09-14-2007, 04:10 AM
CHEYENNE - A man who knew the Wind River Range better than most men know their rec room, a legendary game warden/educator, a pioneering forester/artist and bird conservationist team highlight the fourth class of inductees into the Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame.
"The number of wildlife icons Wyoming has produced over the years is literally amazing," said Marlene "Mo" Brown, executive director of the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming, the hall of fame sponsor. "This year's class reflects the sheer depth of candidates and we are proud to recognize these individuals."
Chuck Ward, Puyallup, Wash. - As a Wyoming game warden, Ward was legendary for his educational outreach and mentoring in the Casper area. His education efforts notably included a program to all Casper 4th graders on furbearers in conjunction with the Wyoming history unit and also regular programs on radio and TV stations. His mentoring led several young men to successful wildlife careers. As a game warden in Lusk, Torrington, Wheatland and Casper he developed the reputation of contacting hunters and anglers when they least expected it and making sure it was a positive encounter. Originally from LaGrange, Ward is now 81 and resides in Puyallup, Wash. where he earned the President's Volunteer Service Award for his efforts helping first and second graders improve their reading skills and judging the school district science fair.
Bert and Meg Raynes, Jackson - The Raynes are synonymous with nongame bird conservation and birding in western Wyoming. The Jackson couple, with Bert authoring and Meg editing, have written five books including three books on birds: Birds of Grand Teton National Park and Surrounding Areas, Finding Birds of Jackson Hole and Winter Wings. Their expertise and interests extend to all aspects of Jackson Hole natural history, which they have shared in a weekly column in the Jackson Hole News and Guide for the past 28 years and in two additional books. Other accomplishments include development of a Jackson area bird checklist, founding and directing the Jackson Hole Bird Club for more than 30 years and serving as an important conduit of nongame bird information. Bert has taught numerous classes on birds and was awarded the prestigious Rungius Medal from the National Museum of Wildlife Art in 1999. He currently serves on the Jackson Hole Sage Grouse Working Group.
Finis Mitchell, Rock Springs (posthumously) - The enjoyment of many Wind River Range backpacking trips is owed to Finis Mitchell. Mitchell and his wife, Emma, stocked trout in nearly 300 lakes in the mountain range, that few if any men knew as well as he. A "mountain man" in the truest sense of the title, Mitchell began exploring the range upon arriving in Wyoming in 1909 and didn't quit until 1985. He scaled more than 275 Wind River peaks, including Mitchell Peak, named after him in 1975, and took in excess of 126,000 35mm slides of the range. He gave many presentations on his beloved mountain range and was recognized by the Secretary of the Interior, U.S. Forest Service and was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Wyoming. Between high country hikes and presentations, he was a railroader, fishing guide and a member of the Wyoming House of Representatives before passing away in 1995.
Hans Kleiber, Dayton (posthumously) - Kleiber made his mark on Wyoming's wildlife legacy through his government service and his art. As a childhood emigrant from Austria in 1900, Kleiber was enthralled with the American West and was determined to contribute to the beginning years of the U.S. Forest Service. He explored and mapped uncharted areas of the then Bighorn, Washakie, Wind River and Bridger national forests, became a respected fire crew boss, built telephone lines connecting ranger stations and plotted many Bighorn Mountain trails and roads. He chronicled his work with art and writings and left the forest service in 1923 to pursue his art career full time. He passed away in 1967.
The Outdoor Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant, lasting lifetime contributions toward conserving Wyoming's outdoor heritage through volunteer service, environmental restoration, educational activities, visual and written media, the arts and political and individual leadership.
"This year we have another diverse group of individuals who have demonstrated lifetime commitments and devotion toward conserving Wyoming's great outdoors," said Jay Lawson, chairman of the Outdoor Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
The dinner and ceremony to honor the inductees was held Sept. 7 at the Parkway Plaza in Casper in conjunction with the annual Wyoming Hunting & Fishing Heritage Expo.
Brown says another important purpose of the hall of fame is to educate the public and promote the significance of Wyoming's rich outdoor heritage.
"The foundation also recognizes the critical role that volunteerism plays in promoting the conservation of Wyoming's natural resources,'' Brown said. "Volunteers unselfishly give their time and talent to pass on the knowledge and value of Wyoming's outdoor heritage to future generations, and this year's inductees exemplify that spirit of volunteerism, dedication and passion."
The inaugural class of 2004 featured Curt Gowdy, Calvin King, Frank and Lois Layton, Olaus and Mardy Murie, D.C. Nowlin and President Theodore Roosevelt. In 2005, the hall inducted Tom Thorne and Beth Williams, Paul Petzoldt, George Bird Grinnell and James R. Simon, and in 2006, Sam Mavrakis, Tom Bell, Floyd Blunt and Frank and John Craighead.
