Wildlife Resources Commission Executive Director Hamilton Honored

[NCangler]

SYLVA, N.C. (July 30) –Richard B. Hamilton, executive director of N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, was recently honored for his efforts with the disabled community “in removing architectural, attitudinal, sensory and/or communications barriers and support in implementing the use of assistive technology and universal access.”

Hamilton received the Mountain Community Access Award, presented by Pathways for the Future, an independent living and advocacy group serving Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties of western North Carolina, in conjunction with the Jackson County Department of Aging.

“Mr. Hamilton and the Wildlife Resources Commission are breaking down the physical barriers and the attitudes that stand in the way of the disabled enjoying the outdoors, whether it’s fishing, hunting or boating,” said Roy Burnette, community services coordinator for Pathways for the Future. “I hope other agencies follow his example and make their facilities more accessible, not just what’s required by law but what works for the disabled.”

Hamilton has been the Wildlife Resources Commission executive director since 2004. Since then, the agency has gained recognition for its Disabled Sportsman Program, described as one of the more progressive programs in the nation. Efforts are directed towards assisting access to favorable recreational areas, allowing the use of equipment designed to overcome specific disabilities and encouraging sportsmen to take advantage of hunting, fishing and boating opportunities.

Wayne E. Smith of Waynesville, a leading regional and state advocate for disabled sportsmen, presented the Mountain Community Access Award to Hamilton in ceremonies held July 26 in Sylva.

“When have you ever heard of another agency asking the disabled for input?” Smith asked rhetorically in his remarks. “This is where Dick Hamilton is making a difference.

“Before Dick Hamilton, if you were in a wheelchair – as I was starting in 1994 – you were barred from all our lakes and streams, and this was hard after spending a lifetime hunting and fishing. Dick Hamilton changed this by putting floating docks on our lakes in our far western counties. If you have a pontoon and you are in a wheelchair, thanks to Mr. Hamilton, you can access our lakes in this area.”

For more information on the Disabled Access Program and the Disabled Sportsman Program, or to learn about special hunts opportunities, go online to www.ncwildlife.org or call (919) 707-0050.