Calvin W. DuBrock, who heads up the Game Commission’s Bureau of Wildlife Management, has been named the recipient of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Special Recognition Award for 2013.

The award recognizes DuBrock’s outstanding contributions to the association and to the advancement of professional fish and wildlife management in Pennsylvania.

The Game Commission at a September 24 meeting in Delmont, Pa. made a special presentation recognizing DuBrock.

“Obviously, we’re happy for Cal; this is a prestigious award and it’s a fine way to document his lifelong commitment to wildlife and its management,” Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe said after the meeting. “But it’s really no surprise Cal has been singled out for his dedication to the resource and undying willingness to be involved. He is as dedicated as they come, and his body of work continues to make a real difference here in Pennsylvania, and nationwide.”

On a national level, DuBrock has served a number of roles. He chairs the National Flyway Council and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) resident game-bird working group, and he’s a member of many committees and working groups within AFWA and in other organizations.

DuBrock, however, is known for more than simple involvement.

In a letter nominating DuBrock for the award, Paul R. Johansen, of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, wrote that he considers DuBrock a “groundbreaker” in achieving wildlife diversity conservation and funding.

Throughout his career, DuBrock has gotten results by reaching out to sportsmen’s groups, lawmakers or others who are concerned about wildlife. Many of the practices he employed would become the model other agencies would try to replicate, Johansen said.

“The consummate and ever humble wildlife professional, Cal would be quick to direct credit for these successes to his colleagues in Pennsylvania and across the country,” Johansen said. “The fact remains, these accomplishments are the direct result of the leadership, skills and commitment that Cal brings to the job every day.”

True to form, after being presented the award at an AFWA banquet, DuBrock used his time at the podium to acknowledge the contributions of others.

“I am humbled and honored to be recognized for doing a job that I enjoy so much,” DuBrock said. “We really don’t do these things alone, so I want to recognize those who really made this possible and with whom I have worked and served – my wife, family, coworkers, and colleagues. Thank you.”

10/7/2013