The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s Wildlife and Forestry Division biologist and technician of the year, along with the wildlife officer of the year were introduced at the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission October meeting held at the Region II Ray Bell Building in the Ellington Agricultural Center.
In addition, the commission also heard a presentation on the history and growth of North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area, an ongoing elk study, and the assistance of TWRA Law Enforcement in the recent manhunt of an accused double murder suspect.
Joe Elkins was named as the TWRA biologist of the Year. An East Tennessee native and U.S. Army veteran, he serves as the wildlife manager at North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area, one of the largest WMAs in the state with about 190,000 acres over five counties.
Freddie Kelley is the TWRA Wildlife Technician of the Year. A 25-year TWRA employee, he serves at the Tellico Lake and South Cherokee WMA complex.
The TWRA Wildlife Officer of the Year, Kyle Walling was introduced at the commission meeting. He is assigned as wildlife officer in Van Buren County. He had earlier been announced as the recipient of the award for the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) and was officially presented with the award at the organization’s annual conference held earlier in the week.
Shortly after receiving his award, Joe Elkins made a presentation on North Cumberland WMA from its beginnings to what it has grown into today. The area was known for its coal and timber production in the early days. Diverse activities are now available in the vast area including a big OHV program and the popular elk viewing area. As the area has grown in land size, Elkins said the goal of management of the area is to be more efficient to impact multiple species on a bigger area.
Dr. Lisa Muller, from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, spoke to the commission on an elk study research project which is being conducted. The purpose of the study is to help answer questions about the status of the elk population on North Cumberland WMA.
Law Enforcement Capt. Dale Grandstaff gave a presentation on TWRA’s part in the search in Montgomery and Stewart counties and the eventual capture of Kirby Wallace, accused of killing two people and seriously injuring a third. TWRA contributed many hours of manpower that had 31 officers to take part at some point during the week-long search. Agency equipment was also used to provide assistance.
The October meeting was held in one day, which had originally been set for two days. The TFWC’s next meeting is Dec. 6-7 and will also be held at the TWRA Region II Ray Bell Building.