REDDING - Because of his "unique" abilities, including "his good humor," the California Fish and Game Commission recognized the tremendous projects completed by Gary Black with a new state-level award on Nov. 3.

Vice President of the state Fish and Game Commission, Bob Hattoy, chaired the meeting held at the Redding City Council Chambers, but it was state Chief Deputy Director of the Fish and Game John McCammon, who read the many accomplishments of Black and then presented him with a crystal trophy representing the state Director's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Anadromous Fish Conservation and Restoration.

Black has been senior project coordinator for the Siskiyou Resource Conservation District (RCD) for more than 10 years and his easy smile is seen during many meetings, where he shares his practical knowledge of fish and successful projects.

But what is surprising about Black receiving this first-ever state award, is that he doesn't always agree with Fish and Game officials, regulations or codes. Yet, it has been these disagreements that have created a sense of practical application - something that will really work -- when dealing with government officials.

Through Black's knowledge and candor, he has provided educational events for the Fish and Game officials to learn first-hand about agriculture, fish and streams in this narrow fertile valley surrounded by mountain lakes and peaks.

As concerns and then regulations regarding salmon numbers started to affect landowners, Black began implementing fish habitat improvement and enhancement projects. Learning how to engineer fish screens was not a simple matter, but because of Black's determination, 58 additional fish screens were designed and built within the last ten years. The majority of those were accomplished in the last two years supported by grant funds. 

He has also developed bank protections through vegetation plantings and fencing projects along the Scott River and its tributary creeks.

"Gary is recognized for his innovative approaches to restoration," said McCammon, "also for his untiring ability to develop new projects and his participation in and representation of the Scott River Watershed Council."

Black is humble over this first-time-ever award given by the State of California and claims the recognition is due to a "team effort, shared by the Siskiyou Resource Conservation District's staff, board and the community."

For the Black, the team includes the many farmers, ranchers and landowners, who have stepped into the unknown to develop new types of water conservation and fish-friendly rock weirs in stream beds.

Don Koch, the regional manager at the Redding Fish and Game Office, also praised Black's wife, Shannon, three children and parents for supporting this graduate of Etna High School, who is a farmer when not working for the RCD.

One of the largest hurdles was developing the Recovery Strategy Plan in 2002 for coho salmon that are now listed with the California Endangered Species Act. Black served on the Siskiyou team and was instrumental in providing constructive on-the-ground activities that would work.

Koch also noted that as a private landowner, Black has brought an emphasis to the discussions with Fish and Game, which provide a strong voice for water right holders and private property owners. Discussions are intelligent and not always rosy, but with Black the process at least continues to look for solid ground.