Wildlife Resources Commission Biologist Wins Award

[NCangler]

RALEIGH, N.C. (Nov. 9) - Terry Sharpe, a 30-year veteran with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, has been named Wildlife Biologist of the Year.

The Ellerbe resident received the award at the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' 60th Annual Conference in Norfolk, Va. on Tuesday. The award, one of two presented annually in the categories of wildlife and fisheries, honors state wildlife agency biologists in the Southeast who have made outstanding contributions toward wildlife and fisheries conservation.

Sharpe was honored for his work in implementing and leading several key projects and programs that have resulted in better habitat for both game and nongame animals in North Carolina. He has worked extensively to create improved habitat for quail through his involvement with the Southeast Quail Study Group and has been instrumental in the implementation of the Commission's Cooperative Upland habitat Restoration and Enhancement (CURE) program, which aims to increase habitat and improve small game and songbird populations on private land.

In the last few years, Sharpe has initiated new projects, including working with Murphy Brown LLC, a large, corporate hog producer, to enhance early successional habitat on company-owned lands. He secured a Landowner Incentives Program grant to benefit at-risk, fire-dependent species and habitats and helped create jobs that would ensure a successful start for wildlife-friendly Farm Bill programs.

"Part of Terry's effectiveness comes from his extensive knowledge," said Richard B. Hamilton, executive director for the Wildlife Resources Commission. "Few people can tell you more about the plants, animals, management and history of a given tract of land, particularly in the Sandhills and southern Piedmont."

In addition to this latest honor, Sharpe has received the Commission's Biologist of the Year award twice and the Conservationist of the Year in North Carolina award, presented by the N.C. Wildlife Federation.