Congratulations to Jim Phelps!

An advocate for wildlife conservation for 60 years, Jim Phelps of Yellowstone Valley AS in Billings, MT, received the first "Champion of the National Wildlife Refuge System Award" for Region 6 of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This award was presented in recognition of his outstanding support for the Refuge System in the region including MT, WY, ND, SD, CO, NE, KY, and UT. Jim received the award at the MT Dept. of FW&S headquarters in Billings on Oct. 16th, during the celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week.

Jim was honored for his "endless energy, political skill and integrity in working for wildlife conservation," for his tireless writing of letters and lobbying of public officials on natural resource issues, and for exemplifying the effective and dynamic conservation community member. It was also noted that his efforts on "neotropical migrants and waterfowl conservation issues and the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act were unsurpassed." The key to success, Jim said, is to "be honest, let the other person get mad, respect other people's opinions ... know what you are talking about, and where to get information." Congratulations, Jim!

For More Info, Contact: Susan Lenard, NAS-MT; P.O. Box 595; Helena, MT 59624; ph: 406/443-3949; FAX: 406/443-7144; e-mail: slenard@audubon.org.