Federation Honors Area 
Conservationists for 2007

By Bill Hilts, Jr.

NOTE: New this year! Photos of award winners!  HERE!

      The top conservationist of year was current Federation president John Butcher of Lockport and the top club of the year was the 3-F Club of Lewiston as the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs held their annual awards banquet at the Tonawandas Sportsmen’s Club Saturday night March 29 2008 before a crowd of about 150 people.

        Each year, the NCFCC honors the top conservationists that stand out to preserve, protect and enhance our natural resources, including the popular pastimes of hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation activities.

        The Oliver Jones Memorial Award for the county’s top conservationist/sportsman went to Butcher for his hard work and dedication the last four years as president of the group. “When I took over as president, I asked myself what would my legacy be?” said Butcher. “If I could accomplish one thing, it would be to strengthen and create more youth shooting programs in the county.” He’s done that and more with the development of a portable shooting trailer, a scholastic clay youth program and more. He’s also a hunter safety instructor, a member of several sportsmen’s clubs and is also involved with the Friends of the NRA fund-raising banquet. Butcher runs a successful business, Summit Print and Mail, with his wife, Cookie.

      The top club award, the Leroy Winn Memorial Award - a revolving trophy – went to the Fin-Feather-Fur Conservation Society (3-F Club) of Lewiston for all their hard work in 2007. They hosted a very successful Kelly for Kids program last summer and also supported many other fund raising efforts from wildlife rehabilitators to physically challenged people. They also helped with the shooting day of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers, making it one of the most successful ever. They have hosted the Pheasants Forever youth hunt for ten years, showing a commitment to the future of hunting, shooting and other outdoor activities.

      President's Award winners were a dynamic duo of shooting instructors selected by President Butcher for their hard work on developing a premier youth shooting program in the county. Doug Thompson of Wilson and Bryan Meahl of Appleton were both recognized by Butcher for their dedication and hard work with the Scholastic Sporting Clays Program locally and the fact that they produced a team of young shooters that place first in two different state divisions. They went on to finish seventh in the Nationals held in Texas in 2007.

      Milford "Pinky Robinson Award - Paul McKeown, Region 9 Fisheries Manager for DEC, was named the 2007 recipient of the Milford “Pinky” Robinson Award for dedication to the Great Lakes fisheries. While McKeown has long been a friend of the sporting and conservation community, McKeown’s efforts really stood out last year when a salmon egg shortfall was realized and a secondary plan to collect eggs was needed to supplement the state’s take at the Salmon River. He worked nights and weekends to help bring the project to a conclusion. An employee with DEC since 1984, he’s been the Region 9 Fisheries Manager since 2004.

    The Carl Lass Memorial Award for youth of the year was doubly rewarding for area youth this year. First, Brandon Culverwell of Wilson was recognized for his outstanding leadership, volunteerism and possessing a strong conservation ethic in following in his father’s footsteps, Stan Culverwell. The 14 year old 9th grader from Wilson Central has attended DEC conservation camp, worked on an Adopt A Highway program locally and helps his dad with hunter safety training, trapper training and nuisance wildlife control. He was also the primary reason for a clean-up of the Wilson piers when a problem occurred last year.
    
       A second award was given to Ashley Butcher of Lockport, possessing the same ethic and dedication. Daughter of John and Cookie, she, too, helps out with all the functions that her parents are involved with (which are many!). The 13 year old, an 8th grader with North Park Middle School in Lockport, scored a perfect 800 on the SAT math test, is in the high honor society with a 98.6 average and took her first turkey last year in the youth mentor hunt. She was one of the outstanding campers at the DEC youth conservation camp in Rushford and routinely volunteers for other committees and functions.

    Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte presented the youth awards and then gave a brief update on legislation that would help to lower the big game hunting age in the state to 14. While it’s not a done deal yet, she was upbeat and positive about working toward this goal with DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis.

    The Ken Berner Memorial Award, for special dedication to a sportsmen’s heritage program, went to John Gensler of Newfane. He stands for conservation. In 2000, he bought a 100-plus acre farm and performed some intense habitat work. He was named Wildlife Habitat of the Year by Pheasant Forever in 2001. He didn’t stop there, either. He applied to be part of the Wetlands Reserve Program and was finally accepted in 2005. Since that time, he has put 50 acres into the program and constructed seven marshes for the benefit of waterfowl and other wildlife.

