This summer, TTSS established the George Melendez Wright Trumpeter Swan Conservation Award to recognize individuals who have made outstanding lifetime contributions to Trumpeter Swan conservation. Our intent is to occasionally honor those pillars of swan conservation whose accomplishments, often over decades, helped to significantly improve the status and welfare of Trumpeter Swans. This fall, we are very proud to present the first George Melendez Wright Trumpeter Swan Conservation Awards to Jim King, Harry Lumsden, and Harold Burgess. The photo depicts the award presentation at The Trumpeter Swan 22nd Conference, held in October, 2011 at Polson, Montana.
James King –
Pioneer Alaskan Biologist-Pilot and Trumpeter Swan expert. Designed and flew the initial Alaska Trumpeter survey in 1968. TTSS Director, 1989-2011 and President, 1989-93 (photo, right).
Harry Lumsden (left) and Jim King (right)
Harry Lumsden –
Architect of the Ontario Trumpeter Swan restoration program and longtime advocate for Trumpeter restoration in theMississippi and Atlantic Flyways. TTSS Director, 1982-2011 (photo, left).
Harold Burgess –
Longtime advocate and supporter of mid-continent Trumpeter restoration throughout the species’ historic range from nesting in Elk Island National Park, Alberta, to wintering on the Gulf Coast in Texas and Tamaulipas. TTSS Director, 1976-89 and two-term President, 1981-82 and 1984-86.
Harold Burgess (middle), daughter (Mary Bote) and colleague Larry Ditto, presenting the award
