Historic Partnership with NH Fish and Game Department Recognized

On January 11, UNH Cooperative Extension recognized the NH Department of Fish and Game for 20 years of a successful partnership which has supported a joint wildlife stewardship program. John Pike (pictured with Lee Perry) presented a plaque to the Director of the NH Fish and Game Department, Lee Perry saying:

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has been a close and active partner with Extension for decades. Twenty years ago, the Department and UNH Cooperative Extension entered into an agreement for a joint effort to reach landowners, natural resource professionals, volunteers, the forest industry, community leaders and the public to protect and enhance wildlife habitat in New Hampshire. This has been a successful program that has made a difference in people's stewardship values and practices. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and UNH Cooperative Extension are on a common mission. We truly value this mission and the dedicated people at Fish and Game that we work with so closely.

A celebratory luncheon was attended by Forestry and Wildlife Program and Fish and Game Department staff. Also in attendance were the founders of the joint Extension - Fish and Game program, Roger Leighton and Gibb Dodge, both former Forestry Program Leaders and Howie Nowell, who represented Fish and Game in the development of the partnership. All former and present Extension Wildlife Specialists made possible by this arrangement were present: Scot Williamson, Charlie Bridges, John Kanter, Ellen Snyder, Matt Tarr and Darrel Covell.

As a result of this partnership, over 300 New Hampshire resource professionals have increased their ability to identify, maintain and enhance wildlife habitat for New Hampshire landowners. We now have over 250 volunteers in the NH Coverts Program helping communities and landowners make informed decisions regarding natural resources. The general public and public decision makers now understand concepts such as biodiversity, the value of habitat management, and the need for permanently protecting critical natural resource areas. Darrel Covell has been a prominent force in the development of New Hampshire's new Wildlife Action Plan, which will guide this state's wildlife-related practices and programs for years to come.