Department of Fish and Game and Fish and Game Commission to Recognize Outstanding Natural Resource Volunteers

Media Contacts:   
Kent Smirl, DFG Law Enforcement, (714) 448-4215
Andrew Hughan, DFG Communications, (916) 322-8944

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will recognize 11 longtime Natural Resource Volunteer Program (NRVP) participants at a Fish and Game Commission meeting Thursday.

“This first-in-the-nation program is a testament that people want to invest in the conservation of California’s natural resources,” said Charlton H. Bonham, Director of DFG. “Every hour donated by a NRVP volunteer helps improve efficiency and support DFG’s operations and missions. These 10 volunteers have been with us since the program’s inception and we are truly grateful for their service.”

For nearly a decade, the NRVP has helped extend DFG’s capabilities by providing conservation and enforcement education in public service. The popular volunteer program offers opportunities for citizens to make definitive contributions toward the protection of California’s wildlife resources.

The program started in June 2002 as the Senior Volunteer Program for people over the age of 50 who wanted to donate their time and expertise. The first training academy in San Diego had just 14 students. Since then the program has expanded to all age groups and today there are more than 130 volunteers donating their time throughout the state. Collectively, NRVP volunteers have given more than 200,000 hours to the department, freeing up time for paid staff while passing on a legacy of conservation education to the public.

Eleven of the longest-serving NRVP volunteers will be recognized for their volunteerism and dedication to DFG at the Commission meeting. Director Bonham will highlight the program in his video Director’s report, followed by DFG Assistant Chief Tony Warrington introducing the volunteers. They are Ed Stotler of El Cajon; Joseph Costa of Chula Vista; Mary Roth of La Mesa; Bill Kuehl of Poway; and Ro Rozinka, Marvin Williams, Jon French, Tom Hampton, Bill Schuler, Tom Morrison and Roger Matthews, all of San Diego.

Thursday’s meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, Shedd Auditorium, 2595 Ingraham St., San Diego.

For more information please see the NRVP website at www.dfg.ca.gov/volunteer/nrvp.

For more information on the Fish and Game Commission please go to www.fgc.ca.gov.