SWF commends Brian for his leadership.”

Hepworth and his family live in Regina. For more than 17 years, Hepworth has been a key part of DUC conservation program delivery in Saskatchewan. He was a major contributor to the Kid Proof Wetland Brochure, more than 25,000 copies of which were circulated to elementary school children across Canada. As DUC’s head of habitat retention, Hepworth and other members of the DUC Retention Team annually secure more than 20,000 acres of natural lands, many of these perpetual in the form of easements or land purchases. As well, Hepworth was instrumental in writing and receiving provincial approval in 2006 of a five-year Conservation Plan within the Southern Conservation Lands Policy. This policy allowed DUCand other conservation organizations to purchase wildlife habitat after a four-year government-imposed moratorium.

“This award is a great honour,” Hepworth said after receiving the award at the SWF annual meeting in Prince Albert. “Conservation has always been an important personal goal, but to realize your work is recognized by peers is very rewarding.”

For more information, contact:

Lee Moats, P.Ag., l_moats@ducks.ca
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: (306) 569-0424