Author: NCWRC blogger
New Bern resident (and Clemson alum) David H. Allen has been named recipient of the 2023 Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award. It’s one of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s (NCWRC) most prestigious recognitions given to individuals who make outstanding contributions to wildlife diversity in North Carolina and are considered leaders in wildlife resource conservation.
Allen will join 17 respected leaders in the wildlife conservation field who have been similarly recognized. The first recipient was Quay himself, a retired professor of zoology at N.C. State University and self-described “full-time volunteer and unpaid environmental activist.” Nominations were submitted by colleagues acknowledging Allen’s achievements throughout his 32-year career with NCWRC.
“Dave Allen brought unique, innovative conservation ideas to North Carolina when he began working with the Wildlife Resources Commission in the early 1990s. Through his mentorship of many biologists working with him, continued conservation of the red-cockaded woodpecker, Neuse River waterdog, gopher frog, sea turtles, and many waterbird species will be assured. It’s great to see Dave receive this prestigious award.”
Sara H. Schweitzer, Ph.D. Assistant Chief, Wildlife Management Division, Wildlife Diversity Program, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Allen has a special passion for red-cockaded woodpeckers as well as broader habitat conservation efforts throughout the N.C. coast. He was presented the award today during NCWRC’s business meeting at its Raleigh headquarters.
Photographer:
Main picture: from left to right: Wildlife Commission Chairman, Monty Crump, David Allen, Wildlife Commission Executive Director - Jonathon Gruenke/NCWRC
Second picture: David Allen performing red-cockaded woodpecker work on an NCWRC game land. - Melissa McGaw/NCWRC
Third picture: Red-cockaded woodpecker - USFWS