Date: 03/18/09
Contact: Kim Toulouse
Phone: (775) 688-1893

MEL BELDING WINS 2008 WAYNE E. KIRCH CONSERVATION AWARD

Mel Belding of Reno will be recognized for his many years of commitment to Nevada’s wildlife resources during the March 27, 2009 Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners meeting in Reno where he will receive the 2008 Wayne E. Kirch Conservation Award.

Belding, an avid sportsman, has been working for the betterment of Nevada’s wildlife, and particularly Nevada’s big game animals, for many years. During 2008, Belding devoted hundreds of hours working on guzzlers and water developments throughout Nevada. Migrating deer and elk frequent these guzzlers as well as sage grouse, chukar and other non-game birds and wildlife species.

Belding surveyed many water development sites, drew up material lists, requisitioned and ordered supplies and materials and organized food, water and refreshments for the dozens of volunteers working on these projects throughout the state. He also spent a myriad of hours working on sage grouse lek surveys, bighorn sheep surveys and repaired existing guzzler sites on his own.

Throughout the year, Belding was an active and knowledgeable participant with Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, Coalition for Nevada’s Wildlife and the Surprise Valley BLM Resource management committee. The Nevada Department of Wildlife water development program would not be what it is today without his dedication and hard work.

His high level of commitment and ceaseless work has led to many other volunteers becoming involved with the management of Nevada’s wildlife resources.

The Wayne E. Kirch Conservation Award is given annually to recipients who have demonstrated significant results towards conservation, management or enhancement of wildlife. It is named in memory of Wayne E. Kirch, who served on the Fish and Game Commission for over 25 years, the longest tenure on the board since its inception in 1877. Kirch, of Las Vegas, passed away in 1989.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.