One of the longest serving leaders of a state conservation organization in U.S. history, Gary T. Myers, was honored with the Wildlife Management Institute's (WMI's) 2008 George Bird Grinnell Memorial Award for Distinguished Service to Natural Resource Conservation.

The Grinnell Award salutes a person whose career in conservation has been exemplified by integrity, leadership, foresight and achievement. Its honorees have been individuals who, sometimes at personal and occupational risk, invariably made decisions in the interest of progressive resource management. "Gary has been doing just that for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the citizens and natural resources of Tennessee for more than 30 years," remarked Steve Williams, WMI President, when conferring the award during the 73rd North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference this past month in Phoenix, Arizona.

"As remarkable as the length of Gary's tenure as executive director for the Tennessee agency," added Williams, "is the leadership he has shown for progressive conservation throughout North America."

Among Myers many credits is serving a key role in the annual expansion of Dingell-Johnson funds. He was directly involved in both the national and international implementation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, and he secured funds for the first waterfowl joint venture. Gary has served on the North American Wetlands Conservation Council and has been actively involved with the North American Bird Conservation Initiative. He is a staunch supporter of the Southeastern Aquatic Resources Partnership Initiative. And he is former president of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

Said Steve Williams, "There is no greater honor that the Wildlife Management Institute can bestow and, with this award, comes the appreciation and respect of the entire professional conservation community. Congratulations, Gary."

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