Nick George, State Coordinator for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service鈥檚 Partners for Fish & Wildlife program鈥痠n Washington, has been recognized by the Thurston Conservation District as the 2022 鈥淧artner of the Year.鈥�
The conservation district, which covers Olympia and the South Sound region of the state, commended Nick鈥檚 support for, 鈥渢he unique endangered species of our landscape and the community members who steward them.鈥�
Thurston County is home to a large percentage of the remaining prairie in the Pacific Northwest and several endangered or threatened species including Taylor鈥檚 checkerspot butterfly, Oregon spotted frog, Mazama pocket gopher, golden paintbrush, and more. Less than ten percent of historic prairie in the South Sound region remains today, and mutually beneficial relationships with private landowners is key to conserving the dwindling prairie ecosystem. Learn more about conservation of prairies in western Washington.
As part of the Partners for Fish & Wildlife program, Nick works with landowners in the region to pursue voluntary conservation on their private lands. The program provides free technical and financial assistance to landowners, managers, Tribes, corporations, schools and nonprofits interested in improving wildlife habitat on private land. Projects are voluntary and customized to meet landowners鈥� needs. Participating landowners continue to own and manage their land while they improve conditions for wildlife.
The award nomination noted that, 鈥�...Because of Nick鈥檚 interest, support and faith in Thurston CD staff, we were able to develop an innovative pilot program to create real conservation impacts on the ground for landowners with ESA listed species. Nick embodies the voluntary conservation ethic of TCD through all of his projects, communications and relationships.鈥�
Nearly 70 percent of land in the United States is privately owned, making conservation by private landowners critical in saving Washington鈥檚 ecological treasures. Landowners interested in conservation can contact the Partners for Fish & Wildlife program.
The mission of is to educate and assist the citizens of Thurston County in the management of natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations, inspiring voluntary, incentive-based conservation practices.
