RAPID CITY, S.D. -- Jack Erickson, cold-water fisheries biologist for the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, recently received the Distinguished Professional Service Award from the Dakota Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. The award recognizes Jack’s numerous and outstanding contributions in fisheries management.

"From responding to acid mine drainage and other environmental problems to involvement in development of an award-winning fisheries access guide to the Black Hills, Jack has been involved in a wide range of fisheries issues," said Game, Fish and Parks Fisheries Program Administrator Dennis Unkenholz. "He has been instrumental in focusing management attention on native fish species and improving the protocol used to sample trout in Black Hill’s streams. He also has a long history of professional service to the chapter and North-Central Division of the American Fisheries Society."

The Dakota Chapter is a subunit of the American Fisheries Society, the oldest fisheries resource conservation society in the United States, and is comprised of fisheries professionals from North Dakota and South Dakota. The chapter pursues a wide range of activities involving the fisheries resources of both states, including environmental concerns and general education projects. It meets annually to exchange scientific information, discuss current issues affecting fisheries resources, and recognize groups and individuals for their contributions to the aquatic resources of the Dakotas.

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