2817- 3rd Ave North
Great Falls, MT 59401
June 19, 2003
Ms. Petrina Horne
MT Dept. Environmental Quality
Planning, Prevention & Assistance Div.
Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
Dear Ms. Horne:
I am writing on behalf of the Montana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (AFS) to submit a nomination for the Fisheries Biologist position on the Water Pollution Control Advisory Committee. The American Fisheries Society was founded in 1870 and is the oldest organization of natural resource professionals in North America. The mission of AFS is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals. The Montana Chapter was formed in 1967 and is the only professional association of fisheries biologists in the State of Montana. Our membership consists of approximately 150 individuals representing federal, state, university, tribal, and private organizations.
Recognizing the mission of AFS and the critical importance of water quality to fisheries resources, we feel it is entirely appropriate that the fisheries biologist appointed to the Advisory Committee be an active member of AFS and we thank the DEQ for extending the opportunity for us to submit a nomination. As one might imagine, a number of our members specialize in water quality issues with regard to fishery resources. One of our members, Don Skaar, is a recognized expert and leader in this field and we respectfully submit Don as our nominee to this important position.
As per the attached brief resume, Don is eminently qualified to serve on this Committee. In addition to having a very cooperative and professional demeanor, Don has excellent academic credentials and highly applicable and diverse professional experience. At various stages in his career he has worked as a private consultant; as a University researcher investigating mercury and pesticide contamination in fish; and currently works as a water pollution control biologist. He has also been an active member of the American Fisheries Society at the state and national level.
We highly recommend Don Skaar for this position. We believe his calm and thoughtful disposition, his extensive technical knowledge and strong work ethic would make him an important asset for the group. We hope this nomination receives favorable review and once again, we thank DEQ for providing this opportunity. Please contact me at 454-5855 if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Stephen A. Leathe
President-Elect
C: MT Chapter AFS Executive Committee
Bob Bukantis, DEQ