Scott Smith
Scott Smith holds a tranquilized moose upright before additional biologists arrive to apply a radio-telemetry collar. Photo by Mark Gocke, Wyoming Game & Fish.
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Scott Smith honored by Wyoming Game & Fish
Conservationist of the Year
by Wyoming Game & Fish
June 12, 2006
The Wyoming Wildlife Federation has honored the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Scott Smith as their Conservationist of the Year at their recent annual Awards Banquet in Jackson. Smith has over 20 years of service to the Game and Fish Department, both as a wildlife biologist and a brucellosis biologist in Jackson, Cheyenne and Pinedale. In 2002, Smith was promoted to his current position as the Wildlife Management Coordinator for the Jackson/Pinedale Region in Pinedale.
Smith was nominated for the award by Game and Fish Deputy Director, John Emmerich. "His recent work as Wildlife Management Coordinator in Pinedale epitomizes the dedication and professionalism Scott has exhibited throughout his career," said Emmerich.
"As oil and gas development has accelerated in crucial deer, pronghorn and sage-grouse ranges, Scott has worked tirelessly with the Department's Habitat Protection Section, Governor's staff, Bureau of Land Management, and mineral industry representatives to minimize the level of habitat disturbance and find financial resources and industry cooperation to properly mitigate unavoidable impacts," said Emmerich.
As the Wildlife Management Coordinator, Smith supervises three wildlife biologists in a region known for its many contentious wildlife issues. There are currently two Sage Grouse Working Groups actively meeting in the Region. Endangered species such as grizzly bear and wolves create management complexity for big game herds. Other sensitive species such as bald eagles and trumpeter swans create contentious land use management issues.
In addition, the region's mule deer, black bear and mountain lion hunting seasons are fraught with contention generated by a variety of advocacy groups. "Despite the challenges of a diverse public, through his leadership and professionalism, Scott has been able to garner sufficient consensus to bring forth biologically sound management recommendations that adequately reflect constituent concerns."
"You would be hard-pressed to find a more dedicated and deserving wildlife professional in the state," said Emmerich. "I'm really happy to see Scott recognized for his outstanding effort."
Smith currently lives in Pinedale with his wife, Judy, where they enjoy fishing, backpacking, cross-country skiing and golf in their limited free time.
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