Heather Dyer Selected as the 2024 ESA Regional Policy Award Winner
In a significant recognition of the intertwined roles of science and policy in ecological conservation, the Ecological Society of America (ESA) is set to honor Heather Dyer with the esteemed 2024 Regional Policy Award. This accolade is scheduled to be presented at the onset of the ESA’s Annual Meeting during the Opening Plenary on Sunday, August 4, at 5:00 p.m. PDT, marking a highlight in the organization’s events calendar.
The award, now in its 17th year, shines a spotlight on local policymakers who have notably integrated ecological science into the framework of policy-making, ensuring decisions are informed and grounded in scientific understanding. Dyer’s selection for this award underscores her impactful journey from a biologist deeply embedded in technical science to a leading figure in executive management within the ecological sphere.
Current President of ESA, Shahid Naeem, lauds Dyer’s career trajectory as an exceptional example of leveraging scientific expertise in public service, highlighting the unique blend of ecology and executive leadership she brings to the fore. Dyer’s career has been characterized by her commitment to applying an integrated approach, combining science and technology to address key challenges in surface and groundwater management, habitat and ecosystem conservation, and wildlife prevention.
Significantly, Dyer made history within the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District by becoming its first female CEO since the agency’s inception seven decades ago. Her promotion in 2019 was a milestone, reflecting not just her expertise in fisheries and river ecosystems but also her visionary leadership in environmental conservation. Her prior experiences include roles with the US Forest Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, where she honed her skills in biological conservation.
Under Dyer’s helm, the Water District has seen the fruition of a strategic plan that catalyzed regional cooperative initiatives, cumulating in the development of over $400 million worth of vital local water infrastructure. Her instrumental role in the creation of the Upper Santa Ana River Habitat Conservation Plan stands out as a testament to her leadership. This regional environmental strategy aims to safeguard and foster recovery actions for 22 indigenous species along the Santa Ana River, illustrating the effective translation of ecological science into actionable policy.
“Good science is a superpower,” Dyer remarked, expressing her gratitude and honor in being recognized by her peers. She reflects on the power of science and collaboration in tackling significant ecological challenges, underscoring the privilege she feels in being able to contribute meaningfully to the conservation efforts within her region.
Dyer’s academic background in resource biology and marine biology, alongside her executive education in business management, provide a solid foundation for her multidisciplinary approach to ecological conservation and leadership. Her achievements, recognized by the prestigious ESA Regional Policy Award, symbolize the critical intersection of science, policy, and leadership in steering communities towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
The ESA Annual Meeting, to be hosted in Long Beach, California, will offer a platform for the latest in ecological science through hundreds of oral and poster presentations. This event is a cornerstone for the ecological community, fostering discussions and the exchange of ideas to advance ecological research and conservation efforts. The ESA, through its commitment to ecological science and education, continues to be a beacon for the global community of ecologists, offering resources, publications, and advocacy to further the understanding and preservation of life on Earth.
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