US Forest Service Terrestrial Ecologist Paul Thompson (right) was recently awarded the Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ (MUCC) Forest & Park Conservationist of the Year award. Thompson was nominated by the Straits Area Sportsmen’s Club for his work across both the east and west units of Hiawatha National Forest.

Acting Forest Supervisor Shannon Rische expressed her appreciation for the Club’s recognition.

“I want to thank Paul, the Straits Area Sportsmen’s Club, and other partners for the excellent resource management work they have done together. Thank you to the Club and MUCC for recognizing Paul’s contributions to resource management in the Upper Peninsula,” she said in a statement from the two organizations.

The award nomination also acknowledged Paul’s efforts on the Bear Forum and on J.R. Richardson’s Wildlife UP Wildlife Habitat Workgroup. It also noted his work with other partners on a variety of projects that benefit area wildlife and the public, such as a cedar regeneration project with the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.