McKie Campbell, Commissioner
Public Communications
P.O. Box 25526
Juneau, Alaska 99802-5526
Phone (907) 465-6166, Fax (907) 465-2332

Press Release, No. 05-019: April 13, 2005

Contact: Nancy Long, Department Information Officer, (907) 465-4313

ADF&G Staff Receive Alaska Outdoor Council Awards

(Juneau) - Two Alaska Department of Fish and Game staff were honored with awards during the Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC) Annual Awards Banquet held on Saturday, April 9 in Anchorage. Matt Robus, Director of the Division of Wildlife Conservation, received the Wildlife Biologist of the Year Award. Tina Cunning, Special Assistant to the Commissioner on State-Federal Issues, received the Sydney Huntington Award. AOC Awards Chairman, Eddie Grasser, presented the award plaques and spoke to the employees’ individual accomplishments.

Director Matt Robus received recognition for his strong commitment to state management of sustainable wildlife populations. Chairman Grasser pointed out Robus’ dedication, long hours, and professional handling of several significant wildlife issues in the face of funding shortfalls and the difficulties associated with implementing predator management programs.

Robus accepted the award and appreciated AOC’s acknowledgement. "Working at the ADF&G headquarters office, I sometimes feel far removed from the biology and fieldwork," commented Robus. "I think that this award really reflects the great achievements and significant efforts of all the men and women in the division."”

The AOC Sydney Huntington Award, presented to Tina Cunning, is reserved for acknowledging exemplary performance and is rarely given. On the plaque, AOC recognized Tina, “For dedication to sound conservation of Alaska’s fish and wildlife and to the highest standards of integrity in public service.”

Grasser noted that many hunters and fishermen that access public lands and waterways are unaware of Tina’s work. He noted that she has worked for over two decades pursuing and upholding Alaska’s management authority of fish, wildlife, and waterways, as well as the public’s access to hunt and fish as provided under the Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act.

Tina accepted the award and professed her deep commitment to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities that she has had growing up in Alaska. Tina credited volunteers and member organizations of AOC dedicated to promoting state management and public uses of public resources.

The Sydney Huntington Award was originally given to Sydney Huntington in recognition of his dedicated work for sound fish and game management, and for his efforts to maintain the fishing, hunting, and trapping heritage for all Alaskans.

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