Curiosity surrounding the new Deputy Refuge Manager, Tom Roster, can now be satisfied. Tom, a native of Minnesota, started his career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service early. Tom's first experience with the refuge system began as a volunteer at Red Rock Lakes NWR, MT, then as a Biological Aid at Minnesota Valley NWR. While studying wildlife management at the University of Minnesota, he participated in the Co-op program at Horicon NWR in Wisconsin and Agassiz NWR in Minnesota. After graduation, Tom spent a year at Swan Lake NWR in Missouri as a Manager Trainee, then took off to Ottawa NWR in Ohio where he met his wife, Angela. Together Tom and Angela moved to San Diego where Tom took a position as Refuge Manager of a satellite station at San Diego NWR Complex. Although Tom brings the experiences of many different refuges with him, Chincoteague Refuge will certainly provide him with some unique issues.

"There's a lot new to me here. It will be interesting to work with such a large staff. Everyone here seems great, but the staffing chart did overwhelm me at first. There were three staff members in the San Diego satellite so its quite a change," said Roster. Primarily dealing with land acquisition and endangered species in San Diego, Tom is excited to work with a large public use program learning about the guided walks, visitor center construction, and the Fee Demonstration Program. "It's still too early to say what my plans and goals are for Chincoteague. I'm still settling in and getting to know everything and everyone. However, I am curious about the public use program and excited to see how it all works."

Tom, not unlike many folks who relocate, has mixed feelings about moving out of San Diego. "The weather is perfect there but you have to contend with a million other people. I missed the changing of the seasons. Angela is also happy to be closer to home in Ohio. This area looks more like what I'm used to - its nice to see trees. In San Diego, its only shrub and brush land. I'm also happy to be back in an area with lots of waterfowl."

Tom's wife, Angela, and 10-month-old son, Canyon, will be joining him shortly. In addition to getting situated in his new surroundings, Tom is looking for a place to live with his family. By the look of his desk, Tom appears to be swamped with getting acquainted with the "ins and outs" of Chincoteague Refuge. However, do not hesitate to satisfy your own curiosity by introducing yourself to the newest member of the Chincoteague Refuge family.