The National Wildlife Refuge Association’s own Josiah “J.C.” Boothe was recently recognized with the Early Career Conservationist of the Year for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Southwest Region Award for his excellent work at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Roswell, New Mexico.
The award is presented to a current or recently graduated student within the award year who demonstrated passion for conservation, a high level of achievement in their studies, and a high degree of dedication and accomplishment in their work for USFWS.
Although J.C.’s work at Bitter Lake NWR encompasses everything from GIS mapping to conducting waterbird surveys his work in the recovery of federally listed endangered Roswell’s and Koster’s springsnails is very commendable.
The awards ceremony took place at the Historic Hotel Andaluz in Albuquerque, New Mexico. J.C. was recognized for the Early Conservationist of the Year award, along with Brittany Chavarria for her work at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico. J.C.’s team at Bitter Lake NWR was also recognized by being awarded the 2021 Region 2 Recovery Champion for the Bitter Lake NWR Endangered Springsnail Team.
