The Appalachian Wildlife Foundations board of directors elected wildlife conservation policy expert Tom Baker of Bowling Green, Ky., as chairman at its April 14 meeting.
Tom Baker, chairman of the Appalachian Wildlife Foundation We are thrilled to have Tom on our board as chairman, said David Ledford, president and CEO of the Appalachian Wildlife Foundation. His experience working at the highest levels of wildlife conservation policy and passion for hunting and wildlife restoration give us real horsepower in moving forward. Baker brings an impressive and extensive track record of achievement to the Appalachian Wildlife Foundation.
He served for eight years on the Kentucky State Wildlife Commission and six years on the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundations board of directors, including two years as chairman. Baker is currently serving his second year as chairman of the Congressional Sportsmens Foundation, an organization that supports the work of the Congressional Sportsmens Caucus, the largest caucus in the United States Congress.
Baker is a regular member of the Boone and Crockett Club and has advocated for wildlife conservation at the White House and on several national panels. The Appalachian Wildlife Foundation is committed to restoring wildlife and habitat throughout the Appalachian region. At the center of the organizations conservation effort is their work to incorporate wildlife conservation measures into energy development.
Our country is facing enormous challenges related to the balance between energy development and wildlife conservation, Baker said. The Appalachian Wildlife Foundation is committed to being the best at helping the energy industries, government regulators, local communities and wildlife enthusiasts achieve success.
The Appalachian Wildlife Foundation works in the spirit of cooperation with coal and gas industries. As biomass and biofuels are developed, the Foundation strives to ensure the best science and habitat restoration practices are used. While wildlife conservation in the context of energy development is a focus for the Appalachian Wildlife Foundation, it is not all they do. Our vision for the Appalachian region includes working on ecological issues ranging from elk restoration and conservation to management of grouse, songbirds, streams and forest habitats, Ledford said.
