The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission was recently recognized as the Commission of the Year by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. This award acknowledges a commission or board that has made significant contributions to the management, protection, or enhancement of fish and wildlife resources within the last five years.

Conservation Efforts

According to a release from Game and Fish, the association represents 23 states and several Canadian provinces, focusing on building partnerships among state, federal, and nonprofit organizations to conserve wildlife for public use and benefit. Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce stated that the honor reflects the extensive work the commission has performed for conservation efforts across the state.

Our commissioners demonstrate their commitment to Game and Fish’s mission and Wyoming’s wildlife, and do a great job balancing the complex scientific and socio-economic needs that come with determining effective policies and regulations for our agency, Bruce said in a statement.

Individual Recognition

In addition to the top commission honor, two staff members from the Game and Fish Department received individual recognition for their contributions. Dave Zafft, the deputy chief of fisheries, was named Professional of the Year. Zafft’s career with the department began in 1986 as a seasonal technician, and he later earned a master’s degree in fisheries biology in 1991.

Christina Maleesa, the department’s federal aid coordinator, was recognized as the WAFWA Outstanding Contributor of the Year for her expertise in grant writing and fiscal management. Maleesa joined the agency in 2014 and has served in her current role since 2023, while also representing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 6 on a national working group.

Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.