MEMPHIS, Tenn. - March 13, 2015 - Ducks Unlimited announced today the winners of the 2015 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards during the 80th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference held in Omaha, Neb. This year's recipient in the State/Provincial Agency Employee category is David Norris of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF).

"David exemplifies the qualities that make for a successful career in wildlife management," said DU Chief of Conservation Paul Schmidt. "He demonstrates a passion for the wildlife resource and develops excellent partnerships with landowners and other partners. He is leaving a real and tangible legacy as a result of decades of wetlands conservation work in Virginia."

Norris has been the Wetlands Project Leader for the VDGIF for nearly 20 years. In addition to impressive on-the-ground conservation project accomplishments, he has served as vice-chair and chair of the Atlantic Coast Joint Venture (ACJV) Technical Section and served on the North American Wetlands Conservation Act review committee for the ACJV. Norris also led a first-of-its-kind effort to develop a master management plan for Virginia's wildlife management areas based on surveys and focus group feedback from Virginia's user public. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science from Peru State College, Nebraska and a Master of Science degree in Natural Science from Southeast Missouri State University. Norris began his professional career with the Nebraska Game and Parks commission in 1991 prior to joining the VDGIF in 1996.

Ducks Unlimited's Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards are presented annually in six categories to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation and restoration of North America's wetlands and waterfowl. To view a complete list of the 2015 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award winners, please visit www.ducks.org/wetlandawards.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 13 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org. Connect with us on our Facebook page at facebook.com/DucksUnlimited, follow our tweets at twitter.com/DucksUnlimited and watch DU videos at youtube.com/DucksUnlimitedInc


Media Contact:
Andi Cooper
601-206-5463
acooper@ducks.org