FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chris Smith
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Supervisory Fish and Wildlife Biologist
802-872-0629 Ext. 20

January 26, 2010                                                                                              

SERVICE ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF WETLANDS SPECIALIST

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Resources Office today announced the hiring of Ryan Crehan to serve as fish and wildlife biologist focused on the technical delivery of wetlands habitat improvement projects in the Lake Champlain Basin.

“Ryan’s knowledge of wetland ecology, on-the-ground experience with all aspects of wetlands restoration, and his understanding of U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service programs and procedures greatly increases the capacity of cooperative efforts to restore wetlands in the Lake Champlain basin,” said Dave Tilton, Project Leader of the Lake Champlain Office.  “We are excited to add such a high caliber biologist to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service team.”  

State and Federal agencies estimate over 35% of Vermont’s historic wetlands have been lost. The State of Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has worked with conservation partners to identify over 85,000 acres of degraded wetland habitats in the Lake Champlain watershed.  According to Julie Moore, Director of the Agency’s Clean and Clear Program, “The restoration of degraded wetlands improves water quality and provides valuable habitat for fish and wildlife resources.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is partnering with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the VT Agency of Natural Resources, and Ducks Unlimited to identify potential restoration sites and interested landowners.  In Vermont, the USDA’s Wetlands Reserve Program has experienced increased funding levels and landowner participation.  According to Vicky Drew, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs with USDA-NRCS in Vermont, “The Service’s addition of a wetlands specialist position enhances NRCS’s ability to deliver the Wetlands Reserve Program to landowners throughout the Champlain Valley.”
 

The wetland specialist position will facilitate the completion of wetland restoration projects by providing technical expertise for restoration assessment, survey, design, permitting, and construction. The position would assist with the restoration of 800 acres per year and help to leverage $1.9 million per year.  Funding for the position was made possible by Senator Patrick Leahy through the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.  Senator Leahy said, “The important conservation work done in Vermont by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and by USDA is a crucial component of our efforts to conserve Lake Champlain and the lake basin’s diverse ecosystem.  These projects benefit all Vermonters of today and tomorrow.”  

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
       

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Lake Champlain Office
11 Lincoln Street
Essex Junction, VT 05452
802-872-0629