Over the course of his 42-year career, Alan Clark has made a substantial and lasting impact on wildlife conservation. As the Assistant Director of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UT DWR), Alan worked closely with the Utah Governor’s Office to draft the state’s Greater Sage-grouse Management Plan. Alan’s efforts kept the process moving forward, even when it appeared that stakeholders were irrevocably divided. He has the unique ability to navigate and defuse high-profile issues and to produce results that benefit wildlife. Alan understands the importance of high-quality wildlife habitat. He played a key role in securing support and resources as Watershed Program Director for the Watershed Restoration Initiative. The Initiative includes many federal, state, local and private partners who work together to conserve and restore Utah’s landscapes. Within ten years, the Initiative’s partners – including UT DWR – improved habitat on more than one million acres of degraded rangeland.  Alan was also instrumental in launching Utah’s Conservation Permit Program, which works closely with sportsmen’s organizations to generate funds for wildlife conservation. This program annually raises more than $1 million, and 90 percent of the funds directly support wildlife-management programs

Over the past nine years, Alan has supported the IWJV through remarkably consistent engagement, solid vision, and the provision of sound advice. He played a critical role in the growth of the IWJV during his tenure on its Management Board from 2009 to 2015, especially through his leadership as Chair (2011-2013) and serving on various committees and task forces throughout the course of his term.

For the past several years, Alan has maintained a connection with the IWJV by facilitating sessions at the State Conservation Partnership (SCP) Chairs’ annual meeting. His facilitation skills have helped build relationships among SCP Chairs and further their interest in coordinating efforts at a state level.

He cares passionately about wildlife and has a remarkable track record of accomplishments. As a trusted public servant, he has been an effective voice for wildlife conservation. He has resolved difficult wildlife issues by helping stakeholders find common ground and seek win-win solutions. His work ethic and professionalism are an example for his peers nationwide. Outstanding achievements on behalf of fish and wildlife resources are possible with great leadership, and Alan has demonstrated his ability to be a great leader. His long-term commitment to conservation places him in an elite category of wildlife professionals and deserving of the IWJV’s John E. Nagel Award for exemplifying the spirit of the IWJV and effort to conserve habitat through building public and private partnerships. The IWJV presented Alan with this award at their Spring 2017 Management Board meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah.