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UW Biodiversity Science and Conservation Award Winners Announced

October 26, 2015
Head portraits of two men
Richard Baldes and Wayne Hubert

The University of Wyoming’s Biodiversity Institute will present lifetime achievement awards to Richard Baldes, of Fort Washakie, and Wayne Hubert, of Laramie, during an award ceremony Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the UW Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center.

The ceremony will begin with a meet and greet at 5 p.m., followed by the presentation from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The awards will celebrate their commitment to enhancing knowledge and conservation of biological diversity in Wyoming.

Baldes will receive the Contributions to Wyoming Biodiversity Conservation Award, which acknowledges his extensive work to protect and preserve the wildlife, fisheries and water resources of the state, Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes and the nation. As an employee of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for 25 years, he implemented numerous conservation efforts.

After leaving the USFWS, Baldes served on the boards of the National Wildlife Federation, Greater Yellowstone Coalition and the Yellowstone to Yukon conservation initiative. He spent 15 years developing and implementing strategies for conserving special places such as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. He continues today as a founding member of the Wind River Alliance, a member of the Wind River Water Control Board.

Hubert will receive the Contributions to Wyoming Biodiversity Science Award, which acknowledges his lifetime commitment to public education and his contributions to understanding of biodiversity science in the fields of aquatic ecology and fisheries biology.

A professor emeritus in the UW Department of Zoology and Physiology, Hubert has written and edited numerous articles, several books and publications, including “Inland Fisheries Management in North America.” His research addresses important topics in biodiversity science including fish habitat use and movement, invasive species and the effects of habitat fragmentation. While scientific research has been his forte, he also has excelled in the management, conservation and public education aspects of biodiversity science, working closely with numerous agencies, groups and students.

The pair were nominated by individuals from around the state and beyond, and selected by a panel of biodiversity experts from throughout Wyoming and representing university, private and public sectors. The award was created in 2013 to publicly thank individuals who have dedicated their lives to increasing public and professional understanding, appreciation and conservation of biological diversity in Wyoming. It is distributed in odd-number years. The inaugural awardees were Chris Madson, of Cheyenne, Biodiversity Conservation Award; and Bob and Jane Dorn, of Lingle; Biodiversity Science Award.

“Richard Baldes and Wayne Hubert both have influenced so many through their service, mentorship and research both within Wyoming and the entire United States, and we are pleased to honor them with these awards,” says Carlos Martinez del Rio, director of the UW Biodiversity Institute. “We welcome anyone who has been touched by Richard’s or Wayne’s work to attend the ceremony. These two individuals are cornerstones to biodiversity science and conservation, and showing your support and appreciation will make the award ceremony an even more special experience.”

The UW Biodiversity Institute works to foster the understanding, appreciation and conservation of biological diversity through innovative research, education, outreach and by engaging a broad audience in the scientific process. In this setting, scientists and citizens, students and educators, come together to share a wealth of perspectives on the study and appreciation of biodiversity -- from microbes to poetry and ecosystems to economics.

For more information about the Biodiversity Institute and the Biodiversity Science and Conservation Awards, visit www.wyobiodiversity.org.

Contact Us

Institutional Communications

Bureau of Mines Building, Room 137

Laramie

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-2929

Email: cbaldwin@uwyo.edu

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