    Victor Fitchlee Lifetime Achievements Awards went to Rena Israel of Wilson and Gary Lowe of Niagara Falls. Mrs. Isreal, a charter member of the Wilson Conservation Club Auxiliary, was honored last year by her group for being a member all 50 years of the group’s existence. She’s a dedicated hard-worker that knows how to get things done. Lowe is the senior member of the hunter safety training community. His home base is the LaSalle Sportsmen’s Club, but helps out the entire county with his expertise. He is also a previous winner of the prestigious Gen. Douglas MacArthur Award given out by the Masonic Lodge organization.

    The John Daly Memorial Award for Legislator of the Year went to U.S. Representative Thomas Reynolds. He was recognized for his years of service to the outdoor community, especially his perfect record in working to protect the Second Amendment rights of all Americans. He was one of the driving forces to saving the Niagara Air Force Base and continues to sponsor key legislation to conserve and protect our Great Lakes.

    The Steve Fountain/Arch Lowery Memorial Award for outstanding hunter safety education as it relates to archery when to Larry Koch of Newfane. He’s one of the big go-to guys that people look up to and a constant volunteer for the cause.

    The James Reed/Don Meyer Memorial Award for hunter safety training as it relates to firearms went to Dale Dunkelberger of Lockport. Dale has been at it a long time and continues to provide outstanding leadership in the hunter safety arena. He’s always learning new information, new techniques to teach and reaching out to get new people involved.

2008 Awards Banquet Photos Here - Take a Look!

Federation Honors Top 
Conservationists for 2006
by Bill Hilts Jr.

    The Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs paid tribute to the
top conservationists of 2006 when they held their annual awards banquet at the
LaSalle Sportsmen's Club in Niagara Falls Saturday April 14 2007. Over 150
sportsmen were in attendance to recognize the top achievers in the conservation
community last year.

    The Oliver Jones Memorial Award for the Conservationist of the Year went
to Connie Adams-Meesig of Youngstown, just the second time ever that a female
earned this prestigious award. There's no question that she wears many hats.
She's a Senior Wildlife Biologist with the state's Department of Environmental
Conservation, known to many as the bird lady. She's performed field research
from Alaska to Antarctica; from California to Cortland on a variety of bird
species. She's involved with both cormorants and turkeys here in Region 9 for
DEC. The passionate, dedicated workhorse is active with both the Niagara River
Anglers Association and the Niagara County Fisheries Development Board. She's
also organized a one-day fishing competition the last two years in October to
keep the memory of her husband alive, who passed on in 2005.

    The Leroy Winn Memorial Award for Conservation Club of the Year went to
the Hartland Conservationists, located on Orangeport Road in Gasport. They've
worked hard to develop new programs and opportunities for sportsmen. In a time
when many clubs are losing members, this group has increased in membership,
improved its ranges, opened its doors to the public, collaborated with the Boy
Scouts and offered shooting disciplines that can't be found at other local
clubs. They've also partnered with the Roy-Hart School District to conduct
conservation education in the elementary schools.

    The Milford "Pinky" Robinson Memorial Award for dedication to the Great
Lakes fishery resource when to Kofi Fynn-Aikins, Director of the Lower Great
Lakes Fishery Resources offices in Amherst, part of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service. He's been the director there since 1999 and since that time he's
received the Northeast Region's Invest In People Award in 2002 for fostering a more
people-oriented organization. He's also received the Conserving America's
Fisheries Award from the FWS Director at the National Fisheries Leadership
Conference in 2003. His leadership has led to the formation of the first-ever Friends
support group for a fisheries office and he's instrumental in the Fish and
Wildlife Festival the agency performs every year. In 2006 and again in 2007, the
festival will be held at Hyde Park in Niagara Falls.

