By Chester McConnell, FOTWW
Tom Stehn is now the “Whooping Crane Science Advisor” for Friends of the Wild Whoopers (FOTWW). Tom will provide answers to questions about Whooping Cranes posed by the interested public. Tom will also provide guidance to FOTWW concerning conservation, management and future needs of the Aransas-Wood Buffalo population of wild Whooping Cranes. The Aransas-Wood Buffalo Whooping Crane flock is the only self-sustaining wild population on earth.
A question and answer section “Ask Tom Stehn” has been established on FOTWW’s web page. Questions asked by anyone will be entertained on the web site in an effort to provide scientifically accurate information to the public. To go to the site click here.
Tom Stehn’s professional qualifications and experience with Whooping Cranes are well known in the scientific community. He is a world class Whooping Crane biologist. He retired from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2011.
Tom served as the refuge biologist at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge for 15 years and as the U.S. Coordinator of Whooping Crane Recovery Program for 14 years. During these years he kept tabs on the only wild population of Whooping Cranes on earth, serving as the observer on weekly census flights.
He served as a member of the Whooping Crane Recovery Team for 25 years. He directed management and research efforts on the Whoopers, publishing 17 scientific articles. Twice he helped radio-track the cranes between Texas and Canada, helped get erosion control mats installed along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and served for many years as the burn boss at Aransas carrying out prescribed burns to promote upland whooping crane use.
In 2016, Tom was selected by the North American Crane Working Group as the 8th recipient of the Walkinshaw Award given for long-time contributions to crane research and conservation. He has received may other awards during his distinguished career.
Tom Stehn has always stood ready to help others who needed to tap into his knowledge base and sought his advice. Friends of the Wild Whoopers is pleased and honored that he is continuing his willingness to share his knowledge about Whooping Cranes.
Thank you Tom! We have missed your absents from ANWR, and the work you have provided over the years helping the Wild Whooping Cranes.
Good news and I hear if there is someone who knows about whooping cranes, it is Mr. Stehn. I am excited and hope to learn much.
Congrats, Tom … I know Gene (Steffen) would be joining me in his all out support of you. I’ll never forget that lunch we had; you were so very gracious to Gene.