Wes Erdle Named Game and Fish Employee of the Year
Wes Erdle, fisheries development project manager for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in Bismarck, received the agency’s Director’s Award for professional excellence at the department’s annual staff meeting in December.
Jeb Williams, Game and Fish director, said Erdle and his crew are responsible for all new boat ramps undertaken by the department, and he is solely responsible for coordination and management of development staff, contractors, entities and landowners.
“The amount of planning and prioritizing to make the development program effective is enormous,” Williams said. “Wes serves as the engineer, foreman and lead equipment operator. He is extremely motivated, ambitious and hard-working, and we are fortunate to have him working on our team.”
Andrew Dahlgren Named Wildlife, Boating Officer of the Year
Andrew Dahlgren, North Dakota Game and Fish Department district game warden stationed in Edgeley, is the state’s 2021 Wildlife Officer of the Year and Boating Officer of the Year.
Dahlgren was honored recently by Shikar-Safari Club International, a private conservation organization that annually recognizes outstanding wildlife officers in each state. In a nomination letter sent to Shikar-Safari, chief warden Scott Winkelman said Dahlgren’s district is one of the busier outdoor recreation use areas in southeastern North Dakota.
“Warden Dahlgren’s district includes numerous lakes and public use areas that provide hunting, fishing and boating opportunities. The varied opportunities attract a plethora of outdoor enthusiasts to the area,” Winkelman said. “He is an accomplished investigator who thoroughly follows up on complaints and reports of possible illegal activities within his district.”
Game and Fish Recognizes Employee Efforts
North Dakota Game and Fish Department director Jeb Williams recently honored employees with performance-based awards. Williams presented the following with special recognition awards during the department’s virtual staff meeting in December.
Todd Caspers, fisheries biologist, Devils Lake, was recognized for his efforts in the fisheries management of Devils Lake, Stump Lake, Lake Irvine and the Red River.
Corey Wentland, federal aid manager, Bismarck, was recognized for his involvement with state and federal audits, and his management and compliance with federal grants.
Todd Buckley, wildlife resource management biologist, Williston, was recognized for being instrumental in increasing grazing as a management tool for habitat treatments on wildlife management areas.
Robert Miller, wildlife technician, Riverdale, was recognized for his efforts in coordinating upgrades in facilities at the Riverdale office complex.
Wildlife resource management supervisor Brian Prince, private land biologist Andrew Ahrens and wildlife technician Scott Olson, all Devils Lake, were recognized for their efforts managing aspen forests on public and private lands.
