Heroes of Conservation: September 2007

Jim Martin, Mulino, Ore., Conservation Director, Berkley Conservation Institute
Setting an Agenda

When he was 10 years old, Jim Martin read about a new profession—fish and wildlife biologist—and he knew he had found his calling. After retiring from a 30-year career with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Martin got an offer to head up the conservation programs for the Berkley Conservation Institute. In his eight years there, Martin has lobbied for issues such as combating mercury pollution, promoting public fishing access, and instituting a monofilament recycling program. “We look to where the voice of Berkley can make the biggest difference and set our agenda from there,” says Martin.

Bill Stevens Anoka, Minn., Conservation Manager, Federal Premium Ammunition
Heading Up Habitat Programs

In 1965, Federal Cartridge Corp. hired Bill Stevens to oversee the company’s 4-H conservation camps. In addition to maintaining the partnership with 4-H, Stevens developed relationships with Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and other conservation groups. His biggest environmental contribution, however, was his work in the early 1970s to promote the use and manufacture of steel shot, which led to many of today’s nontoxic-shot requirements for waterfowl hunting. Stevens will retire from Federal this year but plans to continue his conservation work.

Gary Loomis Woodland, Wash., Founder, G. Loomis
Working Overtime for Salmon

He may be best known for his graphite rods, but Gary Loomis would rather talk to you about saving fish. “Growing up, my father would tell me stories of runs so plentiful that he could pitchfork salmon out of the Columbia River,” he says. In 1995, Loomis formed Fish First to restore the salmon and steelhead in the Pacific Northwest. The organization releases over 140,000 chinook salmon fry and 70,000 steelhead fry into the Lewis River system annually. Loomis has also been working with the Coastal Conservation Association to coordinate the efforts of all the sportsmen’s groups in the Pacific Northwest.

-- Kimberly Hiss

See Previous Heroes from:

Finalists Gale Dupree John Walther Bob Capron Nancy Craft Gordon and Terri Southwick Les Monostory Previous Months November September August July June May April March February	Finalists Howard Kern William Edwards Derek Fong Billy Sandifer Mark Taylor Jon Hillmer Previous Months November September August July June May April March February	Finalists Hod Kosman Chad Pregracke Andy Batcho Jim Tripp and Sandra Millan-Tripp Dale Rollins Charles Lane Previous Months November September August July June May April March February	Finalists Brian Maguire Joan Vernon Philip Babe Harlan Kredit Chris Scalley Robert Miles Previous Months November September August July June May April March February
Finalists Paul Morrow Jim Cummins Jeff Olson Ronnie Luster Steve Simmons Chris Tompkins Previous Months September August July June May April March February January