Today, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) awarded Dr. Reid Wilson Laney of Raleigh, NC, the Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award, bestowed each year to an individual who demonstrates a strong commitment to North Carolina’s nongame conservation efforts and is a leader in promoting and sustaining wildlife diversity.
Dr. Laney has a special passion for Atlantic sturgeon and American eel, and for mentoring future biologists. He was recognized during NCWRC’s Commission Meeting in Raleigh.
“Dr. Laney is a lifelong conservationist by example and especially fitting for the honor of the Quay Award,” said Habitat Conservation Division Chief Shannon Deaton. “While I know him well as a fisheries expert, he will be quick to point out his passion in many other areas and new ones in his future, while always looking for a way to work with students and his colleagues to help them be successful for the benefit of species and habitats.”
The award is named for the late Thomas L. Quay, a professor of zoology at N.C. State University and self-described “full-time volunteer and unpaid environmental activist.”
Nongame species are native animals that have no open hunting, fishing or trapping season. More than 700 nongame species call North Carolina home and include songbirds, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater mussels, fish, crustaceans, and mammals.
NCWRC is currently accepting nominations for the 2025 award through Friday, April 11. Nominators are required to submit a completed nomination form (online or by USPS mail) along with a detailed essay describing the nominee’s contributions to nongame at-risk species conservation in North Carolina. Self-nominations are also accepted.
In addition to this year’s nominations, nominations submitted in 2023 and 2024 will also be considered. Nominations submitted before 2023 will be considered upon request. For more information on the nomination process or to request consideration of a nominee prior to 2023, contact Shauna Glover (shauna.glover@ncwildlife.org or 919-707-0064).
NCWRC’s Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee (NWAC) will recommend nominees for consideration to the agency’s commissioners. The recipient will be announced during a commissioners’ meeting by Feb. 2026.