Jim Rackley wins 2014 Wayne E. Kirch Conservation Award
Submitted by editor on Fri, 03/20/2015 - 1:43pm
Jim Rackley of Winnemucca, Nev. has won the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioner’s 2014 Wayne E. Kirch Conservation award. Rackley’s commitment to Nevada’s wildlife resources was recognized during the March 20, 2015 Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioner’s meeting in Reno, Nevada, where he received the award.
Rackley was nominated for the award by Nevada Muleys a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the conservation of mule deer and their habitats in Nevada. According to the nomination, in 2014 Rackley had a “very impressive record of time and commitment to Nevada’s wildlife.”
Rackley participated in the construction of numerous wildlife water development projects, mule deer and sage grouse research projects and, most extensively fire restoration of ravaged mule deer habitat. As part of his work, Rackley has dedicated extensive effort to this restoration which resulted in thousands of acres of range land in Humboldt, Pershing and Elko Counties.
“It is very rewarding to work with the Department of Wildlife, its staff and the myriad volunteers and sportsmen and women that donate countless hours for the betterment of Nevada’s wildlife,” says Rackley. “It is an honor to share my time and life experiences with what I consider extended family on these many projects. I am especially pleased to pass along these values to younger generations as well as my own children.”
Rackley is described by his peers as a “proven leader” with an “ability to guide and lead” volunteers: many of whom follow his lead on the myriad of projects he is involved in.
Rackley’s work has not gone without personal sacrifice; there are times when his own family has played “second fiddle” to getting the job done for wildlife.
Rackley has donated hundreds, perhaps thousands of personal hours and drives thousands of miles in order to participate and perform volunteer service for the betterment of Nevada’s wildlife. He has driven thousands of miles, and paid for supplies and equipment out of his own pocket.
According to Mark Evatz, Nevada Muleys Vice President, “Jim’s leadership over the years has been instrumental in bringing together the northern Nevada community in support of our mule deer conservation mission.”
The Wayne E. Kirch Conservation Award is given annually to recipients who have demonstrated significant results towards conservation, management or enhancement of wildlife. It is named in memory of Wayne E. Kirch, who served on the Fish and Game Commission for over 25 years, the longest tenure on the board since its inception in 1877. Kirch, of Las Vegas, passed away in 1989.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat Conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear.
Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit ndow.org.
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