WASHINGTON, D.C. – JUNE fifth, 2024 – Beneath the outstanding stewardship of David Lucas, the Colorado Entrance Vary Nationwide Natural world Shelter Complicated, encompassing the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Two Ponds, and Rocky Apartments Nationwide Natural world Refuges, stands proud for its conservation excellence and concrete group engagement. David Lucas’s leading edge management has earned him the celebrated 2024 Paul Kroegel Award – Shelter Supervisor of the 12 months.
Named after Paul Kroegel, the primary supervisor of the inaugural shelter at Pelican Island, Florida, this award honors shelter managers who’ve made vital contributions to the security and control of nationwide flora and fauna refuges. The 2024 Natural world Shelter Awards rite and birthday party can be hung on September 18th beginning at 5:30 pm in Washington, D.C. on the esteemed Mayflower Lodge. Media protection of this match is very inspired.
“David’s transformative imaginative and prescient and unwavering willpower have became former Superfund websites into colourful city flora and fauna refuges, environment a brand new same old for conservation in city settings,” mentioned Katherine Kramer, Body of workers, Pals of the Entrance Vary Natural world Refuges. “His efforts have now not simplest restored habitats but additionally hooked up various underserved city communities to nature of their yard.”
David’s notable accomplishments come with:
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Transformation of Superfund Websites: Beneath David’s management, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR and Rocky Apartments NWR were effectively rehabilitated from former Superfund websites to thriving nationwide flora and fauna refuges, attracting over a million guests yearly.
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Grassland & Habitat Recovery: David has overseen the recovery of 15,000 acres of quick 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 Internal’s Bison Stewardship Program.
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Neighborhood Engagement & Accessibility: David has expanded get admission to to the refuges by way of putting in ADA obtainable trails and fishing piers, development nature-based leisure alternatives, and developing city connections to underserved communities. His projects come with hiring bilingual rangers to higher serve various native populations.
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Cutting edge Conservation Tasks: David secured vital investment during the Inflation Relief Act and different assets to put into effect large-scale grassland and riparian recovery tasks, improving each flora and fauna habitats and group resilience to environmental demanding situations.
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Formative years and Profession Construction: By way of partnering with native formative years organizations, David has created profession paths from internships to full-time employment in conservation, mentoring the following technology of environmental stewards.
The Colorado Entrance Vary NWR Complicated, below David’s steerage, serves as a fashion for city flora and fauna conservation, providing precious habitats for species just like the black-footed ferret and bison whilst offering enriching nature studies for city citizens. His paintings exemplifies the legacy of Paul Kroegel, combining efficient habitat control with group outreach and schooling.
Sign up for us in celebrating David Lucas’s strange contributions to flora and fauna conservation on the 2024 Natural world Shelter Awards. Discuss with refugeassociation.org/awards to be informed extra.
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The Nationwide Natural world Shelter Affiliation is a non-profit solely concerned about protective, selling, and adorning the 850-million-acre Nationwide Natural world Shelter Machine, the sector’s biggest community of lands and waters put aside for flora and fauna conservation.
For all media inquiries and questions, please touch Eden Taylor, Communications Supervisor at [email protected].