The Buffalo Bill Historical Center/Draper Museum of Natural History in Cody is currently building the "Wall of Fame" exhibit to honor the inductees.
"The number of wildlife icons Wyoming has produced over the years is literally amazing," said Marlene "Mo" Brown, executive director of the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming, the hall of fame sponsor. "This year's class reflects the sheer depth of candidates and we are proud to recognize these individuals."
Chuck Ward, Puyallup, Wash. - As a Wyoming game warden, Ward was legendary for his educational outreach and mentoring in the Casper area. His education efforts notably included a program to all Casper 4th graders on furbearers in conjunction with the Wyoming history unit and also regular programs on radio and TV stations. His mentoring led several young men to successful wildlife careers. As a game warden in Lusk, Torrington, Wheatland and Casper he developed the reputation of contacting hunters and anglers when they least expected it and making sure it was a positive encounter. Originally from LaGrange, Ward is now 81 and resides in Puyallup, Wash. where he earned the President's Volunteer Service Award for his efforts helping first and second graders improve their reading skills and judging the school district science fair.
Bert and Meg Raynes, Jackson - The Raynes are synonymous with nongame bird conservation and birding in western Wyoming. The Jackson couple, with Bert authoring and Meg editing, have written five books including three books on birds: Birds of Grand Teton National Park and Surrounding Areas, Finding Birds of Jackson Hole and Winter Wings. Their expertise and interests extend to all aspects of Jackson Hole natural history, which they have shared in a weekly column in the Jackson Hole News and Guide for the past 28 years and in two additional books. Other accomplishments include development of a Jackson area bird checklist, founding and directing the Jackson Hole Bird Club for more than 30 years and serving as an important conduit of nongame bird information. Bert has taught numerous classes on birds and was awarded the prestigious Rungius Medal from the National Museum of Wildlife Art in 1999. He currently serves on the Jackson Hole Sage Grouse Working Group.
Finis Mitchell, Rock Springs (posthumously) - The enjoyment of many Wind River Range backpacking trips is owed to Finis Mitchell. Mitchell and his wife, Emma, stocked trout in nearly 300 lakes in the mountain range, that few if any men knew as well as he. A "mountain man" in the truest sense of the title, Mitchell began exploring the range upon arriving in Wyoming in 1909 and didn't quit until 1985. He scaled more than 275 Wind River peaks, including Mitchell Peak, named after him in 1975, and took in excess of 126,000 35mm slides of the range. He gave many presentations on his beloved mountain range and was recognized by the Secretary of the Interior, U.S. Forest Service and was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Wyoming. Between high country hikes and presentations, he was a railroader, fishing guide and a member of the Wyoming House of Representatives before passing away in 1995.
Hans Kleiber, Dayton (posthumously) - Kleiber made his mark on Wyoming's wildlife legacy through his government service and his art. As a childhood emigrant from Austria in 1900, Kleiber was enthralled with the American West and was determined to contribute to the beginning years of the U.S. Forest Service. He explored and mapped uncharted areas of the then Bighorn, Washakie, Wind River and Bridger national forests, became a respected fire crew boss, built telephone lines connecting ranger stations and plotted many Bighorn Mountain trails and roads. He chronicled his work with art and writings and left the forest service in 1923 to pursue his art career full time. He passed away in 1967.
The Outdoor Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant, lasting lifetime contributions toward conserving Wyoming's outdoor heritage through volunteer service, environmental restoration, educational activities, visual and written media, the arts and political and individual leadership.
"This year we have another diverse group of individuals who have demonstrated lifetime commitments and devotion toward conserving Wyoming's great outdoors," said Jay Lawson, chairman of the Outdoor Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
The dinner and ceremony to honor the inductees was held Sept. 7 at the Parkway Plaza in Casper in conjunction with the annual Wyoming Hunting & Fishing Heritage Expo.
Brown says another important purpose of the hall of fame is to educate the public and promote the significance of Wyoming's rich outdoor heritage.
"The foundation also recognizes the critical role that volunteerism plays in promoting the conservation of Wyoming's natural resources,'' Brown said. "Volunteers unselfishly give their time and talent to pass on the knowledge and value of Wyoming's outdoor heritage to future generations, and this year's inductees exemplify that spirit of volunteerism, dedication and passion."
The inaugural class of 2004 featured Curt Gowdy, Calvin King, Frank and Lois Layton, Olaus and Mardy Murie, D.C. Nowlin and President Theodore Roosevelt. In 2005, the hall inducted Tom Thorne and Beth Williams, Paul Petzoldt, George Bird Grinnell and James R. Simon, and in 2006, Sam Mavrakis, Tom Bell, Floyd Blunt and Frank and John Craighead.
The Buffalo Bill Historical Center/Draper Museum of Natural History in Cody is currently building the "Wall of Fame" exhibit to honor the inductees.