[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING GARY STEWART OF DUCKS UNLIMITED

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2006

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Gary Stewart for his decades of work as one of North America's finest 
waterfowl biologists, and to thank him for all that he has done to 
mobilize a diverse group of interested parties to further the goals of 
conservation. His leadership has aided conservationists throughout the 
Pacific Flyway in maintaining viable waterfowl populations and 
protecting key landscapes. He is retiring from a prestigious career 
with Ducks Unlimited Canada in December 2006.
  Mr. Stewart began his efforts with waterfowl on the Prairies of 
Manitoba studying blue-winged teal. His career with Ducks Unlimited 
Canada ignited in 1979 as a young, energetic Area Biologist starting a 
program in New Brunswick. After 5 years, he traveled west to take on 
the challenge of Alberta Provincial Biologist. In that role, Gary 
advanced many important scientific and program delivery components of 
the vital Alberta landscape for over a dozen years, including critical 
planning and delivery of early NAWMP activities.
  From his knowledge of the key waterfowl breeding areas, Mr. Stewart 
stimulated Flyway concern and support for conservation in the Prairies 
and Boreal Forest. This conservation outreach extended to the western 
U.S., major donors, industry partners, First Nations, and governments. 
A key linkage was established among Ducks Unlimited, Pacific Flyway 
waterfowl biologists, and especially the State of California. He was 
instrumental in coordinating the first Flyway biologist meeting with 
Ducks Unlimited Canada staff, and he built a strong cross-border 
working relationship with the Western Regional Office of Ducks 
Unlimited, Inc. and U.S. partners.
  In 1997 Mr. Stewart pioneered work in the Western Boreal Forest as 
Manager of Conservation Programs, a task at which he excelled. Under 
his leadership, the Western Boreal Forest readily became known across 
the continent as ``the other duck factory,'' with a unique set of 
values and challenges. His entrepreneurial spirit, passion, energetic 
approach and strategic thinking have resulted in a greatly increased 
understanding of the landscape and several specific examples of 
critical conservation.
  Mr. Speaker, over the years, Mr. Stewart has earned a great deal of 
personal and professional respect from those who have had the pleasure 
of knowing and working with him. He readily shared his knowledge with 
younger staff and partners. I would like to personally thank Gary for 
working with me, and extend the thanks of all who have benefit from his 
leadership.

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