Glenn Carowan, manager of Maryland's Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, has been selected as Refuge Manager of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, which together recognize the exceptional contributions of an individual manager in support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's wildlife conservation mission.

Glenn Carowan (on right), and former FOB President Ron Tillier standing with the 2003 "Friends Group of the Year" award

As project leader of Blackwater, Martin, Susquehanna and Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuges, Carowan is credited with employing strong partnerships and sound science to protect and restore wetlands, forests and islands. Through a successful collaboration among several agencies, he led a campaign to remove nutria from the refuge and the surrounding Chesapeake Bay area. Native vegetation and wildlife have made a rapid comeback following the removal of these destructive large rodents, which were introduced from South America to the U.S. early in the 20th century.

Under Carowan's leadership, the refuge complex has implemented numerous efforts to restore marsh and wetland habitats lost to invasive species and saltwater intrusion. In addition, he has worked with local leaders and the Friends of Blackwater (recipients of the 2003 Refuge Friends Group of the Year Award) to promote the expansion and renovation of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, improve interpretive and environmental education programs, expand hunting and fishing opportunities, and support heritage tourism.

During his 35 year career with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Carowan has worked on 27 national wildlife refuges in 7 states and served as the Service's manatee coordinator immediately prior to transferring to Cambridge, Maryland in 1989.

The Refuge Manager of the Year award is named in honor of Paul Kroegel, the first manager of the nation's first national wildlife refuge, established in 1903 on Pelican Island, Florida. Carowan will receive the award at the 71st North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Columbus, Ohio.