    The most emotional moment of the night came when Federation president
John Butcher of Lockport read the Victor A. Fitchlee Memorial Lifetime
Conservation Achievement Award. The recipient was Don Bronson of Newfane, who passed away last December at 71 years old. Bronson was a man of action, serving as a master instructor in the county's hunter education program. He earned many awards
over the years, including the Oliver Jones Memorial Award as the top
conservationist in the county in 1995; the General Douglas MacArthur Youth Award in
2005 by the Mason Lodge; a Director's Award for Excellence in Education from the
American Chestnut Foundation; and a distinguished service award from the state's Conservation Council to name but a few. His children, who accepted the
award, were greeted with a standing ovation.

    The John Daly Memorial Award for legislator of the year went to Richard
Updegrove of Lockport, county legislator for the 17th District. His leadership
and dedication to the conservation cause has supported the Federation in a
variety of ways. As chairman of the county's Economic Development Committee, he's
led the charge to pass resolutions in support of sportfishing and our natural
resources - making Niagara the envy of many other counties looking for the
same kind of support from their legislative bodies.

    The President's Award went to Steve Harrington of Gasport, the creator
and facilitator of the Erie Canal Fishing Derby, in its 17th  year as a popular
kids event. In fact, it's become more than just a kids event - it's become a
popular family event that gotten more kids and the rest of the household out
enjoying the great outdoors. By the way, this event will be held July 11-22 this year.

    The Carl Lass Memorial Award for Youth of the Year went to Julia Caffrey
of Lockport. She's a member of the North Forest Rod and Gun Club Youth Program
and also was a member of the JR Novice Sporting Clays Team that won first
place in the state and 10th in the nation at the 2006 Scholastic Clays Championships. She has a passion for the outdoors and also excels in scholastics. In addition, she volunteers for various community activities. Attending Lockport High School, she carries a 93 average.

    The Ken Berner Memorial Award, presented each year to the person, family
or organization that is dedicated to conservation, went to the Wild Kritters
of Niagara County - a group of wildlife rehabilitators based out of Sanborn.
Last year alone, the group handled more than 400 wild animals. More than 20
people are involved with Wild Kritters, a job they all perform on a volunteer
basis. Hats off to Kathleen Britton and company.

    The James Reed/Donald Meyer Memorial Award for outstanding leadership as
it relates to firearms hunter safety education went to Dale Shank of
Ransomville. He's been an instructor for 13 years and is also a certified NRA pistol
instructor. He performs firearms safety training at the 3-F Club in Lewiston;
with several Boy Scout Troops; as part of the Pheasants Forever Youth Mentor
Hunt; and at the 3-F Youth Club. He also volunteers when the Federation's mobile
air rifle range is put to use.

    The Steve Fountain/Archie Lowery Memorial Award for excellence in archery
hunter education went to Al Zamorski, past chairman of the Wheatfield
Firearms Safety and Education Committee and active in archery hunter safety programs
in Wheatfield and Lockport for the past eight years. In addition, he teaches
firearms safety programs and is past trail chairman for two conservation trails
that have been built in the Town of Wheatfield. He also sets up archery
programs at the Wheatfield town picnic.

    Guest speaker for the evening was Lt. Deming Lindsley of Sullivan County
who gave an interesting talk on the state's Conservation Law. It was an
enjoyable evening filled with laughs, jeers and a few tears. It's amazing how much
conservation work is performed behind the scenes, all the more reason to
recognize these unsung hero's doing work in the trenches.

Please take a look at Raechelle Ripley's Thank You Card     HERE 

Ripley was the Carl Lass Memorial Award winner [see below]

Niagara County Top 
Conservationists Honored for 2005
By Bill Hilts Jr. [Awards held in Spring 2006]

Every award has a different connotation, carrying its own meaning and level of importance. To say that one award means more than another would be wrong. Look at these awards as different categories - opportunities to recognize the workers that are in the trenches. It's the same trench, but each might have a different task. The end result is the same - the trench is dug. With shovel in hand, these were the 2005 Awards Winners as selected by the county's Federation - a group representing some 25 clubs and over 5,500 sportsmen in Niagara.

