The Wildlife Society has honored a retired West Virginia University professor for his accomplishments as a researcher and educator.

David Samuel, professor emeritus of wildlife and fisheries resources in WVU s Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences, received a Special Recognition Service Award at the Societys annual meeting in Reno, Nev.

The award recognizes those who have made an outstanding contribution to the wildlife profession; to the general areas of wildlife conservation, management or science; or to a specific area of endeavor, species, community, ecosystem or region.

Samuel retired in 1998 after more than 30 years as a professor in WVU s wildlife program. During his tenure, he co-authored more than 100 scientific publications and advised more than 80 graduate students.

The Society took particular note of one of Samuels most recent faculty accomplishments: the establishment of a cooperative research program studying the ruffed grouse. Researchers from WVU and five other major colleges in the region collaborate with state natural resource and wildlife officials from eight states. The project will eventually offer critical information on grouse ecology and management in the Appalachian region and will guide future management efforts to address declining grouse population trends. Fifteen graduate students, four at WVU , are employed through the project.

The Wildlife Society, founded in 1937, is an international non-profit scientific and educational association dedicated to excellence in wildlife stewardship through science and education. With approximately 9,000 members in 60 countries, its mission is to enhance the ability of wildlife professionals to conserve diversity, sustain productivity and ensure responsible use of wildlife resources for benefits of society.