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DWR Recognizes Outstanding Biologists of the Year
Richmond, VA — Every year the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) recognizes a Wildlife Biologist and a Fisheries Biologist of the Year. This year, the two individuals recognized at the October meeting of the Board of Wildlife Resources exemplify DWR’s mission to conserve, connect and protect. They are helping Virginians appreciate and coexist with wildlife as well as providing unparalleled opportunities for Virginians to enjoy a day on the water.
Wildlife Biologist of the Year: Jordan Green
Originally from the Roanoke Valley, Green joined the Wildlife team in 2019 as the district wildlife biologist for the Northern Virginia region. Prior to joining DWR, he worked for numerous state, federal, and non-profit agencies throughout the country, bringing this extensive experience to one of the most populated and complex districts in Virginia for wildlife related work.
Green hit the ground running, mentoring students from William and Mary, identifying important wildlife corridors, and involving the public in citizen science projects, all designed to bring awareness to and reduce serious issues associated with wildlife near busy roadways. He has worked hand in hand with other wildlife professionals and localities to help mitigate human wildlife conflict and has formed alliances and working groups with hunters and land managers dedicated to deer management.
During the presentation, DWR Wildlife Division Director Micheal Lipford noted, “those who have interacted with Jordan get to experience his professionalism, compassion, and dedication to making Virginia a safer place for wildlife and people to coexist.”
Fisheries Biologist of the Year: Jason Hallacher
Hallacher’s core responsibility is to manage water bodies in the northern part of Virginia including several small impoundments and the Shenandoah River. He concentrates on maximizing the potential of these water bodies and through his efforts, quality largemouth, smallmouth, panfish, catfish, walleye and muskellunge fisheries are maintained for the benefit of anglers. However, his most recent achievement has been his work to advance smallmouth bass production at the newly renovated Front Royal Fish Hatchery. Hallacher worked with hatchery staff to try novel methods and through the team’s hard work, produced more than 40,000 fish in 2024 and more than 200,000 in 2025. These totals far exceed expectations and represent another tool for DWR to use to enhance recreational opportunities for smallmouth bass, Virginia’s second most popular sportfish.
Jason began his career with DWR in 2005 and over those 20 years “he has been incredibly forward thinking and has forged a path that focuses on providing angler opportunities, leading communication efforts, and collaborating across DWR,” stated DWR Fisheries Division Director Mike Bednarski.