[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 1, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S4624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMENDING JOHN KOERNER ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE U.S. FISH AND 
                            WILDLIFE SERVICE

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise to recognize Mr. John 
Koerner's long, distinguished career with the United States Fish & 
Wildlife Service. John began his career in 1972 in Valentine, NE at 
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. Before he arrived at his 
``dream location'' of Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge, he was 
stationed in the South Dakota communities of Madison, Pierre and 
Waubay. John has now managed the Sand Lake NWR for 15 years. This 
refuge has a wonderful reputation within the refuge system, and that 
reputation reaches far beyond its borders. In 1988, because of its 
importance to migratory birds, Sand Lake was designated as the 16th 
Wetland of International Importance in the United States. This 
designation was proposed under John's guidance, and supported by myself 
and U.S. Senator Tom Daschle.
  During his time in South Dakota, John has been instrumental in 
reaching out to the public he serves through effective outreach and 
environmental programs. The annual Eagle Day event held at Sand Lake 
Refuge has grown from one carload of visitors attending the first Eagle 
Day event to well over 1,200 visitors attending in 2002. John has also 
enhanced the youth, education and outreach programs during his time at 
the refuge.
  John has been an articulate and outspoken voice on water and 
conservation issues concerning the James River. His coordination 
efforts with local, State and Federal agencies, during major flooding 
events and day-to-day operations have been an asset to Sand Lake Refuge 
and to the communities and landowners up and down the James River. His 
knowledge of the James River has been very helpful to South Dakota's 
congressional delegation.
  John's coordination efforts with all of South Dakota's congressional 
offices have been beneficial to both the FWS and the citizens of South 
Dakota. His knowledge of FWS history, compatibility issues, and his 
vast experience has provided him with a ``common sense'' approach to 
resolving issues before they become major problems. I know that John 
Koerner has provided extremely valuable assistance to my offices in 
working through many of the difficult issues that have been brought 
forward during his tenure.
  I commend John Koerner for his work with the U.S Fish & Wildlife 
Service. His contributions will benefit many generations to 
come.

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