GEORGIA—Derek Colbert, wildlife biologist on the Conecuh National Forest, was recognized as Wildlife Biologist of the Year by the Alabama Chapter of The Wildlife Society at its Sept. 30 annual meeting. The chapter’s award is presented to a biologist who has made outstanding contributions toward wildlife conservation in Alabama.

Colbert was nominated for his outstanding wildlife management on the Conecuh National Forest and his excellent support of a multi-state gopher frog project. As part of his work, he consistently finds ways to collaborate with partner groups to conserve Alabama’s unique and incredible wildlife species.

“He has done an outstanding job of managing the district wildlife program,” said Ryan Shurette, forest biologist for the National Forests in Alabama. “Derek works diligently with partners and across agency resource areas to make a tremendous impact on the red-cockaded woodpecker population. The birds have flourished from approximately 60 active clusters to more than 100 active groups just in the last few years.”

Colbert is directly responsible for the conservation and management of wildlife that inhabit the longleaf pine ecosystem and has been instrumental in the management of federally listed species including the gopher tortoise, gopher frog and Eastern indigo snake. He has also provided significant contributions toward invasive plant species control across southern Alabama and northern Florida, helping to develop and implement Geographic Information System mapping protocols for Cogongrass.

“We are very proud to see Derek recognized for his accomplishments and contributions as Wildlife Biologist of the Year,” said Jay Edwards, district ranger for the Conecuh Ranger District. “Derek is a dedicated and passionate advocate for the wildlife and ecosystems here on the Conecuh who seemingly has boundless energy for the work that he loves. Derek is an invaluable part of the team here on the Conecuh, and it is gratifying for us to see him recognized by his peers for his work.”