Upper Snake Honors Regional Volunteers

Idaho Fish and Game's Upper Snake Region has named Ken and Collett Olson of Idaho Falls, as the Region's Volunteers of the Year for 2013. As a couple, Ken and Collett provided the IDFG with over 800 hours of volunteer service in the year 2013. "I have really gotten to know these two during my last three years with the Department." says James Brower, the Volunteer Service Coordinator for the region. "Ken and Collett never cease to amaze me with their generosity and love for wildlife. It is inspiring to watch these two as they continue to give of their time. I can't thank them enough for the support they have provided to me and the department. We are very lucky to have them to depend on." said Brower. Ken and Collett retired and moved to Idaho Falls from Austin, Texas in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Immediately after arriving in Eastern Idaho, Ken and Collett began volunteering in the community. In 2010, Ken and Collett joined the Idaho Master Naturalist Program sponsored by the IDFG. Since joining the Idaho Fish & Game volunteer program Ken and Collett have participated in several scientific surveys and are heavily involved in our Bear Aware program. So next time you are approached to take a fishing survey or are attending an event where the bear trailer is present, you may just run into Ken and Collett Olson. If you do, please take some time to thank them both for their many hours of service to protect Idaho's wildlife resources. Aside from IDFG, you may also catch the Olsons' volunteering at the Colonial Theater, Tautphaus Park Zoo, and the Museum of Idaho. Fish and Game's Upper Snake Region wishes to thank all of their many volunteers for donating more than 6,500 hours of volunteer time during 2013. This generous donation of time and services has an estimated value of over $151,000 to the Department. Without this dedicated group of volunteers consisting of over 300 individuals, many functions of the department would not be possible. They especially wish to recognize the distinguished service award recipients for the year 2013 for their outstanding efforts toward wildlife conservation: - 2013 Volunteers of the year: Ken and Collett Olson for a combined volunteer effort of over 800 hours. - Volunteer Memorial Plaque for over 1000 hours of service: Ray Pollock. - Volunteers donating over 200 hours of volunteer service: Dale Claflin, Alan Crocket, Lew Reynolds, Jerry Steed, Sam Pole, and Teresa Meachum. - Volunteers donating over 100 hours of volunteer service: Ernie Unger, Ray Pollock, Al Yonk, Errol Mobley, Dave Godfrey, Harold Jones, John Braastad, Mary Dolven, Robert Anderl, Ned Rockwell, Robert Nitschke, Tony Appelhans, Carolyn Bishop. If you would like more information on how to volunteer with the Idaho Department of Fish & Game in the Upper Snake Region, please contact the Regional Volunteer Service Coordinator James Brower by phone (208) 525-7290 or e-mail james.brower@idfg.idaho.gov