John Niewoonder, an 18-year employee with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, has been named the 2018 Michigan Wildlife Biologist of the Year by Safari Club International – Michigan Involvement Committee. Niewoonder, the DNR Wildlife Division's southwestern regional field operations manager who works out of the Flat River State Game Area office in Belding, received the award at the October meeting of the Natural Resources Commission in Lansing.

“I feel honored to be recognized by a great conservation organization like Safari Club International,” said Niewoonder. “Working for the Michigan DNR has provided great opportunities to benefit conservation here in Michigan, and any accomplishments result from the efforts of a team of coworkers.”

Russ Mason, DNR Wildlife Division chief, and Bob Taylor, president of the Michigan Involvement Committee, presented the award.

“John is one of the most talented individuals I have worked with over the last 35 years of my career, and that says something, especially against the backdrop of Wildlife Division’s dedicated staff,” Mason said. “He has been instrumental in our chronic wasting disease response and a leader who I expect will continue to make meaningful contributions for years to come.”

Taylor also spoke of Niewoonder's work to combat chronic wasting disease, among other accomplishments. 

“His leading role in the protection and future health of Michigan's ruffed grouse and whitetail deer populations, especially the plan to control CWD, make John a very worthy recipient of this prestigious award,” Taylor said.

Also at the October NRC meeting, the committee presented two Michigan hunters with new hunting equipment – a Weatherby rifle and a TenPoint crossbow – as thanks for all hunters’ participation in DNR hunter surveys.

Alan Lee of Chesterfield was awarded a rifle, and Brian Ballinger of DeWitt took home the crossbow. 

For many years, the SCI Michigan Involvement Committee has presented bows and firearms each year to a few hunters randomly selected from among the thousands who respond to DNR wildlife surveys. Lee and Ballinger completed surveys following the 2017 hunting season.

“Prompt responses to the DNR deer hunting surveys not only provide our biologists with important data, but also enable the Wildlife Division to keep their finger on the pulse of Michigan deer hunters. In appreciation of the hunters who respond, the SCI Michigan Involvement Committee is pleased to be able to present these prizes as an incentive,” Taylor said.

The SCI Michigan Involvement Committee was formed in 1980 with representatives from each Safari Club International chapter in Michigan. Committee members work with the DNR to coordinate funding of wildlife conservation programs and research projects that otherwise might not be funded. Learn more at scimic.org.