USFS NEWS RELEASE
SPARKS — Gale Dupree, author of a 2001 handbook, Enhancing Sage Grouse Habitat: A Nevada Landowner’s Guide, was named the 2010 Field & Stream Hero of Conservation. Dupree received a $5,000 conservation grant from Toyota and a Toyota 4Runner. He rose above five other finalists to win this prestigious award for 2010.
“I feel very honored about winning the award,” stated Dupree. “I have a strong passion for wildlife, especially greater sage grouse.” He was featured in this winter’s edition of Field & Stream.
“Gale’s commitment to greater sage grouse conservation is known locally and nationally,” said Jeanne Higgins, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Supervisor. “Dupree has been working with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the Nevada Department of Wildlife, and many other partners to conserve greater sage grouse,” said Higgins.
He has been a leader in conservation planning under the Governor’s Sage Grouse Habitat Conservation Plan, helping to secure funds and identify habitat improvement work in the Sweetwater Mountains north of Bridgeport, California, and in Washoe County, far north of Reno.
The greater sage grouse was first identified as a species of concern and petitioned for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act in the early 2000s. “Thanks to Gale’s work and a host of others, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recognized the emphasis that Nevada and other states are placing on greater sage grouse to conserve the species,” explained Higgins.
Dupree’s persistence and dedication over the last decade helped us secure funding through the State Question 1 funds for habitat conservation. The Forest Service was able to match these funds and complete many acres of pinyon-juniper removal in the Sweetwater Mountains.
