Mississippi Flyway Waterfowl Protection Officer of the Year: Warden Trevor Tracey

An article from WWA’s Words From The Wardens.

This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s April, 2021 eNewsletter

By Lt. Tyler Strelow, Supervisor of the DNR Mississippi Warden Team

Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden Trevor Tracey is keenly aware of the importance of Wisconsin’s natural resources – especially when it comes to waterfowl and wetlands.

Warden Trevor Tracey was recently named the Mississippi Flyway Waterfowl Protection Officer of the Year.

When in uniform, he is highly motivated to fulfill his responsibility to protect the waterfowl, the wetland resources and the people who enjoy them. He also knows what it means to be a responsible and ethical user as he enjoys his personal time outdoors. He understands the importance of resources from multiple viewpoints.

It is this dedication to the resources and public service that brought him the honor of being named the Mississippi Flyway Waterfowl Protection Officer of the Year.

Based out of Stoddard, Warden Tracey has been working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources since January 2015. The Stoddard Station is a large administrative area focused around the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, including approximately 42 river miles on Pools 8 & 9. Warden Tracey ’s area borders Iowa, Minnesota and includes the USFWS Upper Mississippi Refuge. Warden Tracey also is responsible for an inland area that consists of seven townships across two counties.

Warden Tracey’s primary responsibility as a conservation warden is to ensure the safe and wise use of Wisconsin’s natural resources through enforcement, education and community involvement. Warden Tracey excels in each of these areas. He also is responsible for enforcing all DNR regulated activities which include hunting, fishing, trapping, recreational vehicles, recreation property, environmental contamination and waterway/wetland regulations.

Education is the cornerstone of Warden Tracey’s enforcement program. Having a station that encompasses an area that is a nationally known waterfowl destination, he is a valuable resource for hunters and is proactive in his taking the time to discuss the opportunities, provide maps, discuss regulations and safety issues.

With nearly 42 Mississippi River miles, Warden Tracey’s area has a high volume of wetland areas. He receives and investigates numerous wetland related violations every year. He also investigates wetland related cases including illegal structures, wetland fill, spills and other wetland destruction.

Congratulations to Warden Tracey on this outstanding career achievement.