said Susan Comensky, Alabama Power vice president
of Environmental Affairs. "We couldn't do this without
the wonderful partnerships we have made along the
way. e campaign's continued success is a testament to
our partners and their passion for protecting our state's
precious natural resources."
In addition to the Water Conservationist of the Year
award, recent Alabama Power retiree Steve Krotzer was
honored as the Fisheries Conservationist of the Year.
Krotzer worked 37 years with Alabama Power,
collaborating on numerous projects with state and
federal biologists. is included work on assessing fish
communities; discovering the most viable population of the
threatened trispot darter; and assisting with data collection
and water quality improvements for the Tulotoma snail,
which contributed to the first federal "downlisting" of an
aquatic snail, from endangered to the less-dire, threatened
category. He also worked as the principal biologist on a
landmark project to restore flows to a bypassed section of
the Coosa River downstream of Weiss Lake.
"Steve's fisheries career spans nearly 40 years. In
that time, he has made significant contributions to the
conservation, research and education of Alabama's
fisheries resources," said Jason Carlee, Alabama Power
Environmental Affairs supervisor. Carlee nominated
Krotzer for the award. "In addition to his tremendous
contributions to fisheries research and conservation
throughout Alabama, Steve has served as a mentor for
numerous other biologists and naturalists."
For a list of all the honorees and more details about
the ceremony, visit alabamawildlife.org/governors-
conservation-achievement-awards/.
Photo:
Christopher
Jones
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