      Oliver Jones Memorial Award. Symbolic of "sportsperson of the year," this year's winner is a man that exemplifies volunteerism - Bill Mudge of Gasport. He's a founding member of the Niagara Frontier Friends of the NRA and has served as the grants coordinator for upstate New York for the last three years. He's secretary of the Federation and is also active in the County's Shooters Committee for Political Education (SCOPE); Mudge is also an active member of the Iroquois Arms Collectors group and a staunch supporter of our Second Amendment rights.

          Leroy Winn Memorial Award. Symbolic for club of the year, this award was handed out to North Forest Rod & Gun Club of Lockport. When most clubs are struggling to maintain a level of membership, this club increased by almost 20 percent the past year. The club opens its doors to the community for public shooting and they also run a youth education program that teaches conservation and the shooting sports. The club also hosted three major Federation events in 2005, including the annual picnic in July; the Annual Federation Shoot and the Annual Hunter Education Refresher Course.

          Victor Fitchlee Memorial Lifetime Achievement Awards. Two awards were given out this year to recognize a lifetime full of dedication, hard work and perseverance. The first one was an outdoor writer in the Tonawanda and Lockport newspapers for over 40 years. He was Federation president for four years and was also a founding member of the Niagara County Fisheries Development Board. In addition to writing, he's also an accomplished photographer and a staunch advocate for conservation and Second Amendment rights. Ken Sprenger of North Tonawanda was who we're talking about. The second Fitchlee Award winner was Department of Environmental Conservation while biologist Jim Snider. Snider, who recently announced his retirement from the agency, has been situated in Region 9 (Western New York) for his entire career - a career that spans over four decades. A graduate of Syracuse ESF and Penn State, this individual is the go-to guy for deer in the region. At least, until now. By the way, his retirement dinner will be held on April 22nd in Blasdell. If you'd like to attend, contact the Region 9 offices of DEC at 851-7010.

           Pinky Robinson Memorial Award. The person who gave the most to the Great Lakes sportfishing resource was Curt Meddaugh of Pendleton. Meddaugh, who is active with the Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association (LOTSA) and sits on the county's Fisheries Development Board, is the main point person for the Olcott Pen Rearing Project that started up last year. Through Curt's leadership, the project became a success in its first year of operation.

        Ken Berner Memorial Award. This special award recognizes person, family or organization dedicated to conservation. This year's winners were Carmen and Christie Presti of Niagara Falls, known for their work with Monkey Business and Charlie the Chimp, as well as their Primate Sanctuary. Not only do they donate time to projects like the Niagara River Anglers Pen Rearing Project or the Greater Niagara Fish Odyssey Derby, but they also lead the way for spearheading other projects. When Hurricane Katrina devastated the south, this family came forward to help local animal shelters raise funds for the animals left homeless and without families. This choice met with the Federation's "seal" of approval.

         The President's Award. John Butcher of Lockport, the current president of the Federation, made a wise selection in recognizing Darcy Rae Tone of the Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation District for all her hard work with the 6th Grade Environmental Field Days and much, much more. She's overseen the distribution of over a million tree seedlings, helped over 300 Niagara County landowners with pond management (including fish stocking) and organizes/administrates the Niagara-Orleans Environthon event, to name but a few things.

          John Daly Memorial Award. This award goes to the legislator or elected official that's shown a sincere dedication to conservation or Second Amendment rights. This year's recipient was Niagara County Clerk Wayne Jagow, primarily for all his hard work in modernizing the county's pistol permit office - after seeking much advice from the Federation. He's also a former Deputy Sheriff and an ordained Lutheran minister.

         Carl Lass Memorial Award. Symbolic of youth of the year, this year's recipient was Raechelle Ripley of Ransomville. The 15 year old Wilson High School student excels academically, as well as works hard in the field of conservation. In addition to participating in a wide variety of outdoor activities, she also makes time to participate in community activities. She won the top outstanding youth award for the local Lions Club, and was also the recipient of the Channel 7 Hometown Heroes Award. She also participated in the Olcott Lions Club Swim For Sight and raises money for other worthwhile programs, as well. Great job, Raechelle! Please take a look at Raechelle Ripley's Thank You Card     HERE

          Steve Fountain/Archie Lowery Memorial Award. This award goes out the person who best represents hunter safety training leadership with emphasis on archery instruction. This year's recipient was Don Bronson of Newfane - a person who could teach the whole hunter safety training course from start to finish. He's taught archery safety classes for over 25 years, bringing more than 2,500 bow hunters to the certification process. Last year, he was recognized by the Masonic Lodge as the recipient of the prestigious Douglas MacArthur Youth Leadership Award.

