4/9/2009
Division of Natural Resources conservation officer Sgt. G.M. Willenborg
recently was presented with the prestigious Silver Trout Award by Trout Unlimited’s Upper Ohio Valley Chapter #434 during an event in Flatwoods, West Virginia. He was recognized for the outstanding work he has done in the Mountain State protecting trout in and around the environs of Pendleton County. He has been a conservation officer for 30 years, including the past 12 years in Pendleton County. This award was presented by Jerry Andrews, head of the Forestry Committee for Trout Unlimited in West Virginia and Chapter Vice President.
Sgt. Willenborg has made numerous arrests in his career as a conservation officer, many of those centered on wild trout and native trout streams. One of his arrests involved the poaching of native trout with explosives. This arrest resulted in what is possibly the only conviction of its type on record. He also was instrumental in developing the catch-and-release area on the South Branch of the Potomac in the Smoke Hole region, the catch and release area of Thorn Creek, and he wrote numerous letters for the changes made in this year’s fishing regulations concerning the use of scented baits in catch-and-release areas.
“Our state’s natural resources are in constant need of protection to keep the balance needed, “said Andrews. “Quality people like Sgt. Willenborg are often overlooked and not recognized for their hard and dangerous work. This is our way of thanking him for the well-above-average work he considers his everyday duty.”
Contact Information
Jerry Jenkin
304-258-1022
bradreed@wvdnr.gov