Washington State Honors Hanford Team for Protecting Native Habitat

This series of photos shows Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) Ecological Monitoring Compliance Team members and the award they received from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Pictured in the first photo, from left: Mia Johnson, subcontractor Environmental Assessment Services (EAS); Dave Shaw, HMIS; Nolan Exe, HMIS; Cole Lindsey, HMIS; Matt Paulson, EAS; April Johnson, HMIS; and Becky Elias, EAS. Not pictured: Kevin Cranna, HMIS; and John Nugent, subcontractor FRAME.

RICHLAND, Wash. — Hanford’s Ecological Monitoring & Compliance team earned the Organization of the Year award from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for protecting plants, animals and habitats on the Hanford Site.

Hanford Field Office contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions manages the team. They monitor how these natural resources change over time to ensure they remain healthy for future generations. They follow the Hanford Site Biological Resource Management Plan that identifies which species need more attention, especially those that are vulnerable or declining and could become endangered without active intervention. The team often works with WDFW and other groups to gather information and develop innovative ideas to help preserve and restore native species.

Jason Fidorra, WDFW wildlife biologist, nominated the Hanford team, highlighting numerous examples of their work. “From deploying trail cameras to systematically monitor jackrabbits to conducting flights to determine seasonal elk abundance, this group has routinely collected accurate and valuable species information. Their efforts have contributed to maintaining wildlife populations on this unique landscape.”