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Becky Gwynn Recognized for Excellence in Environment Leadership Statewide & Nationally
Richmond, VA—Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Executive Deputy Director Becky Gwynn was awarded a North American Wetlands Conservation Achievement Award by Ducks Unlimited at the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference this week. In addition, last week Becky received the Captain Ronald A. Erchul Environmental Leadership Award at the Environment Virginia Symposium. Both prestigious awards highlight Becky’s 38 years of service to the Commonwealth and to DWR, publicly celebrating her dedication to local and international wildlife conservation and the habitats critical to their success.
“Becky Gwynn is a true giant of wildlife conservation in Virginia and our region,” said Ryan Brown, Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. “Her lifetime of contributions to our natural resources will leave a legacy for generations to come, and it is gratifying to see her receive these richly deserved recognitions.”
Becky’s career at DWR began in 1988 and during her distinguished tenure she has been a constant champion of wildlife, land conservation, and wetland restoration. Becky has led the Department through many firsts including Virginia’s first Wildlife Action Plan and it’s first Wildlife Viewing Plan which set the stage for the creation of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail. She has shepherded tens of thousands of acres of habitat into conservation and oversaw the monumental task of relocating thousands of breeding seabirds from an island construction site to a temporary home on Fort Wool while simultaneously working with numerous partners on the construction of a new island and permanent home for the seabird colony.
Most recently, Becky lead the charge in securing tens of millions of federal grant dollars, breaking Department records, to support restoration of thousands of acres of wetlands, marshlands, coastal forests, and threatened shorelines.
“Becky was responsible for an EPA grant award of $44.5 million that will enable generational outcomes for restoration of forests and wetlands to benefit wildlife populations and provide flood security for Virginians in the Chesapeake Bay watershed,” said Michael Lipford, Wildlife Division Director.
The Erchul Award recognizes a Virginian who has made significant individual efforts to improve the environment on a state-wide basis. Members of Virginia’s environmental community nominate candidates, who are judged on the basis of their vision, expertise, commitment, integrity, communication skills, accomplishments, and diplomacy. The award is named for the late VMI professor Ronald A. Erchul, Ph.D., the founder of the Environment Virginia Symposium.
Ducks Unlimited Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards recognize outstanding contributions to North America’s wetlands and waterfowl conservation and restoration.