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DNR Ecologist Receives National Bird Conservation Award
DUCK, NC — Dr. Gwen Brewer, a science program manager for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources was recently honored with the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NACBI) and the Bird Habitat Joint Ventures’ 2008 Bird Conservation Award.
“Gwen has shown exceptional leadership in improving bird conservation efforts throughout Maryland and the Northeast region,” said DNR Wildlife and Heritage Director Paul Peditto. “Her dedication and advocacy have greatly increased the effectiveness of regional conservation measures and are invaluable to protecting the bird populations of our region.”
Dr. Brewer is the Maryland representative for the Atlantic Coast Joint Venture Management Board, and has served as chair of the Atlantic Coast Joint Venture Integrated Bird Conservation Committee since its inception in 2004. In these positions, Brewer works to increase communication and integrate information between various bird conservation initiatives so that the common efforts of these regional groups can be addressed by the Board. Brewer led the effort to ensure that all regional bird conservation plans and technical documents of the Joint Venture are peer reviewed prior to their instatement. She is also working to coordinate habitat and regulatory aspects of bird conservation by strengthening the relationship between the Integrated Bird Conservation Committee and the Atlantic Flyway Nongame Migratory Bird Technical Section.
Since 2003 Brewer has served as Co-chair of the Northeast Partners in Flight Working Group, leading Partners in Flight in transition from conservation planning to implementation. In this domain she has worked to incorporate the priorities and recommendations from existing bird conservation plans into the States' Wildlife Action Plans and better the cooperation and use of sound science across the Northeast region. She has persistently encouraged the group to develop habitat management guidelines and best management practices that can be applied across jurisdictions and organizations.
“I am very honored to receive this award,” said Brewer. ”It has been a great privilege to work with such dedicated and innovative colleagues from Maine to Florida to increase our effectiveness in bird conservation.”
Dr. Gwen Brewer’s advocacy of improved bird monitoring in the Northeast contributed to the creation of a formal coordinated bird monitoring effort. Brewer works to promote these regional partnerships in addition to fulfilling her responsibilities for the Maryland Department of Natural Resource's Wildlife and Heritage Service. Brewer resides in Waldorf, Md. where she is active in volunteer efforts on behalf of bird conservation.
This is the second year of the Bird Conservation Awards from NABCI and the Association of Joint Venture Management Boards, given to three individuals and groups who have significantly advanced integrated bird conservation and management. For more information, visit http://www.nabci-us.org/awards08.htm.
May 8, 2008 Contact: Olivia Campbell
410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell
ocampbell@dnr.state.md.usMaryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov.