2006 first year for awards

Seven outstanding New Hampshire citizens and organizations have been recognized by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission with Awards of Excellence for their efforts in the conservation field in support of the N.H. Fish and Game Department's mission.

2006 is the first year the Commissioners have presented the annual awards, which recognize outstanding achievements by individuals and groups outside Fish and Game in furthering the work of the Department. The awards were presented at Discover Wild New Hampshire Day (April 22, 2006) at Fish and Game headquarters in Concord.

"Fish and Game is fortunate to have many dedicated partners, supporters and volunteers, who we work with every day to achieve great things in wildlife conservation," said Fish and Game Executive Director Lee E. Perry. "This is our chance to express our thanks for their hard work and diligence in conserving and managing the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources."

The Commission Awards of Excellence and their 2006 recipients :

* Ellis R. Hatch Jr. Commission Award of Excellence -- Shirley Johnson, of Salisbury

* Communication -- WOKQ radio and production manager Mark Williams, of Dover

* Conservation Organization -- The Nature Conservancy, New Hampshire Chapter

* Volunteer (2 recipients) -- Don McGinley, of New Boston; and John Cowan, of Weare

* Landowner Appreciation -- Thomas Thomson, of Orford

* Youth Conservationist -- Timothy Carey (age 15), of Hooksett

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us