UNH Cooperative Extension and NH Fish & Game Celebrate 20-Year Partnership

A 20-year partnership between the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and UNH Cooperative Extension was recognized January 11 at a ceremony in Concord. UNH Cooperative Extension Dean and Director John Pike presented a commemorative plaque to N.H. Fish and Game Executive Director Lee Perry in observance of 20 years of jointly caring for New Hampshire's wildlife.

"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," Dean Pike said.

"This successful program has made a real difference in people's stewardship values and practices. Fish and Game 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," he added.

As a result of this partnership, more than 300 New Hampshire resource professionals have gained the ability to identify, maintain and enhance wildlife habitat for New Hampshire landowners. Over 250 trained volunteers in the N.H. Coverts Program help communities and landowners make informed decisions regarding natural resources. These efforts have helped community decision makers and the public better understand concepts such as biodiversity, the dangers of invasive species and the need for permanently protecting critical natural resource areas.

Founding leaders of the partnership between Fish and Game and UNH Cooperative Extension were present for the ceremony, including Roger S. Leighton and Gibb Dodge, former UNH Cooperative Extension Program Leaders and Howie Nowell, former N.H Fish and Game Wildlife Chief.