          James Reed/Donald Meyer Memorial Award. This was is for hunter safety training leadership as it pertains to firearms instruction. This year's award winner was Stan Culverwell of Wilson. Culverwell has been a hunter safety training instructor for over 20 years and has also served as a trapper training instructor for 18 years. He's a master trapper instructor and a Nuisance Control Officer. Most importantly, he's always willing to teach others the ways of the great outdoors.

Niagara County Top
 Conservationists Honored 
for their efforts in 2004
by Bill Hilts Jr. [Awards held in Spring 2005]

        Area conservation leaders were honored for the work they accomplished in
2004 and in prior years as the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs held their annual awards banquet at the Masonic Lodge in Lockport last
Saturday. More than 125 people turned out to pay tribute to a select group of
individuals. Award winners included:

           · The Victor Fitchlee Lifetime Achievement Award went to Richard "Dick"
Robinson of Ransomville for the many years of hard work, unselfish service and
dedication to the conservation movement as an outdoor communicator, former
Niagara County Cooperative Extension employee and Federation past president.
Following in his father's footsteps, Robinson devoted his life to preserving,
protecting and enhancing our natural resources.

         · The Oliver Jones Memorial Award, recognizing an individual as
sportsperson of the year, went to Gordon Botting, Sr. of Lockport. His volunteerism and dedication to the conservation cause has gone unmatched, serving as the
Federation's treasurer the last six years, as well as serving on committees involving
the Wildlife Festival, 6th Grade Environmental Field Days, the Conservation
Tent of the County Fair and the Federation shoot to name but a few. He also
serves as range officer at the Lockport Conservation Club, is a certified NRA
instructor and is also a certified hunter safety education instructor. He's also
a board member of the Niagara County Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild
Turkey Federation and serves as president of the UAW 686 Pistol Club.
         · The Leroy Winn Memorial Award, representative of club of the year, was
handed out to the Niagara-Orleans Friends of the NRA. Each year they hold an
impressive fund-raising banquet, with a majority of those funds coming right back
to area clubs. In 2004, they returned more than $16,000 in charitable grant
money to sportsmen's organizations in Niagara and Orleans counties - helping to
improve shooting ranges, develop junior shooting clubs, assisted with the
funding for the purchase of a mobile air range for the Federation and much more.
           · The Pinky Robinson Memorial Award, symbolic of dedication to the Great
Lakes fisheries, went to Capt. Frank Campbell of Niagara Falls who puts much
more back into the resource than he takes out. He heads up the kids contest of
the Niagara River Anglers Association and also sits on their board of directors.
He's chairman of the Niagara County Fisheries Development Board and is the
organizing force behind the Lower Niagara River Guides Association. He's also a
voice for the sportfishing community as a delegate to the Lake Ontario Sportfishing Stakeholders Coalition. All this and more while also raising a family
and running a full time, successful charter fishing operation. Campbell also
received the not-too-prestigious Niagara "I'm All Wet" Daredevil Award for
falling into the Niagara River twice while guiding customers.
          · The John Daly Memorial Award, which recognizes a politician as a
legislator of the year, when to Dr. John Syracuse of Newfane. His tireless efforts to
support conservation and the Federation have not gone unnoticed. His work with
local fishing derbies and tournaments has been intense and he's also served
as president of the Newfane Business Association and the Newfane Lions Club.
His work with economic development, tourism and sportfishing has been of a
leadership role and it was fitting that Sen. George Maziarz presented this award to
him - a previous recipient and a person who was next in line to fill Daly's
seat before Daly stepped down.

              · The Carl Lass Memorial Award, serving as a youth of the year honor, went to 18-year-old John Roeseler of Lockport/Newfane. He's a Newfane High School senior and an Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, he developed a tree and
plant identification trail for a Town of Lockport Nature Park in Slayton
Settlement Road. He's also an avid outdoorsman.

