Zuerlein Receives Nebraska Wildlife Federation’s 2012 Conservation Professional Award

Gene Zuerlein was named the 2012 Conservation Professional by the Nebraska Wildlife Federation (NWF) at their Award Banquet and FUNdraiser event held at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park on Oct. 16.   Zuerlein was honored for his dedication to conservation efforts and his role in the development of Nebraska’s wildlife habitat strategic plan among other accomplishments.

Zuerlein was one of six people awarded for being  “Conservation Heros” who consistently “..demonstrated to others how to make a difference for wildlife in the legislature, our schools and our own communities,” according to Dr. Russ Souchek, NWF’s President.

Zuerlein worked for 39 years in the fisheries division of Game and Parks and is currently the primary staff person dealing with Missouri River policy decisions and studies in the Realty and Environmental Division.  He is very active in recent Niobrara River studies of in-stream flow needs for fish and wildlife. Gene has brought the latest science regarding the needs of fish and wildlife to Missouri River Basin proceedings.  He is a leading voice for conservation in the Missouri River Cooperating Agencies group, and was active in the Missouri River States and Tribes (MORAST) until Nebraska withdrew this year.

Funds are raised at this annual event through a live auction, a silent auction, a dessert auction and wild game feed.  Proceeds from the event help support the Nebraska “Leave No Child Inside” concept through the Nebraska Wildlife Federation’s environmental education efforts.  To learn more about the organization visit http://NebraskaWildlife.org