Rainwater Basin Joint Venture former director Steve Moran was awarded Ducks Unlimited's 2009 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award for federal agencies. DU announced the winners at the 74th annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Arlington, Va.

Wetland Achievement Awards are presented in six categories and recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the restoration and conservation of North America’s wetlands and waterfowl. Don Young, DU’s executive vice president, presented the awards.

Steve Moran retired from the Rainwater Basin Joint Venture in Jan. 2009, but while working in the region he made a lasting impression.  Moran led the RBJV for the last decade providing a clearing house for projects; soliciting funds from various sources and helping partners like DU accomplish important wetland conservation work. 

Moran also served as an important mentor to many including DU staff such as Ryan Heiniger and Steve Donovan as they began their work in Nebraska.  Moran’s mentoring provided continued growth and professional development as conservation professionals.  He is an engineer by training, but became more of a “people manager.” 

Moran fostered communications and partnerships between groups that were previously acrimonious.  He would reach out to landowner to find how the RBJV could meet their needs while conserving wetlands.  His approach has been instrumental in restoring many basin habitats in the highly agricultural area, which plays host to millions of migrating waterfowl.