The Riparian, Watersheds and Habitat Committee is seeking entries for the Western Division’s 2014 Riparian Challenge Award. The Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and other conservation agencies or private industries in the region encompassed by the Western Division (thirteen western states, British Columbia, Yukon Territories, Mexico and U.S. Islands and Trust Territories of the Western Pacific), are invited to participate in the Riparian Challenge. Winners will receive the Western Division’s Award of Excellence in Riparian Management to be presented at the American Fisheries Society’s Western Division Annual Meeting hosted by the Mexico Chapter in Mazatlan, Mexico April 7-11, 2014. The purpose of the Riparian Challenge award is to:
-Encourage the Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service and other conservation agencies or private industry to strive for excellence in riparian and watershed habitat management,
-Encourage agencies to progress in on-the-ground accomplishments which when added together throughout the West, will significantly improve riparian systems,
-Recognize managers and resource specialists for their efforts in maintaining, restoring, and improving riparian and watershed ecosystems.
If you are aware of a project that should be considered for the award, please ask the appropriate USFS, BLM, conservation agency or industry to submit an entry form. Winners will be selected in the following categories:
BLM
-Best Resource Area or Field Office
Forest Service
-Best Ranger District
Other (conservation agencies, consultants, or private industry)
-Best Riparian Project
To encourage entries and attendance at the Western Division meeting, travel assistance to the conference will be available to Riparian Challenge award winners. Registration fees will also be waived. Conference registration must be completed by March 20, 2014.
Questions concerning the Riparian Challenge and completed electronic entries should be emailed to the Riparian Challenge Committee Chair, Troy Brandt (tbrandt@riverdesigngroup.net, 503-307-8367). Entries are to be submitted by February 1, 2014.
American Fisheries Society
Western Division