Wednesday, September 26, 2007

A significant award

John R. Morgart is biologist with wolf recovery program

Evelyn Cronce El Defensor Chieftain Reporter

The Wildlife Society has announced that this year's recipient of the prestigious Jim McDonough award is Dr. John R. Morgart, a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service biologist and Mexican Wolf Recovery Program team leader. Morgart received the award Sunday at The Wildlife Society's annual meeting in Tucson, Ariz.

The Jim McDonough award recognizes the unsung heroes, who make significant contributions to wildlife conservation through the implementation of new approaches or techniques, with little or no praise for doing so. Only certified wildlife biologists are eligible for the award.

During his expansive career, Morgart has worked for the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Morgart has been a certified wildlife biologist since 1982.

Prior to coming to Albuquerque, in 2004, to coordinate the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program, Morgart led the Sonoran Pronghorn Recovery Team at Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Arizona.

Morgart, who has spent more than 30 years in wildlife service, is well respected by his colleagues and coworkers.

"John's an excellent programmer and partner with the refuge," said Terry Tadano, refuge manager of the Sevilleta National Wildlife refuge. "He works endless hours to meet his goals of serving the public as well as the (wildlife) service."

Elizabeth Slown, public affairs specialist with the wildlife service said her office is used to getting faxes and e-mails from Morgart dated any day of the week or at any time of day.

"He never seems to stop working," Slown said. "There's that passion for either project, the wolves or the sheep. As with so many other biologists, it's not just a job. It's really a vocation."

As the team leader for Mexican Wolf Recovery Program, Morgart is responsible for overseeing the reintroduction and recovery activities for the endangered Mexican gray wolf in the southwestern United States.

"Unlike many others in the government hierarchy, John knows when to step back and let someone else be in change," Slown said referring to Morgart's participation in a recent wolf pup roundup.

Maggie Dwire, who oversees the wolf project at Sevilleta, was in charge of organizing the roundup to catch the pups in the compound and give them examinations and shots.

"It was Maggie's day," said Slown, "and John just stepped out of her way and let her do her job."

Morgart not only stepped out of the way, he took his place in line with all the other workers, took part in the roundup and followed Dwire's instructions.

The last pup was hiding between the roots of a juniper. While other workers tried with nets and catchpoles to get the pup, Morgart got down to the ground and caught it with his hands. His only explanation for risking a nip from the pup was: "He was going to hurt himself."

His expertise in biology, coupled with and his ability to balance the concerns of a wide variety of stakeholders in managing the service's Mexican Wolf reintroduction efforts, has earned him the respect of the scientific community, the landowners within the recovery area, and the many other government entities and interest groups involved in the recovery program.

"He gives his heart to the program," said Slown.

The Wildlife Society that presented the award was founded in 1937. It is an international non-profit scientific and educational association dedicated to excellence in wildlife stewardship through science and education. Its mission is to enhance the ability of wildlife professionals to conserve diversity, sustain productivity and ensure responsible use of wildlife resources for the benefit of society.

"John's leadership has been essential in our efforts to recover the Mexican Wolf in the Southwest," said U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Southwest Regional Director Dr. Benjamin N. Tuggle. "It takes someone with exceptional abilities in both the biological and sociological sciences to work successfully with the diverse stakeholders involved in wolf recovery activities in New Mexico and Arizona. John has worked tirelessly with all interested parties to help ensure the success of the recovery program."

ecronce@dchieftain.com

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