(Orleans)—A fisheries biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has received some special recognition. Mike Hawkins was named “Fisheries Biologist of the Year” by the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
Hawkins was singled out for his work in lake restoration, watershed management and his leadership in getting the electric fish barrier installed at the Lower Gar Outlet.
Hawkins was also recognized for the renovation of Lost Island Lake. He’s a recipient of the Ace Cory Conservation Award presented by the Okoboji Protective Association; led a multi-agency project with South Dakota to replace a dam on the Big Sioux River in Lyon county; and played an instrumental role in the installation of a low-power AM transmitter that broadcasts information about invasive species and other boating and fishing information in the Iowa Great Lakes.
Member states of the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies include Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
Hawkins works out of the Fish Hatchery in Orleans. He serves a nine-county region of northwest Iowa.
