Press Release
For Immediate Release
Press Contact: Stephanie Brackin, stephanie.brackin@vermont.gov, 802-261-0606
Montpelier, VT (Monday, October 5, 2022) – The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) is pleased to announce this year’s Sally Laughlin Award recipient, Steve Parren.
The Sally Laughlin Award for the Conservation of Endangered and Threatened Species is selected annually by the Agency of Natural Resources Secretary based on recommendations from Vermont’s Endangered Species Committee. The award is given to a person who has shown leadership in advancing knowledge, understanding and conservation of endangered and threatened species and their habitats in Vermont.
Steve was honored at the Dead Creek Wildlife Day on October 1, 2022.
“Steve has been a leader in endangered species work in Vermont for three decades,” said Deputy Secretary Maggie Gendron. “His professional work to protect migratory frogs and salamanders and his personal time to help turtles and amphibians, laid the framework for endangered and threatened species work in Vermont.”
As the former coordinator of the department’s Wildlife Diversity Program, Steve’s efforts were also crucial to the recovery of Vermont’s populations of Common Loon, Osprey, and Peregrine Falcon. He helped spearhead the installation of critical amphibian road-crossings in the Champlain Valley to protect seasonally migratory frogs and salamanders, and volunteered hundreds of hours of his own time to help turtles and amphibians.
Steve’s professionalism, dedication, and perseverance has left a significant and permanent mark on Vermont. We are pleased to present Steve with the Sally Laughlin Award for the Conservation of Endangered and Threatened Species.
Learn more about the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wildlife Diversity Program.
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Department of Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Christopher Herrick and ANR Deputy Secretary Maggie Gendron present the Sally Laughlin Award.
Department of Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Christopher Herrick and award recipient Steve Parren.