Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) announced the Region III, 2015 Wildlife Officers of the year, along with the Wildlife Technician of the year and Wildlife Biologist of the year. These honors are presented to outstanding leaders in each respective field. They truly reflect the TWRA mission. The Mission of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is to preserve, conserve, manage, protect and enhance the fish and wildlife of the state and their habitats for the use, benefit and enjoyment of the citizens of Tennessee and its visitors.
The Agency will foster the safe use of the state's waters through a program of law enforcement, education and access.
The TWRA Region III, District 32 Wildlife Officer of the year and the overall Region III Wildlife Officer of the year was awarded to Wildlife Officer Joe McSpadden. Mr. McSpadden, in addition to his regular duties, was heavily involved in public outreach and worked with Safari Club International to organize Hunts with Warriors at Enterprise South Nature Park Wildlife Management Area. McSpadden talked with various civic and school groups reaching over 3,000 residents throughout the past year. He also supported youth programs including fishing and dove hunting in the 12 southern counties in TWRA Region III. Mr. McSpadden is a member of TWRA’s Honor Guard. His energetic attitude is contagious amongst officers. His dedication to service is obvious.
This year’s Region III, District 31 Wildlife Officer of the year was awarded to Pete Geesling. Mr. Geesling’s accomplishments reach far beyond his normal duties and include public outreach throughout the 12 northern counties in TWRA Region III. He is a member of the TWRA Honor Guard, has spoken to many school and sportsman’s groups, initiated renovation of TWRA’s Wildlife on Wheels trailer and has instructed several hunter, boater and trapper education classes. Mr. Geesling is also heavily involved in the Wounded Warrior Hunt at Fall Creek Falls State Park. Mr. Geesling is known amongst his peers for his positive attitude and willingness to support other officers.
TWRA Region III Wildlife Technician of the year was awarded to Jeff Womac. Mr. Womac is a wildlife technician at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge. His knowledge of equipment and mechanical expertise allows most equipment to be prepared in house and has saved the agency thousands of dollars through the years. Mr. Womac’s welding and fabricating skills allowed for the design, fabrication and installation of a walk-over bridge on the refuge. He has been part of several sandhill crane hunt drawings, worked deer check stations and has been involved with youth hunting events. He’s known for being self-directed and having initiative.
TWRA Region III Biologist of the year is Wally Akins. Mr. Akins worked closely with TWRA foresters and the Nature Conservancy to develop a shortleaf pine restoration project in Region III, gaining funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. To date, 250 acres of shortleaf pine have been planted and an additional 1,400 acres of pine-savannah habitat have been managed under this project on Catoosa and Bridgestone Firestone Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). Mr. Akin’s project has identified long term management goals for restoration and preservation of native pine woodland/savannah communities on some 3,100 acres in Region III. Mr. Akins has also done extensive work developing Pea Ridge WMA, which encompasses approximately 1500 acres. Akins goal for the land is to create a premier small game area and possibly create a demonstration area that will be used to show private landowners how to convert marginal habitat into small game habitat. Akins oversees the furbearer program in Region III as well as regional dove field lease program and regional field trial permits. He also provides private landowners technical assistance.