               · The President's Award is selected by the Federation's leader and Greg
Tessman was President in 2004. His selection was James McNeil of Lockport,
Executive Director for the USDA's Farm Service Agency. He administers the
Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Conservation Reserve Program and other conservation initiatives that amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars of
conservation work that is performed in Niagara County. He's also been active in the
4-H Pheasant Rearing Program for several years.

          · The James Reed/Donald Meyer Memorial Award for leadership and dedication to hunter safety education as it relates to firearms instruction went to Lloyd
Jones of Middleport. Soft-spoken but very knowledgeable and a hard worker. A
good choice.

           · The Steve Fountain/Archie Lowery Memorial Award for outstanding hunter safety education as it relates to archery instruction went to Eric Minton - an
accomplished deer hunter who is a member of the state's Big Buck Club. He's
always willing to share his expertise with the next generation of hunters coming
in and is known for using innovative techniques to get his point or lesson across.

            · The Ken Berner Memorial Award for the person, family or organization
dedicated to the conservation effort went to Cookie Butcher of Lockport. She was
instrumental in working behind the scenes to assist with the Niagara-Orleans
Friends of the NRA, helps with Federation details and also runs a success
printing business in Lockport, Summit Graphics. Her husband, John, currently serves
as the Federation president as of January.

 
Niagara County Federation Awards Winners for 2003
Awards Dinner held at Days Inn, 
Downtown Niagara Falls NY
Posted April 3 rd. 2004
By Bill Hilts Jr.

NIAGARA COUNTY'S TOP CONSERVATIONISTS

Oliver Jones Memorial Award (Sportsperson of the Year) .....Doug Walck Iroquois Arm Association / 3F Club

Leroy Winn Memorial Award (Club of the Year) ...............Niagara Musky Association

Carl Lass Memorial Award (Youth of the Year)... Dan Bowerman,  North Forest Rod and Gun Club of Lockport

Victor Fitchee Award, (Lifetime achievement in the field of conservation) ... 
Bill Hilts Sr.

Milford “Pinky” Robinson Memorial Award (Dedication of Great Lakes Fisheries) ... Bruce Gammack.... Lockport Conservation Club

President's Award ( Outstanding Conservation Professional ) ...
Mark Daul ... Outdoors Niagara.com

James Reed/Donald Meyer Memorial Award ..(Dedication to Hunter SafetyTraining) Dan Boyler of Middleport Rod and Gun Club.

Steve Fountain/Archie Lowery Memorial Award .. (Dedication to Bowhunter Education/Training) .. Shawn Galyen of Wilson.  An archery instructor for both the Wilson Conservation Club and the Hartland Conservation Club.

Ken Berner Memorial Conservation Award.. (Person, family or organization dedicated to conservation)
Mark Seider, District Engineer with the Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation District

John Daly Memorial Award for Legislator of the Year (Any type of elected or appointed official dedicated to conservation)... For the first time ever, was awarded to Bill Ross, current chairman of the Niagara County Legislature and Bill Davignon of North Tonawanda (another legislator)

BE SURE TO CHECK BACK FOR PHOTOS
OF WINNERS AND BANQUET SOON!

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      AWARDS NOMINATIONS

        It's that time of year again for the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs to issue a call for nominations for their annual awards program - an opportunity to recognize conservation leaders who've been protecting and enhancing our natural resources in 2003 and before. The Oliver Jones Memorial Award for Sportsperson of the Year; the Leroy Winn Memorial Award for Club of the Year; the Carl Lass Memorial Award for Youth of the Year or person involved with a youth program; the John Daly Memorial Award for Legislator of the Year; the Pinky Robinson Memorial Award for dedication to the Great Lakes fisheries; several hunter safety training awards and a family award … a chance to give thanks for a job well done.

       If you belong to one of the 25 clubs that are part of the Federation or you just know someone who's been going above and beyond the call of duty for the conservation movement, please write up and submit a nomination with as much background information as possible about the person, club or family. You really don't need a specific form to send a nomination in. Simply send it to the NCFCC Nominations, c/o 5816 Buffalo Street, Sanborn, NY 14132.