Both individuals were honored for their commitment to TWS and their contributions to conservation
Leland Pierce, a biologist with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and Mark Lindvall, a longtime biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, were each honored by the Wildlife Society with the Distinguished Service Award for their dedication to the TWS mission and outstanding contributions to conservation.
Committed to protecting little-studied and underserved species, Pierce has worked in many capacities with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF), including his current position as amphibian and reptile biologist. Over the course of his career, he has been involved at multiple levels of the Wildlife Society, serving as president of the New Mexico Chapter and the Southwest Section and chairing the board of directors of both.
“Leland’s leadership and years of service to TWS are especially helpful in guiding newcomers to these board positions,” wrote Nicole Tatman, NMDGF’s big game program director, in a nomination letter. “While serving on the boards, Leland has always been enthusiastic about helping to plan or participate in events that bring wildlife biologists together. To say that Leland is ‘always there’ to serve all levels of TWS would be an understatement.”
Other colleagues have expressed similar sentiments about Pierce’s contributions to TWS, talking about his commitment to mentoring students and early career professionals, as well as his focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in wildlife management. Pierce is an active member of the Women of Wildlife community.
Mark Lindvall has been a member of the Wildlife Society for 38 years. He has served as president, treasurer, and board member of the Nebraska Chapter of TWS and received the chapter’s Career Professional Award in 2012. Lindvall recently joined the board of the Central Mountains and Plains Section. After teaching as a university instructor at the Nepal Institute of Forestry during his time in the Peace Corps, Lindvall began working for the USFWS at National Wildlife Refuges in Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Nebraska.
“Throughout his career with the USFWS, Mark has worked toward the goals of the NWR system and demonstrated qualities consistent with the mission of the TWS,” wrote Anna Ortega of the Western Wildlife Research Collective, LLC in a nomination letter. “The conservation system’s goals of protecting endangered species, managing migratory birds, caring for native wildlife, and providing places for people to enjoy wildlife have guided Mark in his work.”
Lindvall demonstrated a passion for environmental education and outdoor programs throughout his career to help children learn about and enjoy the outdoors. He led a Junior Duck Stamp program, fishing days for kids, Junior Ranger programs, and taught hunter education classes.
Ortega said that even in his retirement, Lindvall continues to be involved with TWS and conservation, remaining active in the Refuge Friends group and serving as a driving force behind volunteer projects to protect wildlife.
“Mark’s contributions are in keeping with the spirit of the Distinguished Service Award, as he could always be counted on to be ready to serve.”
