WILLIAM SCHWERD CHOSEN FOR THE NYSOWA M. PAUL KEESLER CITIZEN 2010 AWARD

Schwerd is Executive Director Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County / 4H NYS Shooting Sports Coordinator
For almost four decades Bill has dedicated his life, both professionally and private, to the promotion and education of all aspects of the outdoors; and in this position he has to be considered as one of the founding fathers and driving forces
in all aspects of the state’s sportsman and conservation education programs. In
addition to these skills and initiatives he continues to be very active in any issues, regulations and legislation that will affect the shooting sports and/or outdoors. Under his direction he hosts the annual Sportsman Educator Workshop which
attracts instructors from all corners of New York State. And as a Master Instructor himself, he directs and oversees hunter safety programs and issued over 1000 hunter safety certificates in Saratoga County alone last year. And considering he has been issuing these certificates for 35 years his shooting and conservation instructions has touched the lives of many who are enjoying the outdoor and shooting sports today . In fact, a number of those whom he instructed, are now instructors and carrying on the tradition themselves
Bill’s leadership has also touched and aided other professional conservation
organizations as well. These include being a member of the board of directors for the Friends of Fish and Wildlife that raised funds for the Division of Fish and
Wildlife’s centennial year celebration. And he was also a driving force in the development of the Becoming an Outdoor Family Program in both NYS and Vermont. Other leadership roles Bill has voluntarily undertaken in the past include the American Wildlife Conservation Foundation where during his tenure he presented conservation seminars on chronic wasting disease in whitetail deer and also on invasive species concerning Oneida Lake.
Always willing to volunteer to help in any conservation effort, Bill has also been on the Saratoga County Cooperative Extension steering committee for the development of the Capital/Mohawk Partnership in Regional Invasive Species Management that promoted invasive species management.
Perhaps the best way to show Bill’s eligibility and worthiness of this prestigious award is to list SOME of his previous recognitions.
1. 2009 induction into the NYS Outdoorsman Hall of Fame
2. Outstanding Conservationist of the Year - NY Chapter of Wildlife Society