We have seen several personnel changes the last few months and will see many challenges in the upcoming months. A Presidential hiring freeze along with budget cuts has delayed hiring for vacant positions. However, exceptions to the hiring freeze have been allowed and the refuge is recruiting for a Supervisory Refuge Operations Specialist (vacant due to Barron Crawford's transfer), one seasonal biological technician, one seasonal law enforcement officer, and one fee collector. Celeste Reagan, Seasonal Law Enforcement Officer is expected to return, along with Fee Collectors Juanita Baier, Tama Ward, and Rebecca Quinn. Positions vacant from transfers by Karen Pacheco and Ray Paterra will remain open the remainder of the fiscal year, along with one seasonal law enforcement position.

Megan Furniss Vohs, Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) enrollee, is expected back in May for her second summer at the refuge. An additional SCEP student is also anticipated to be hired before the summer season. Holly Toadvine, graduated SCEP student, completed her Masters Degree in December of 2000 and has been converted to the Wildlife Biologist series. Holly has also accepted a position of Wildlife Biologist for the Nulhegan Basin Division of the Silvia 0. Conte NWR, Vermont, and will transfer in early June.

Thomas Roster
Deputy Refuge Manager, CNWR