A Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist who has been actively involved with wild turkey conservation efforts in Michigan recently was awarded the prestigious Henry S. Mosby Award by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) at its 33rd annual Convention and Sport Show recently held in Nashville, Tenn.

Al Stewart, a long-time employee of the DNR, was bestowed the honor for his work on turkey conservation efforts in Michigan, including enhancing Michigan's popular wild turkey cooperator patch program. The wild turkey cooperator patch program was started in 1988 as a voluntary incentive for hunters to mail turkey feathers to wildlife biologists in exchange for a patch. Today, Michigan students in grades K-12 learn each year learn about wild turkey management and have the opportunity to design the patch through a contest.

Stewart also has worked to make it easier for persons with disabilities to have access to the outdoors. In 1992, President George H.W. Bush and Congressman Dave Camp presented Stewart with the Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Award for his work on a barrier-free viewing and hunting platform at the Maple River State Game Area.

In 1998, the NWTF Michigan State Chapter awarded Stewart with the Outstanding Conservationist Award, and in 2000, the Arizona Fish and Game Department selected Stewart to assist with the Gould's wild turkey restoration in Arizona. In 2005, he served as the coordinator and editor of the 9th Annual National Wild Turkey Symposium.

"Al Stewart has dedicated nearly his entire career to wild turkey conservation in our state, managing this game bird at the highest standards, and providing outstanding hunting opportunities for Michigan citizens and visitors," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. "We are proud that Al was recognized at the national level for his efforts and leadership."

"The Wildlife Division of the DNR is very pleased that one of our biologists has received this high honor," said Russ Mason, chief of the DNR Wildlife Division. "Al Stewart has shown great dedication to wild turkey conservation and pursuit of outdoor recreation."

Since 1985, NWTF volunteers have worked with the DNR on nearly $2.9 million in habitat enhancements, wild turkey research, law enforcement and outreach programs. NWTF's efforts include spending more than $1.5 million on habitat improvement projects for maintaining and developing brood habitat and wildlife openings, conducting prescribed fires, planting trees, restoring riparian area, completing water development projects, controlling invasive plant species and supporting seed subsidy and conservation seed programs. In total, 57,886 acres of habitat have been improved in Michigan through these efforts.

Stewart and his wife, Pat, live in Bath and are the parents of two sons, Chris and Tom.

The Henry S. Mosby Award is named for Dr. Henry S. Mosby, whose research with wild turkeys in the mid-1990s set the standard for their management. He also helped found the Wildlife Society and was the winner of its highest honor, the Aldo Leopold Medal.