Retired DNR employee gets national award

Indiana DNR Release:

Ted Leverman, former public access coordinator in the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, recently accepted the national Outstanding Service Award from the States Organization for Boating Access (SOBA).

The award is presented to an individual or agency which has made either a one-time or continuing contribution to improved access on our nation’s public waters for boaters and anglers. The organization and its awards program are described further at: http://www.sobaus.org/conference/conference2.html

In just over 15 years with the DNR before he retired in May, Leverman was directly involved with the acquisition and development of at least 84 public access sites around Indiana. He completed pre-acquisition contaminants surveys, worked with various entities, addressed public concerns, and completed the appropriate compliance work. In addition to the successful acquisitions, he investigated countless other potential sites.

He played a key role in the deployment of the “Where to Fish Finder” on the DNR Web site (http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3591.htm). The “Where to Fish Finder” allows Indiana sportsman to access a variety of information promoting access sites in Indiana. The site remains one of the division’s most popular Web pages.

While still working for DNR, Leverman served on a SOBA committee to develop a DVD on construction techniques, a collaborative effort from a variety of people nationwide. Despite retiring, he has continued to serve on that committee.