The Wildlife Management Institute's (WMI) highest individual honor for outstanding professionals in the field of natural resource conservation was awarded to Gary Taylor late last month during the annual Conservation Administrators Luncheon at the 78th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Arlington, Virginia.

The award, established in honor of the acknowledged "Father of American Conservation" - George Bird Grinnell ? was presented by WMI President, Steve Williams, who noted that "Gary's tenacious representation of the state's interests during his 21 years with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has been critical not only to their relevance in Congress, but also to the conservation of the resource itself through the countless hard-won bills and reauthorizations he has spearheaded and defended. Perhaps no other individual in the past twenty years has carried the mantle of the states' responsibility to their natural recourses so well and proudly as Gary."

Though most recognized for his service as the Legislative Director for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Gary has dedicated over 40 years to the conservation of North America's wildlife and natural resources as a Director of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division, Team Leader for the Chesapeake Bay Bald Eagle and Delmarva Fox Squirrel Recovery Teams, and leader within the Arctic Goose and Atlantic Coast Joint Venture Management Boards.

Though much of Gary's work and accomplishments have been achieved well behind the fa?ade of credit and professional accolade, it has been no secret among his colleagues that the ethical standards of his work and professional bearing have been, and continue to be, absolutely beyond reproach. "In a career that has existed largely in the eye of political firestorm, the quality and integrity of Gary's work have long been valued as a rare and much needed commodity in the field of natural resources," said Williams. "There is no doubt among his colleagues and friends that Gary will continue to serve the resource and the profession, now as the Director of Governmental Affairs for Ducks Unlimited, with vigor and passion, adhering always to the highest ethical standards."