Office of Conservation

Caldwell is Conservationist of the Year 2002

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation has honored Jack C. Caldwell as the Professional Conservationist of the Year at its annual recognition banquet held on Saturday (March 1st) in Shreveport. Caldwell is an appointee of Governor Mike Foster, serving as head of the state Department of Natural Resources.

In recognizing Caldwell for his contribution to the state’s conservation efforts, the group placed emphasis on his fight to bring Louisiana’s coastal crisis to national and worldwide attention. LWF focused on Caldwell’s dedication and persistence, stating, “we (now) have a fighting chance to garner the support of Congress, the Administration, and the American people for arresting the most significant loss of real estate on the continent.” Officials of the federation also said that Caldwell’s level of leadership is extraordinary in state government service.

Caldwell was nominated by the National Wetlands Research Center in Lafayette, La. He and four other individuals, two organizations, a corporation, and a publication were also awarded for their outstanding conservation achievements in 2002.

La. Senator W. Joe McPherson of Woodworth was named as the state’s top elected official to advocate natural resource conservation by the group.

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is a statewide conservation education and advocacy organization with over 13,000 members and 30 affiliate groups. Established in 1940, it is affiliated with the National Wildlife Federation and represents a broad constituency of conservationists including hunters, fishers, campers, birders, boaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Editors: For more information on this topic, please contact DNR’s Public Information Office at 225/342-8955.