Tom Reed Becomes New Hunting and Fishing Coordinator for the National Wildlife Refuge System

Tom Reed has been appointed as the first Hunting and Fishing Coordinator for the National Wildlife Refuge System. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Steve Williams said he created the position because the hunting and fishing community is an important partner for wildlife conservation. "Having someone like Tom focused exclusively on this relationship will help us provide more resources and opportunities for fishing and hunting on refuges and strengthen our relationships", Williams added. In this position, Mr. Reed will develop and analyze hunting and fishing policies on refuges. He will identify needs for visitor services facilities including boat docks and launches, educational kiosks, and interpretive signs. Mr. Reed is also involved in launching a new training course for visitor service professionals, entitled, "The Role of Hunting in Wildlife Conservation and Management." "My goal is to promote ethical hunting and fishing opportunities on refuges that compliment the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and gain an understanding and appreciation for the differences in methodology and culture of hunting and fishing across the system," Reed said. Mr. Reed's roots are in the National Wildlife Refuge System. He served as the Refuge Manager/Refuge Officer of three San Diego coastal refuges (Tijuana Slough, South San Diego Bay, and Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuges). Prior to that, he served as the Assistant Manager/Officer at Red Rocks Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in Montana for four years, and worked in the Division of Ecological Services including as a private lands coordinator. He received his Masters of Science in Wildlife Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and his Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management from Humboldt State University.