Two California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) employees have been honored in Siskiyou County as some of the county's top public servants. Warden Steve McDonald was named Siskiyou County Peace Officer of the Year, while Wildlife Biologist Robert Schaefer was runner-up for Employee of the Year. The yearly competition draws contenders from all public agencies, including city, county, state and federal offices.

"Steve McDonald and Robert Schaefer are among the best representatives of the dedication to wildlife conservation found in the ranks of the Department of Fish and Game," said DFG Regional Manager Don Koch. "The recognition by Siskiyou County confirms that the hard work and commitment of our employees is appreciated and respected in the north state area."

The county praised McDonald's efforts during a high-speed vehicle chase; his part in raids on marijuana gardens; and his work to solve a series of nighttime burglaries of vehicles at trailheads near the Salmon River.

In his recommendation letter to the county, DFG Capt. William Arruda noted how McDonald's quick action following a vehicle crash in the western county helped avoid a tragedy. McDonald used a cable and winch from his vehicle to secure a car that was dangling over a ledge after an accident, which enabled firefighters to rescue a trapped mother and infant.

McDonald, an eight-year veteran, has filed numerous cases against poachers using spotlights and taking deer out of season. His supervisors have recognized his excellent ability to conduct solo patrols in remote areas of the Salmon River and Somes Bar area, often at night with no back up or radio communication.

The county's selection of Schaefer, a wildlife biologist of 16 years, as runner-up for the top employee award acknowledged his dedicated and pioneering work during the past year. Siskiyou County commended Schaefer for his work to capture and manage a variety of wildlife under difficult and potentially dangerous situations.

Schaefer employed innovative techniques using global positioning system telemetry collars on deer and elk in northern California that offered insight into the seasonal migratory habits of the two species. The research provided valuable information regarding the conservation and management of the populations.

?Į?ĮIn his nomination of Schaefer, DFG senior biologist Richard Callas said Schaefer willingly responded to calls of assistance during his days off and after normal work hours. In addition, Schaefer and his team successfully tranquilized an adult black bear that had wandered into the town of Montague and returned it to a safe environment. He also tranquilized a pair of large bucks after the rutting animals had inadvertently entangled themselves in barbed wire during a fight. Schaefer's quick action lead to DFG being able to save one of the animals and releasing it back to the wild.

Siskiyou County is a merger point of several western mountain ranges. The region holds transitional mixtures of habitat types, and is one of the world's most ecologically diverse territories. The challenges facing wildlife experts are varied and demanding.