The Illinois Chapter of The Wildlife Society (TWS) awarded Dr. Stephen P. Havera of Lewistown, Illinois, the Professional Award of Merit during its annual meeting held on March 14, 2007 at Moline, Illinois. The Professional Award of Merit is the most prestigious award given by the Illinois Chapter of TWS. The Wildlife Society is an international, nonprofit organization of wildlife professionals and students dedicated to excellence in wildlife stewardship through science and education. Dr. Havera, the former Director of the Forbes Biological Station - Frank C. Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center at Havana, Illinois, retired in 2004 from the Illinois Natural History Survey after a long and very productive career in wildlife research. He maintains Emeritus Professional Scientist status with the Illinois Natural History Survey. Among his numerous publications, he authored the book, Waterfowl of Illinois: Status and Management, for which he was nationally honored in 2000 by The Wildlife Society with the Wildlife Publications Award for the Outstanding Book Category. In 2003, Dr. Havera was the first professional in the midwest to be inducted nationally as a Fellow with The Wildlife Society. The Illinois Chapter of TWS is proud to honor Dr. Havera for his significant impact to the wildlife profession.
